Nov. 20, 2024
‘Wallbreaking’ ceremony kicks off work for CFO’s future HQ
On Nov. 20, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks took a symbolic step toward its future by hosting a “wallbreaking” ceremony at its soon-to-be permanent home at 300 S. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Springfield. Donning hard hats and hammers, CFO staff, along with past and present board members, celebrated the start of renovations for the new office space.
CFO President and CEO Winter Kinne shared her vision for the new building. “We’re basically building a house,” she remarked, “because we don’t intend to ever move again — 300 South Jefferson is going to be our forever home.” She emphasized that the renovation and eventual move reflects the CFO’s dedication to stewardship and long-term sustainability.
CFO Board Chair Anne E. McGregor and President Winter Kinne celebrate the ceremonial start of renovations on the fourth floor of 300 South Jefferson, the future home of the CFO. Construction will begin in January 2025.
CFO Board Chair Anne E. McGregor concurred. “We say that a good business is more like a river than a lake; you build things so that they can withstand what comes downstream. The CFO has been built that way.”
Attendees were also invited to leave notes for future generations of CFO staff and board members, which will be preserved in a time capsule within the new space.
Past and current board members then followed staff up to the fourth floor for a tour of the future layout — to be completed in summer 2025 — and (under professional supervision) to take hammer to drywall.
Designed by Dake Wells Architecture, the CFO’s office on the fourth floor of 300 South Jefferson features natural elements like slate tile and black walnut woodwork to complement the original Brutalist design.
