Topeka’s Britewerk marketing and design agency has opened a new design studio, nestled in the trees at 2900 S.W. MacVicar.
Co-owner Matt Gassen said his company was drawn to the location, which was the former home of HTK Architecture, largely because of the setting.
“It’s sort of a wonderful creative space, in a serene setting. We’ve always liked it. We liked the architecture,” he said.
Property owner Henry McClure is developing the building, which was built in 1966, and the landscape, which he is calling “2900 MacVicar,” and along with Britewerk, his real estate development company will be located there.
“I am proud to be the current owner and custodian of 2900 MacVicar as we preserve and restore the property,” McClure said. “Our vision here is to serve as the home to my commercial real-estate and retail development office, a design studio for Britewerk and provide a designed retreat-like setting for conference use. It’s a special building, an icon, and has an inspirational presence.”
Gassen said Britewerk, which has a main office location at 112 S.E. 8th St., will utilize its new space as one that is more intimate and smaller than its main space.
The modernized conference center will be available for meetings, retreats and other events. On 2900 MacVicar’s Facebook page, graphics detail the space available and note that it will include Wi-Fi, a kitchenette and other amenities as needed.
“We’re branding the interior, as well, to fit the time period, and it will have a kind of Mad Men style. 1960s, modern, with minimalism and Scandanavian design influences,” Gassen said. A mini art gallery space can be used to participate in First Friday Art Walks.
