Wightman-Kalamazoo, Michigan

Wightman’s Portage location was replaced with a newly renovated office, located in a redeveloping downtown neighborhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan and has transformed the northwest corner of Ransom and Walbridge Streets. 

The 1937 building was originally the Galloup Pipe Company and used as a wholesale warehouse for piping products. The building’s original style, characterized by steel columns, heavy timber beams, wood roof decking, and structural glazed tile walls, remains and was restored, helping to enhance the industrial design aesthetic. New offices, lighting, flooring, and sound dampening panels create an eclectic, light industrial, adaptive re-use of the building. Design features that recall the history of the building, the industrial surroundings, and other recent neighborhood improvements helped guide the Wightman architectural team’s design decisions. 

Contemporary, full-time workstations, as well as drop in stations that support remote workers, allow for future growth. Focus and collaboration spaces help contribute to the sleek, modern work space, which provides flexibility to Wightman’s staff.  The Wightman landscape architecture team created a beautiful outdoor patio space and rain garden, further enhancing the building and the neighborhood.