The historic U.S. Post Office building, which is home to West Elm and soon Switch.
RENO, Nev. — Switch, the technology infrastructure company that is powering the future of the connected world TM, announced Wednesday with 50 South Virginia LLC that it will establish a technology and co-creation hub on the entire second floor of the iconic Virginia Street Post Office in downtown Reno.
The offices will accommodate Switch’s rapidly evolving smart technology development and community co-creation initiatives and serve as an advanced collaborative workspace for many of Switch’s world-class clients. This move signals the company’s continued investment in the community and the brand of Northern Nevada.
Switch and Rob Roy’s initial entrance into downtown Reno included sponsorship and design of the Innevation Center in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno in 2015. Switch’s expansion in the Post Office creates an additional community collaboration with 50 South Virginia LLC, building on the growing vibrancy and excitement of downtown Reno.
“The expansion into this iconic and historic building links the beauty of the building’s past with the current adaptive reuse of an amazing space, and connects it to our future vision for Nevada,” said Switch Executive Vice President Kristi Overgaard. “This presents the perfect creative and innovative environment for Switch’s collaborative team. The best part will be designing our space in what we call an ‘Art Techo’ approach to respect the building’s architectural importance.”
The1934 United States Post Office, designed in the Art Deco Moderne style by noted Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps, is one of Reno’s most historic buildings and has seen a renewed life through its careful renovation and adaptive reuse. 50 South Virginia LLC Members have championed the historic building over the last several years, resulting in the redevelopment of the Post Office into a jewel in the city center.
“To have Switch realize the value of blending our bricks and mortar past with the technology infrastructure that will drive our future is really good for our city, our entire community and the future of all smart development,” said 50 South Virginia LLC Managing Member, Bernie Carter.
“Switch is not only a global technology leader, but a strong community partner and we are excited about their expanded investment and presence in our downtown core,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve.
Locating offices in the Post Office also supports Switch’s commitment to leadership in sustainability. The building’s water-based heat exchanger reduces energy costs for the building and operable windows allow for the movement of fresh air, further reducing reliance on air conditioning and related energy consumption. These elements of the building’s operational systems also support the City of Reno’s participation in the City Energy
Project, a national energy efficiency initiative that seeks to reduce building energy consumption.
