PeopleMatter, a provider of comprehensive service-industry HR software, completed the first phase at its new world headquarters in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, where it will create 265 jobs. The company plans an $18.8 million capital investment over the next four years, at its King Street building, which totals 15,000 square feet and currently includes a workforce of 118 employees.

The opening of the King Street building is the completion of Phase One of PeopleMatter’s downtown relocation. The second phase, scheduled to begin in late 2014, will involve constructing a second building in the adjacent 468 King Street location. The renovation phases will add a combined project of 55,000 square feet to the heart of downtown Charleston.

“We put a lot of time and thought into planning this building, everything from the open floor plan to individualized chair selections. We’ve seen immediate pay off," stated PeopleMatter President and CEO Nate DaPore. “Our team is really enjoying the new facility and being a part of the downtown community. With our “stimulate + create = innovate” philosophy, downtown Charleston offers the ultimate experience for our for team members to thrive in both our company and our community.”

In order to meet with historic Charleston’s city ordinances, the building salvaged the façade of the original 466 King Street building. The inside of the building was gutted and the 100-year-old historic shell became the frame for the new company headquarters. The original exposed brick walls can still be seen on three of the four floors.

PeopleMatter put an emphasis on blending the history of the building with state-of-the-art technology and interior design, something that can be seen in the details throughout the building, the company said. When some of the original beams were removed, the company had one made into shelving for the headquarters’ bistro-like kitchen and a boardroom table for the fourth floor conference room. The building’s patio has a bar boasting three taps. A committee of PeopleMatter team members decides the beer selection.

“I think we are now the only business that has a private rooftop bar with three taps in South Carolina,” said DaPore. “It’s really remarkable to stand in our building today and think how far we’ve come – since three guys began writing ideas on whiteboards. I think it goes back to creating an environment that lets your company’s culture develop organically. That’s why we built a space where our team members can work together and play together.”

“PeopleMatter was one of the first companies to be a part of the Charleston Digital Corridor,” said Charleston Digital Corridor Executive Director Ernest Andrade. “It’s been a pleasure to watch this company go from a few people working in our flagship to such a strong presence in the heart of downtown. PeopleMatter is a model for what technology companies are able to achieve here in Charleston.”