Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, moved its Freeport office to the former Fifth Third Bank building, which is owned by Freeport Centre, at 101 W. Stephenson St.
When deciding on a new location, Fehr Graham Principal Adam Holder, a Freeport native, said it was important to stay in the heart of Freeport and close to where the firm was founded nearly 48 years ago.
"While it was very difficult to leave the Rawleigh Building, we really wanted to be in a more central downtown location and this seemed like a great fit," Holder said. "The new space gives us a comfortable, modern working environment and sets us up nicely for many years to come."
Several local businesses and contractors helped Fehr Graham relocate. Wagner's Business Products in Freeport provided new office furniture. Danlee Wood Products in Forreston made the custom workstations, and the company's Design Manager Lindsay Heitz helped revitalize the space. O'Mara Moving and Storage moved equipment and furniture.
"We are proud to call Freeport our home," Holder said. "We also remain committed to improve the quality of life for our clients in the communities where they live and work by providing collaborative, insightful and result-driven solutions."
Fehr Graham Principal Ken Thompson, who is Branch Manager of the Freeport office, said the move also reflects the history of the company's evolution. The diverse Freeport office is the firm's largest with nearly 40 employees, many of whom live in Freeport and its surrounding communities.
"It's been incredibly rewarding to watch this team grow from humble roots," Thompson said. "We have a strong pool of talent leading the way."
Freeport-area engineers Allen Fehr and Joseph Graham founded Fehr Graham in 1973 and opened the firm's first office at 660 W. Stephenson St., five blocks from the new office, with five employees. In 2002, the Freeport office moved into the former administrative quarters of the historic Rawleigh building complex, at 221 E. Main St. Today, Fehr Graham has 10 offices in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin and employs more than 170 people firmwide.
An open house will be planned at a later date.