As the doors officially open today at the newly renovated ground floor of local insurer Freisenbruch-Meyer, so begins a new phase for the company.The renovations take the physical space and the company into the future. The only traditional element left to the building is the front portico’s cedar beams.The youthful space differs greatly from its Front Street neighbours and its industry contemporaries. A bit like walking into a multimedia office in London or Manhattan.White Spanish marble flooring is underfoot and bright gleaming walls are outlined with neon blue lights, a nod to the company’s corporate colours of white, blue and grey.Opposite modern seating, a large flat screen TV and computer kiosks adorn the wall. A circular graphic digital ticker display hangs from the ceiling that generates messages and information for waiting clients.As customers walk in they will be greeted by a “concierge” who will direct clients to the right representative. A new kind of space for a new approach to service.“We wanted to point to the future and give direction to the firm,” said Michael Freisenbruch, president of the company. “It’s modern, forward thinking, clean, crisp, bright and innovative. It’s a little like walking into the future.”The goal, he said, was to create “a sense of progression and forward motion. Belief in our company, our country and our clients.”The company announced the start of renovations in October 2011 and will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony this evening that will be attended by the Deputy Governor David Arkley and Acting Premier Dame Jennifer Smith.When asked about the reason behind the renovation as the local economy struggles around them, Mr Freisenbruch was clear in his response.“It is a very tough market out there,” he said. “Fundamentally we believe in Bermuda and we believe we can fix our problems and by doing this renovation, we believe we are part of the solution.”Designed by Rick Evans of Butterworth Associates, the 11,500-square-foot, wheelchair accessible space also boasts an Italian made hydraulic lift elevator as opposed to the traditional elevators in Bermuda that are hung from the roof. The contractor was Paterson Contracting Ltd.The company occupies all three floors of 75 Front Street and eventually the upper floors of the building will be redone as well.Alongside a four, 4x6 flat screen TVs, are two touch screen computer kiosks where visitors can listen to Ride the Wave CDs on state-of-the-art headphones. Freisenbruch-Meyer Group sponsored the creation of the CDs, sales of which are given to charity.A third electronic kiosk, run by Premier Tickets, allows people to purchase tickets to movies, theatre and concerts in Bermuda. Customers can pay with a credit card or cash and the concierge can print the ticket right there or have it sent to a cell phone.Asked why they decided to include a ticket kiosk in the office that wasn’t insurance related, Mr Freisenbruch said it was part fun and part design.“It’s something new and different but we are aware of the changing face of Front Street. We’re committed to introducing a retail interface to an office environment,” he said. “Locals can come as well as tourists who can walk in and do the same thing.”The company also installed a new sound system outside on the front portico which they plan to put to use next year during Harbour Nights where they will set up a table and sell the Ride the Wave CDs and handle any customer queries.“I have a desire as a business manager and owner to present ourselves to the public in a different way,” said Mr Freisenbruch.The company has grown from 15 employees to 40 since its inception, employing a staff that is 95 percent Bermudian.Despite the struggling local economy, Freisenbruch-Meyer Group has managed to grow over the last few years.William Madeiros, executive vice-president and general manager, said: “It’s a tough environment to brag but are we doing OK? Yes. Are we financially solid? Yes. We are committed to Bermuda for the long haul and opening our doors on the ground floor of 75 Front Street to provide better service is a testament to that commitment.”