Creating five new offices and developing 8,000 square feet of open space takes a lot of planning, and a lot of capital. With plans in place and the financing secured, Lorri and Fred Doolittle excitedly began the process of breathing new life into their property at 122 S. Cochran in downtown Charlotte on Monday, July 9.
The finished product, which has a projected completion date in early October, will be the new home of Lorri’s two Ameriprise Financial offices. Lorri has been planning to consolidate the two offices and increasing efficiencies since taking ownership in 2015. Finding the right location, though, was a challenging process.
“It’s a situation I lost sleep over,” Doolittle said. “I really decided the real estate was going to be the decider.”
Fred was the first to see the potential of the former Bank of America/Michigan National Bank location.
“As time has gone on, I’ve grown in love with it,” Lorri said. “It’s just so big. I really started thinking about opportunities and what it meant for the community.”
With such a big project in front of them, Fred and Lorri enlisted the consulting services of local developers Jason and Darrell Vanderstelt and their company, Dutch Brothers Development Group.
“It’s a privilege and honor to participate in the restoration of such an historic building,” Jason said. “It’s always been a mainstay in the community. It’s undeniable in the downtown, and we thought if they just bring the façade back, it wouldn’t take away, but add to the downtown, and sort of cleanse that visual palette when looking at all of the historical buildings we have.”
Jason said the restoration will stay true to the Mid-Century Modern look the building has displayed for decades.
“It’s gorgeous, and we’re just going to add to it with some unique finishes, some nice wood treatments and bring back the Terrazzo floors,” Jason said. “We’re going to be very conscious of what was already there, incorporating the old coins many people in the community will be aware of. The large clock will still be one of the main features.”
In addition to the office space for Lorri and her Ameriprise Financial team, the new location will feature community meeting space, a feature she said she was excited to be able to offer.
“Thinking about what it would mean to be right downtown, and be able to offer some community space, it means a lot to be a part of CharlotteRising,” Lorri said.
The Charlotte Ameriprise Financial office is currently located at 107 W. Lawrence Avenue. For more information, call (517) 543-4660. The Eaton Rapids Ameriprise Financial office is currently located at 109 E. Knight Street. For more information, call (517) 663-8663.
