QBE turns old school into headquarters

Quality Business Engineering (QBE), a management and technology consulting company,  has invested more than $1.2 million in turning the  former PACE West School building in Gainesville into the company’s new headquarters.

The purchase of the nearly 80-year-old school building on a 9-acre site is the latest milestone in the expansion efforts of QBE, whose primary customers are the federal government and the defense community. The company has added more than 30 positions since the beginning of last year. 

Formerly county surplus, the former school building is now categorized as a taxable commercial real estate property while still enabling residents’ access to the site and its fields. QBE has agreed to maintain the historic front façade of the building and contribute funds for science technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs in local schools.

QBE said it recognized the importance of continuing to provide a place for the social and cultural events that had been held in the facility. The company said it still welcomes many community organizations that have held events in the building, including the Boy Scouts, charities,  workout classes, churches and a banjo class.