Tectonic: Our Story
MAKING EXCEPTIONAL PLACES
It started typically enough, with wood blocks and digging in the dirt – it progressed into a full blown preoccupation with crafting spaces – books were pulled from the shelf and stacked into walls for forts in the living room and snow caves were dug. By age 7, scrap lumber was gathered and fashioned into a clubhouse under the basement steps. As he grew, the forts became more elaborate, as did his fascination with his father’s power tools.
This interest expanded to include a fascination with certain structures he encountered in his travels. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House was an inspiring highlight along the daily bus ride to school. As his family began to move around the country later during his school years, his interest in the built world grew to include larger areas and whole cities. This led him to the study of Architecture at the University of Kentucky; the college remains the only accredited architecture school in the state of Kentucky. The architecture he experienced on UK’s campus would certainly be a positive influence of his thinking about buildings and his design development. Chris also studied Economics and Urban Studies at Wittenberg University, where he earned his degree.
After college, Chris spent 15 years working for Laughlin & Scanlan, a local construction and real estate development company. During this time he held a variety of positions including project manager, Controller and Vice President. Not only did this afford him the “ultimate small business experience,” but it also gave him a tremendous opportunity to lead a very diverse array of high quality, local construction and development projects. Project highlights include: Renovations and Additions to The Courtyard by Marriott in downtown (Associated Builders and Contractors Award of Merit Winner, Dayton Cincinnati Region); Development and Construction of The Assurant Group Office Complex (Associated Builders and Contractors Award of Excellence Winner, Dayton and Cincinnati Region); and Development / Adaptive Reuse / Renovation of the Kissell Center.
In 2006, he decided the time was right to pursue his dream of building his own development, construction and property services company, one that was perfectly aligned with his personal interest, values and need in the market. In early 2007, Tectonic began operations with a couple talented and experienced long-term coworkers, adding a number of new hand picked associates the firm was launched. Guided by their passion and commitment, Tectonic has firmly established itself and quickly gained a respected presence in the market. Established on this strong foundation, and driven by a passion for excellence, Chris and staff continue to be dedicated to the pursuits of development, building, and property management services. “It is with this strong foundation that we head for a promising future of developing, building, and servicing Exceptional Places and inspired spaces.
The historic, Wren Hill, was restored in 2000. It was the former home of Edward J. Wren and his family. He was the founder and owner of the Wren’s Department Store Company.
It is now the main offices
of operations of Tectonic
in Springfield, Ohio.
We support the efforts of the
Springfield Preservation Alliance
and their efforts to recognize,
preserve, and revitalize the
architectural and cultural heritage
of Springfield, Ohio, As a founding board member, Chris and the Tectonic team support the ideals of civic responsibility, and a policy of good stewardship for the adaptive reuse and restoration of older buildings and historic structures.
Recently, SPA has made progress in identifying and has developed a listing of significant historic sites and architecture that will need to be preserved in our community.
In addition, Tectonic also supports urban revitalization and the progress that is being made by the Center City Association, our business leaders and our community to renew Springfield’s downtown center.
For more information go to:
Historic Architecture, Adaptive Reuse and Preservation
contracted the
late Robert
Johnson to
construct the
Edward Wren's
store on East Main
Street for Mr. Wren in 1903. This was to be Springfield's first and largest department store and was the dream of Mr. Wren realized. The store at the time of the move into the new building was known, and the structure is still referred to by Springfielders’ as Wren’s department store building.
Tectonics’ accomplishments to date include: renovation of the Kissell Center, a premier office building, and the ongoing re-development of the former Edison Center into Commerce Pointe, a premier multi-tenant office building in the heart of downtown Springfield; multiple restoration projects for an institutional client; and real estate management services of several investment properties.
Pence Hall, University of Kentucky. College of Design
Pence Hall, College of Design, University of Kentucky srtudent architects design charrette.
Myers Hall was the first building built at Wittenberg University, 1852, Springfield, Ohio.
The Westcott House, designed by world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built in 1908 in Springfield and is the only FLW Prairie House in Ohio.
