Building of the Year - The RiverGroup Financial Advisors (First Baptist Church of Osceola)

Building of the Year
“Nominees in this category will be the physical building that house successful businesses.  The criteria in this category will be new construction as well as buildings which have undergone remodeling or refurbishment in 2016 to the extent that the building becomes an attribute to the community.”

The RiverGroup Financial Advisors (First Baptist Church of Osceola)
Accepting Jeanine Sandberg

The First Baptist Church of Osceola, Harry Wild Jones, architect, was built in 1910 and continued as the Baptists’ place of worship until 2006.  At that time, Glyn and Cindy Thorman purchased the building and utilized the building as an event center and retail/small office space.  Under their ownership, Thormans did extensive work to preserve the building, known then as Cornerstone Square.

The RiverGroup Financial Advisors purchased the building in 2016 and began extensive renovations. Work included architectural design work; demolition, support and renovation to the original structures; construction of six internal offices, conference room, bathroom, work room and kitchen prep space; restoration of the original woodwork, stucco repair, new ceilings and furnishings and exterior repair to the original stone and masonry work, repair of the bell tower and new paint, shingles and landscaping.  Original stained glass windows were repurposed as decorative elements. The beautifully designed interior woodwork and attention to craftsmanship detail makes this building truly an Osceola showcase of renovation and pride in our architectural history.