Emit Headquarters

EMIT is a bold adaptive reuse project by CLB Architects that transforms a disused 80,000 sq ft Kmart in Sheridan, Wyoming into a 120,000 sq ft high-performance headquarters for EMIT Technologies. Enveloped in a weathered, laser-cut steel scrim, the building blends rugged industrial identity with contemporary architectural detail, reflecting both Wyoming's heritage and EMIT’s innovative spirit.

At the heart of the building lies a glazed courtyard—referred to as the “lung”—which carves natural light and air into the workspaces. This circulation spine divides and connects the program, linking fabrication areas with offices and communal zones, while erasing traditional hierarchies between physical labor and administration. The lobby acts as a shared threshold between industrial and professional realms, emphasizing transparency and collaboration.

Materiality plays a crucial role in defining the building's character. Inside, raw concrete and exposed mechanical systems are softened with birch plywood millwork, powder-coated black steel ceiling elements, and a sculptural perforated metal reception desk. The social core of the campus includes a wood-slat ceiling area that shelters a library, gym, auditorium/flex space, coffee bar, and even a barbershop—facilities designed not just for employees, but for the greater Sheridan community.

EMIT isn’t just a headquarters—it’s a manifesto for how industrial architecture can foster creativity, wellness, and inclusivity. Rather than isolating production from people, the building invites cross-pollination. Through its use of local materials, emphasis on daylight, and openness to public engagement, EMIT represents a future-forward approach to workplace design grounded in place and purpose.