The Journal & Courier is moving this weekend from its longtime downtown home to a newer, modern Lafayette building designed with a digital emphasis.
The J&C's new home for its news, sales, finance, IT and customer service employees will be 823 Park East Blvd. Production and delivery teams will remain at the J&C’s press plant at 1501 Veterans Memorial Parkway East.
The J&C’s downtown office will close Thursday evening and its new location will be open for business at 8:30 a.m. Monday. The Classified desk will open at 9 a.m.
News Director George Spohr noted the new workspace will provide a high-tech environment, with a team of editors working at a mission control-style digital hub where they will have real-time insight into how readers are experiencing the J&C’s products.
“This space is what a 21st century newsroom should look like,” Spohr said.
Unlike the J&C’s downtown office, where departments were segregated in three buildings that had been grafted together over time, employees across departments will be able to collaborate easily thanks to a more open floor plan.
“This move positions the Journal & Courier for growth in a digital age and is a demonstration of our commitment to our employees and the community,’’ said Patricia Franks Miller, president of Gannett’s Indiana group, which includes Lafayette. “As we continue to transform to a modern media company, we are still focused on the same values that have made us a trusted source for local news. We believe this move will allow us to continue our purpose of empowering the Lafayette area to connect, act and thrive.”