So I somewhat alluded to this news in a blog post a while back and have finally found time to make the big announcement! This probably is not big news to many of you as this has been in the works for a while now and it was on the local news a while back but………………..we are moving!
We can not be more excited to start this next chapter in our business. With the move will come some much needed changes around Wirken Photography to further concrete our beliefs and ideals. Being a part of something fresh, innovative, meaningful and risky is something that is always important to us. That is how we live our lives and run our business. This space just fit the bill perfectly.
Since we at Wirken are all about story telling I feel it only appropriate to share a wonderful story with you about our new home.
The building is a brand new state of the art green space where the Waldo Astoria Theater, which opened in 1924 as the Westmoreland Theater used to be. In a traumatic event the theater was destroyed by fire on Friday, February 16, 2007.
While attending a building open house ceremony a few weeks back the building owner and our landlord- Diane Botwin shared with the crowd a wonderful story rooted in history and family ties about the historic building that really hit home with all 3 of us and solidified our decision even further.
I will nut shell it for you.
Mr. Waldo bought some land at what is now 75th and Wornall. It was a turbulent time during the civil war. Some foggy details later his money was not safe in the bank. One night he went out and bought himself a huge dress and bonnet. Marched into the bank dressed as a lady and took all of his money out, hiding it under the dress and stashed it in the well on his land. He then waited for tensions to die down and used that money to open a business at the corner of 75th and Wornall. Diane said she related to this story as he was in her words- “dare I say, a maverick”. See this building is kind of a continuation of what Mr. Waldo risked back in the day. It is the first of its kind in Waldo, and certainly has it’s opposition to the design by some locals. Despite any opinions against the idea, we applaud Diane and her architects for being fresh, innovative, meaningful, and risky.
To further connect why this feels good to us. Diane dedicated the building to her parents who bought it years ago to help house the arts they believed in so much. Family legacy is a huge part of what we do every time we show up for a wedding or a portrait session and being in a space dedicated to family mean a lot to us.
Without making you wait any longer………..
Our space is the one located upstairs with the lights at the corner of 75th and Washington streets. It is built on the same foundation as the old theater and shares the same dimensions. Some major changes are an energy efficient grass roof to help with climate control and more importantly storm drain issues.
Plus the entire building is built of non-combustible materials! Architecturally this is a thing of beauty. An artist was hired to do etching in the glass for the space to act as shades while also providing a built in art piece.
Just a few images of the progress. Here is the main area the day we got started.
Shot just a few days ago from a similar angle.
We are rolling along pretty good and shooting for a January move in date. We are very excited to be a part of the energy of the area. This place will be hopping for sure. As of now there are two other spaces still open in the building, but us and Kennedy’s Bar & Grill are signed on so far.
Tyler
Congratulations. A space as beautiful as your work.
Whoop! Whoop! Many happy, hearty congratulations on the official announcement! We’re thrilled for you all and hope we can make the big opening party! Hugs!
You guy’s rock! Leave it to Tyler and Becca to be on the fore front of green spaces along with sleek design and usable space! Congratulations on the progress. Looking forward to upcoming news.
Tyler,
Congrats!! Just the first in many new beginnings, I’m sure. It looks like it’s going to be a fabulous space!!!
Jennifer
Congratulations! This is beautiful space and your work will back it even more beautiful!!!
OMG!!!! This is amazing! Such a fabulous space! Congratulations to you! Hopefully I’ll get to SEE it next year!
Congrats guys! and cool story, promise me this Tyler, that you will never rein-act that story, by you dressing up in a dress and bonnet? just the thought… Yikes.
congrats again, hope to see it one day.
Looks stellar, Tyler. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
Also, we finally got one of our own. Crossroads, as it turned out. Cute old building. Perfect setup for our needs. 517 East 18th. We should be in sometime in January. We’re pumped
How exciting! Sounds like a great location with a deep history.
WOW! I haven’t visited the blog in a while and found this! Amazing and I’m so happy for you all!! Tyler–yeah, we still need to do that lunch sometime and then maybe I can hear all about it! 🙂 –Kim