Technology integrator AV Solutions recently solved the problem it had with warehouse space by moving west along the Interstate 70 Business Loop into downtown Grand Junction.

AV Solutions owner Neil Hajoglou liked where his business was, 3094 I-70 Business Loop, Unit C, because “it was nice and cozy. It was close to home.”

But lack of warehouse space in a unit that totaled about 900 square feet ultimately was a fatal flaw, as he said, “We were packed to the gills.”

Now at 215 S. 15th St., where Wilson Cabling previously resided, AV Solutions has 2,880 square feet that includes ample warehouse and showroom space for a business that specializes in installation of systems for audio/video, home theater, security and surveillance, automated lighting, and window shades and blinds.

Showroom space also was lacking at the previous location, and Hajoglou likes the idea of building out his new space, which currently is wide open, and having a much larger, nicer showroom.

“I’ve always wanted a traditional showroom, something like Listen Up in Denver has,” he said. “My goal was actually to buy a residential house that was zoned commercial and do it in a house where it would be a finished product that you would see in any other house that we would do. But that’s not so easy.”

If having an actual house for his business never materializes, AV Solutions now has space and options to emulate it in its commercial setting.

“I’ve seen some really cool spaces in Denver and other places that they take a commercial space and make it very residential-esque looking on the inside,” Hajoglou said. “We could build a small theater in a separate room. We could do buildouts.”

Hajoglou actually has more space than he knows what to do with, but that’s better than the alternative, and he’ll find ways to use the additional space eventually.

AV Solutions’ new home came with a conference room, making it a better meeting place for consultations with customers.

Another way its better than the former location is it fronts the highway, which becomes Ute Avenue. While AV Solutions’ previous office address was on the business loop, it was offset from the highway and difficult to find.

If Hajoglou chooses to do some retail sales from the new location, the store is in a much better spot to attract foot traffic.

He hesitates to discuss that, though, because it’s not in his immediate plans.

“I tend to think that you probably have some benefit to it,” he said. “I think you would eventually reach those people, not because of direct foot traffic, but foot traffic getting the word out. I think you’d end up reaching the clientele we’re looking for eventually.

“I’m a little fearful that had we set up the showroom today and stickered everything up and made it bling-y, that it would take at least a year before we recoup the cost of just staffing the building to deal with the traffic.”

He’s sure people would come to look at the offerings, but will they actually buy, especially if it’s higher-end equipment?

“We certainly have some room to do that,” Hajoglou said. “I don’t know if we’re going to go that far.”

Whatever he decides to do, he has space, but it does come with one drawback: The larger location means a larger rent check for his business. But that’s OK, as Hajoglou said, “It’s worth it in the long run.”