Home » Louisville ad firm announces expansion and move to historic downtown

Louisville ad firm announces expansion and move to historic downtown

Rendering of BUZZ Advertising’s new office. (RedTag Digital)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville-based firm that has generated worldwide buzz with its innovative approach to advertising and marketing will soon be moving its headquarters to downtown Louisville. BUZZ Advertising will relocate its office to a prime piece of downtown real estate in order to keep pace with its growing business.

On May 10, the ad agency purchased 234 East Main Street, and plans to call the more than 100-year-old, 10,595 s.f. structure its new home by late 2019.

Founded in 2005, BUZZ is one of the fastest growing local companies in the industry; boasting clients such as The PGA of America, PANDORA Jewelry and the Louisville MEGA Cavern. BUZZ continues to build a portfolio of clients and recognized the need to expand its physical footprint. The agency plans to hire additional employees and offer new services to meet the needs of their current and future clients.

“I’m proud to say that our company outgrew our space on Frankfort Avenue faster than we anticipated,” said David Grantz, owner and founder of BUZZ Advertising. “We’ve only been in this building for a few years. I knew it was time for us to make a bold move. Downtown Louisville is clearly undergoing a renaissance. If we were going to become a top tier ad agency, we needed to make a statement and plant our flag in the heart of downtown.”

The $1.6 million East Main Street location, owned by MTM Enterprises Inc., was erected in 1905 as the Mitchell R. Saloon; 10 years later it became home to Rehm Zeiher Wholsale Whiskies Company. Following the end of prohibition, the building became Fairfield Distributing Company.

“I think we are just tasting the very beginning of the bourbon boom. How ironic is it that our new downtown office has hints of old whiskey and limestone water running through its veins,” said Grantz.

The three-story building and adjacent garage will be completely renovated, a process expected to take between four to six months. Once completed, it will also house RedTag Digital, the region’s premier social media/digital advertising firm that works in tandem with BUZZ.

Grantz is no stranger to historic renovations. BUZZ is currently located at 1801 Frankfort Avenue, next door to the Silver Dollar and across the street from The Champagnery. The Frankfort Avenue building underwent an extensive restoration, protecting the traditional facade while creating a modern-chic interior. Grantz intends to lease the Frankfort Avenue property once all renovations have been completed to the agency’s East Main Street building.

“With the addition of the $63 million dollar Waterfront Botanical Gardens and new $60 – $65 million Louisville City FC soccer stadium going in just one mile away from our historic building on Frankfort Ave, I knew it was best for us to hold onto this property rather than sell it. It’s exciting to see so many positive changes taking place all over our city,” said Grantz.

Financing for the new BUZZ Advertising building went through PNC Bank. “We are privileged to have a long-standing relationship with BUZZ Advertising and to now support their expansion and new location,” said Kim Fritts, PNC Business Banking market manager for Louisville. “The financing we worked to deliver for BUZZ Advertising reflects our focus on helping small business clients achieve their financial goals based on a deep understanding of their needs not only for today but well into the future.”