Transforming Commercial Spaces

“Untethered” is a unique building that was created to literally be: untethered. The property was recently re-envisioned by David and Jamie Orr in partnership wit uil ing owner C et an Tre or i kin to off er something new to the Nevada side of the South Shore and provide a coworking space for Zephyr Cove. After the Orrs successfully launched the coworking concept in South Lake Tahoe eight years ago, Untethered was i entifi e a a key location t at wa un er utili e it’s adjacent to the Roundhill Shopping Center. Many remember this building as the old Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

With the increase in professionals’ ability to work rom anyw ere, t e ace ro i e a fl e i le o ce or those who need workspace away from the day-to-day operations of the family and house. The demand for a non tra itional work lace a een am lifi e uring the pandemic as businesses have transitioned their work orce mo el an are not anc ore to a ecifi c company location. Commercial space is limited in the Lake Tahoe basin. Many of the structures were built in the 1960s and ’70s. With lack of land that is developable and environmental regulations, companies and investors are now keen on remodeling commercial space to provide mo ern o ce and attract employee talent. With a built environment that is aging, the new demand is to transform outdated properties. New construction is costly in the Tahoe basin and remodeling commercial properties is more attractive and favorable to starting from scratch.

Sierra Sustainable Builders, represented by Cory Hannaford, was engaged to update the current structure. Hannaford describes the project as a highly collaborative and streamlined process because of communication with the owners and local partners— everyone involved had the same vision for the design and direction. Jamie Orr said that Sierra Sustainable Builders did a “phenomenal job on the renovation and were a pleasure to work with, as usual.”

One c allenge wa working wit t e e i ting oot rint o t e uil ing anna or elt t e e i ting tairca e was outdated and “clunky” but could be incorporated into the new design without aggressively re-engineering and not dramatically changing the character of the interior. The design feature now welcomes users with a stainless steel structure. The balance of retaining the element and bringing it up to date is a unique feature of the building.

Untethered now has a massive upgrade to their eating y tem an a ar more energy e cient uil ing with the transition from a forced air heating system to a uctle eat um , w ic off er greater oning possibilities for both heating and cooling.

Sierra Sustainable Builders is currently working on other commercial property remodel projects in the South Lake Tahoe region, including the League to Save Lake Tahoe building located on the California side in South Lake Tahoe, and Desolation Hotel near Stateline. Rather than tearing structures down, the transformation of the built environment is opening greater possibilities for local businesses in the region.

Thanks to Sierra Sustainable Builders, Inc. and Untethered for writing this article. You can contact Jamie Orr at jamie@ untethered.space or www.untethered.space.