The A.W. Smith Law Firm, P.C.

Story

A.W. Smith Law Building is a modern-styled limestone office building in central Columbia Missouri. It is located at the intersection of Broadway and Stadium Boulevard and sits diagonally across from the Shelter Office Plaza.The A.W. Smith Law Building is home to The A.W. Smith Law Firm, P.C.. The building has three separate office suites that are joined by doors through the middle of this 6,500 square foot structure. The A.W. Smith Law Firm, P.C. occupies the largest suite in the middle and west wing. The south wing of the building is occupied by Columbia Real Estate, a boutique real estate company that sets the bar high with superior service and results and Virtual Fiber a company that specializes in high definition photo slideshows, high end virtual tours, aerial drone videos and website creation.Lawyer and philanthropist A.W. Smith is the owner of the building.PropertyPrior to construction of The A.W. Smith Law Building, the environment of its location was not maintained. It consisted of abandoned homes. The building was developed despite objections from the community, specifically concerning the increased traffic through their residential neighborhoods. Currently, this neighborhood is in transition as older homeowners leave and families with children or renters move in. Most homes in this neighborhood are ranch-styled brick homes built in the 1960s. Many of these homes are being purchased, remodeled, and resold.Some of the neighbors were initially against the building's formation. The Bourne Avenue Neighborhood Association fought the redevelopment plans. Smith made multiple concessions to the neighborhood. The Columbia City Council met in October 2010 to address the controversy. The rezoning was approved, pursuant to certain restrictions on the property. The new zoning ordinance limited the size of the building to 6,500 square feet, authorized professional office use only, and prohibited medical and dental businesses from utilizing the space.