ConnecToledo is a 501(c)3 organization committed to the redevelopment of Downtown Toledo. Funded by the city's leading institutional and corporate organizations, ConnecToledo is committed to facilitating public/private partnerships, promoting events and attractions, investing in planning and projects and advocating for businesses. We build the critical connections for developing vibrant neighborhoods and a strong central business district.
Eastman & Smith dedicated to remaining in downtown
The café at Eastman & Smith's office.
From its founding in 1844, Eastman & Smith has been dedicated to the development and future of Toledo. It was Eastman & Smith attorneys William Baker and Barton Smith who are credited as being two of the founding members of the Toledo Bar Association. Over the years, Eastman & Smith has represented well known Toledo business interests including companies like Sun Oil Company, The Toledo Blade Company and many more.
Summit Street in 1890. Photo from "Remembering Toledo" by Gregory M. Miller.
Arriving very shortly after the city’s founding, William Baker began his practice in the Mott Block on Summit Street near Fort Industry Square. Through several name changes over the years, Eastman & Smith, eventually moved to what is now the Huntington Bank Building. After 65 years there, they relocated to the 24th and 25th floors of the One SeaGate building in 1992.
A flex office available for hybrid employee use.
As their lease was nearing its conclusion, they started reevaluating their needs and looked around the region. Managing Partner Fadi Nahhas said it became clear to the firm that they needed to stay connected to their roots and remain in downtown Toledo. They ultimately decided to stay in One Seagate but decided to consolidate and move to the 27th floor. To make this new space work, they would need to completely renovate. The previous Eastman & Smith office denoted an obvious hierarchy in terms of office size and location. The firm wanted to move to a more neutral and level-playing field, as well as a more collaborative environment. There are now no status-related offices. All offices are the same size and have the same furniture. While there are mostly assigned offices, they are also many flex offices are also available. These offices give employees the chance to truly enjoy the hybrid experience. They can work from home as they please and when they wish to be in the office, they reserve a flex office and have a space of their own.
Available for meetings and socialization, the Baker Room offers beautiful views.
The renovated space includes large and small meeting rooms, a beautiful café with stunning views of the Maumee River and Lake Erie, a space for socializing and team-bonding, and a wellness room. The wellness room is a private area built for one person to have a quiet space, as well as a space for nursing mothers. Putting their collaborative environment to use, Eastman & Smith holds quarterly get togethers for its employees, including recent events like happy hour, an art class and several events for Hispanic Heritage Month.
A "huddle space" where employees can work collaboratively.
With Toledo as headquarters, Eastman & Smith has expanded to include offices in Columbus, Detroit, and Findlay. Dozens of Eastman & Smith attorneys have served as the president of various associations, including the Ohio State bar Association. Eastman & Smith prides itself on being Toledo’s oldest law firm and one of its largest. You can learn more about them on their website, found here.
The view of downtown from one of the conference rooms.
