O-A-K Kalamazoo open for business

(KALAMAZOO, MI) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K), local professional construction firm, announces the opening of a new branch office located at 161 E. Michigan Ave, Suite 102, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. O-A-K has been headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan since they were founded in 1891.

“This is a very exciting time for our company,” remarked new Director of Kalamazoo Operations, Tom Stanek. “We are ready to show the Kalamazoo community that we’re committed to this area. We look forward to continued success throughout Southwest Michigan.” Tom, a Southwest Michigan native, will responsible for business development, resource management and overall project success for all projects out of the Kalamazoo office.

O-A-K oversaw the 1,800 square foot construction build-out for the new space and completed the bulk of architectural design work in-house. Their new space is located within the historic Haymarket Building and features an open-concept work space, new high-end conference room with 62” built-in wall monitor, private office and meeting area, full-service kitchen, and new bathroom. The interior finishes creatively combine the existing Chicago common brick and timber frame interior with many contemporary elements including transparent glass window walls, sliding glass doors with exposed stainless steel barn door hardware, stainless steel appliances, and a bright, bold paint scheme. The formerly unoccupied, open space was completely transformed in less than three months.

A grand opening event was held on Thursday, November 21st. In place of a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, the firm used a branding iron to mark their “O-A-K Co.” name onto an interior wall constructed of reclaimed pine boards finished with the Japanese method of charring wood known as Shou-sugi-ban.