Ask the Answer Person: What's happening with the Old Armory Building?

(Many readers have reached out with questions about what's happening at the Old Armory Building): The Answer Person says: "The Old Armory Building was purchased in 2009 by Nicholas Rowley. decorahnews contacted him to see what he had to say about the massive project. In his response, Rowley said, 'I've been restoring the building since I purchased it. We completed the 4th floor, the 3rd floor, 2020 the 2nd floor, and now we are finally down to the 1st floor.' The total price for this extensive renovation exceeds $2.5 million. Rowley's law firm, Trial Lawyers for Justice, has grown quite a bit over the years with Decorah being their main office. TL4J's lawyers based out of Decorah fly out handling cases all across the country. The 1st floor will be an expansion of the law firm space and will also have an area for hosting events. As for the lowest portion of the building, Rowley said, "We still are not sure what we are doing with the basement. We would like to keep it as a pub/speakeasy and plan to continue to have the courtyard available for public use, music, and provide free internet." The most recent work has been restoring the brick which was falling apart. Rowley speaks highly of the work being done, saying, "The brick masons who have done that job are amazing." There have been many people involved on this project, and all are excited about where they started and how far the building has come. Rowley has a special connection, though, to one person leading the renovations. He has his childhood best friend, Mike Owens from Jefferson, Iowa, managing the project. Owens, who, according to Rowley, could also give someone a Jujitsu or art lesson, "has done an excellent job." Of the project, Owens said, 'I've gotten to know the Old Armory Building very well. It's gone through quite a few changes since 1915, and I'm grateful to be a part of completing the renovations. Work has been extensive, challenging and very costly. Currently, we are finishing up exterior brick repairs to preserve architectural details characteristic of the building and ensuring the building will last and look good for many more years. We've also carefully stripped the first floor interior down to framing revealing its structural members and also opened up original arched window openings that will allow much more light into interior spaces. We are developing additional office space: new floor plans for the existing building and new steel and glass addition structure that I think will compliment the existing building style nicely. I would describe the process as bringing out the natural beauty of the building rather than making any major changes to it. It's important to get this right. The building not only represents Decorah's history and downtown district but also Nick's commitment to restore a significant building and represents his law firm where some of the best attorneys in the country work.' While a specific project completion date was not communicated, Decorah can anticipate a big open house when, in terms of Covid-19, it is safe to gather again. Rowley said, 'We recently built a new airplane hangar at the local airport with a conference room for depositions and meetings for the firm, and are looking forward to hosting an open house at both the Armory and the hangar with food and music, after we get through the pandemic.'"

Support your local businesses

Ask the Answer Person: What's happening with the Old Armory Building?