Collect Rainwater!

Here at FourFront Design, Inc., we are always looking for ways to conserve resources. Here's our latest idea: rain barrels!!! 

Placed underneath your home or work's downspout, a rain barrel can help conserve water (and money) by capturing rain runoff from the roof.

With a large array of plants spread throughout our office, we figured why not use all of the rain water that is just sitting in the alley instead of filling buckets of fresh water every few days?! So, we are putting our heads together to create a functional rain barrel for our office. After much research we purchased this 58-gallon beauty which should be here any day.

I'll keep you posted with the final product! We are very excited!

Why We Love Our Workplace: Part 1

We work in a historic building in the heart of Rapid City's downtown district. See this post for an overview of our workspace.

One of the great things about working downtown is the convenient location and access to alternative transportation. The building is located within 1/4 mile of multiple stops for two public bus lines (Rapid Ride and the trolley).

Additionally, the downtown location allows many employees to live nearby and walk or bike to work, which reduces automobile use, traffic congestion, and pollution.

The building has two bike racks (one inside and one outside) and provides showering and changing facilities in the basement toilet rooms. There is also an alternative fuel parking space at the back of the building.

How do you get to work everyday? Leave a comment below and we'll discuss!

Bike rack by Maglin. 

Reducing Waste.

Here at FourFront Design, we strive to incorporate as many green practices into our daily operations as possible. Instead of offering employees and clients water bottles, we use a recycled glass pitcher and glasses in our conference rooms.

The greenest building is one that already exists.

We work in a beautiful historic building in downtown Rapid City. Originally known as the Swanders Building, it has housed a variety of uses since it was built in 1905.

The Swanders Building in the early 1920s.

Take a look at it now! It's been revitalized and renewed with the addition of sleek, modern features and a showcase of the historic elements. Here's a glimpse inside...

The building today.

We're located in the heart of the downtown business district, allowing our employees and clients the opportunity to interact with the surrounding urban environment. Various events throughout the year take place mere steps from our front door. 

Banking, shopping, dining, and entertainment are all located within walking distance. One particularly fun event, Summer Nights on Seventh, takes place directly outside our door every Thursday night in the summertime, and features food and drink vendors and live music.

Upstairs Reception Area

 Our building is pending LEED Certification and incorporates many sustainable features in addition to the reuse of the historic structure itself. Many future posts will be related to those specific strategies.

Main Floor Workspace

Main Floor Conference Room

Second Floor Office

Stop in and visit us! 517 Seventh Street, Downtown Rapid City.

The title quote is from Carl Elefante, AIA.