CEK Insurance, a Lawrence-based insurance company founded in 1931, is relocating its headquarters to downtown Lawrence. The company has purchased the former Charlton Manley building at 211 E. Eighth St., which is about 40% larger than their current headquarters. The move is expected to be completed near the first of the year and will bring 30 jobs to the downtown area.
The decision to return to downtown Lawrence is driven by the company’s growth and the need for more space. CEK Insurance partner Mark Buhler stated, “We are returning to downtown because of great opportunities we’ve had. We have grown and we need more room.”
In addition to the headquarters move, CEK Insurance has also merged with Prairie Land Insurance, a Lawrence-based insurance company owned by the family of the late Jamie Lowe. The merger combines the strengths of both companies, with CEK Insurance gaining access to new carriers and talented staff. Buhler noted, “It is a strong independent agency. They have some carriers we didn’t have and we have some carriers they didn’t have, and they have a really talented staff. We are fired up about it.”
The Prairie Land name will be retained for the time being, and the company will continue to occupy its office on Bob Billings Parkway. Eventually, it will adopt the CEK name and move into the new corporate headquarters building.
The move is part of CEK Insurance’s history of growth and adaptation. Founded during the Great Depression, the company has evolved over the years, maintaining its roots in Lawrence. Buhler emphasized that the downtown location fits well with the company’s history and Lawrence roots, as it was previously located in downtown from 1931 to 1982.
The company’s enthusiasm for the downtown area is also driven by the ongoing redevelopment efforts. Buhler stated that the downtown district offers great opportunities and aligns with the company’s vision for growth.
