Simmons law firm is moving to Alton site
Written on July 23, 2009
Vacant two years, the former Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. office in downtown Alton will become the headquarters of the newly renamed Simmons law firm and its more than 200 employees.
The 40-year-old, five-story building with glass exterior has been empty since Smurfit-Stone, a packaging firm, moved out in 2007 as part of its decision to combine offices in Creve Coeur.
This time, Alton is the beneficiary of consolidation. Simmons said it will combine its six offices in the East Alton area into the former Smurfit-Stone building. The decision is a tremendous boost for downtown Alton, said Mayor Tom Hoechst.
"We’re just tickled to death to have them," he said.
Simmons, a plaintiff’s firm, will renovate the building and hopes to move in by Jan. 1, 2011. The firm also said that, effective Monday, its name is Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnard LLC, although it will present itself as the Simmons firm fast cash loans. The firm was formerly known as SimmonsCooper and has represented clients with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
John Simmons, the founding partner, said the headquarters search lasted more than a year. The firm completed the purchase Friday from DMarc 1998-C1 Alton Office LLC of Miami Beach, Fla., but declined to provide its terms.
"The former Smurfit-Stone building meets our current and future needs, allowing us to bring all employees under one roof," Simmons said.
The firm currently has six leased or owned offices in the East Alton area. The firm said it plans to sell the office structures it owns.
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