American Water Resources Corporate Call Center

Alton, Illinois | Miller’s Mutual Building

Located in the historic Miller’s Mutual Building on 4th Street in downtown Alton, the American Water Resources corporate call center project presented a unique opportunity to balance modern workplace needs with the preservation of a significant local landmark.

Originally home to the executive offices and board room of the Miller’s Mutual Insurance Company, the building carries a strong architectural legacy. From the outset, the goal was to respect that history while reimagining the space to support a contemporary, high-functioning call center environment.

The project scope included interior design, space planning, finish selections, furniture specification, procurement, and installation. In addition, Louer Facility Planning provided sound masking and specified acoustical baffles to support acoustic comfort throughout the open office areas.

Much of the space had been demolished back to its structural concrete, and the client embraced an industrial aesthetic that celebrated exposed elements and open ceilings. The open office areas feature suspended acoustical baffles paired with a sound masking system to help mitigate noise and maintain speech privacy—critical considerations in a call center setting—while preserving the volume and character of the space.

In contrast, the historic board room and executive offices were carefully preserved and restored. Existing quartersawn oak millwork was retained, highlighting the craftsmanship of the original space. The historic board room table was refurbished to bring back its original luster, allowing it to continue serving as a functional and symbolic centerpiece.

One of the most striking aspects of the project is its connection to place. The offices and meeting spaces offer sweeping views of the Mississippi River, creating an environment that feels both grounded in history and inspiring for daily work. The result is a space that feels authentic to the building’s past while fully supporting its new purpose.

This project reflects our belief that successful workplaces are the result of thoughtful planning, respect for context, and close collaboration—bringing together architecture, interiors, furniture, and acoustics to create spaces that truly work.