Old federal building takes on another tenant

The former federal building in downtown Cape Girardeau now boasts two tenants.

Lorenz & Lorenz LLC Attorneys at Law announced Tuesday its office will move from 1353 N. Mount Auburn Road to the building recently purchased by city councilman Joe Uzoaru.

Adam R. Lorenz and his wife, Alexa C. Hart-Lorenz, both lawyers, have been practicing in the area for more than a year. They previously spent 12 years practicing in St. Louis before returning to their hometown.

Adam R. Lorenz focuses his practice on real estate, business law and business succession planning; his wife has more than 12 years in family law and estate planning. He said there were many factors behind the decision to move. They were already in need of a larger office space and took an early interest in Uzoaru's decision to convert the building.

"Since we heard about the project, we've been kind of interested in it," Lorenz said. "We're kind of legal history nerds, so moving into an old federal building sounded like a cool thing."

He said they hope to be open by mid- to late August. The building is old, Lorenz said, but the interior layout is flexible. He also noted his office would be "less tech-heavy" than its neighbors at Codefi. Local entrepreneurs and co-founders Chris Foeste and Dr. James Stapleton announced in late June their co-working venture would operate in the building by late August.

Lorenz said he's also excited to work near diverse businesses and create opportunities to forge personal and professional relationships. He hopes other businesses also will decide to take root in the former federal building and called the availability of more office space downtown a "big shot in the arm to businesses in the area."

Downtown is easily accessible and is home to a range of businesses, so Lorenz has few doubts that others will quickly take interest in setting up shop in the former federal building.

"I don't think, ultimately, they're going to have a problem filling space," he said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

339 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.