LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lafayette Chamber of Commerce finds new digs after the fire


The new location of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce beginning Nov. 1. Photo Pippa Fisher

Nothing slows the energy of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, not even a catastrophic fire that burned the building down for a total loss. Now, rising from those ashes, the Chamber has announced its new home will be just around the corner from the old location in an existing office building at 251 Lafayette Circle. It hopes to be in the new space on Nov. 1.

Chamber offices had been relocated temporarily to the Lafayette School District office since the fire on July 13 that caused damage estimated at over $1 million and displaced several businesses, including La Finestra Restaurant along with the Chamber of Commerce offices.

Chamber Executive Director Jay Lifson says that he is glad to take this job off his "to do" list. He says they looked at over 25 locations.

"We had set up a list of priorities and the new digs qualify on nearly every detail: core downtown, visibility, parking, conference room, windows, no stairs, a kitchenette, air-conditioning."

The property, which they will lease from Pacific Coast Properties, needs some work. Lifson says they will be removing some interior walls, doing some painting and some flooring work.

Lifson is delighted that it is just around the corner from the old location. He points out all the advantages, "It is on the ground floor, easy access, good parking and wonderful people to work with. Layout is a little different with a few offices and a smaller conference room."

"Now," he says, "it is our job to make it warm and inviting."