Block 44
mixed use Office & Retail in downtown Boise
Size: 87,000 square feet
Acquisition Date: 2006
Boise serves as a hub of commerce and government with the recent rejuvenation of its downtown district attracting national tenants.
In early 2006, we acquired arguably the best block in the state of Idaho; a series of 22 commercial buildings strategically located at the liveliest intersection in downtown Boise. Block 44 is comprised of 25 boutique retail spaces and one multi-story 40,000 square foot mixed-use office and retail building.
We successfully transformed a mostly vacant block by bringing new businesses to Idaho, including The North Face, Anthroplogie, and Lululemon. The block is almost 100% leased. We have been recognized for helping to bring downtown Boise back to life with new tenants, new energy, and new jobs.
“It was an advantage to work with a firm such as Baum, as they are known in the industry to be an innovator in sustainable real estate development.”
The Mode Building as it looked in 1952 and today.
Our rehabilitation of the Mode Building into the country's first green North Face store has been awarded LEED Gold Certification; view press release
The historic Mode Building, following renovations; featuring the LEED Gold certified The North Face store
Included in our acquisition of Block 44 was the Mode Building, located on the best corner of the block. Constructed in 1895, the building housed The Mode, Ltd., a high-end department store until its closure in 1991. As part of our rehabilitation of the historic structure, we worked with The North Face to create their first green store in the United States. For this project, 92% of the existing interior components were reused in the new space, including the exposed brick, timber beams and columns, which were sustainably cleaned with a walnut shell sandblasting process. The project was awarded LEED Gold Certification.
As a result of our efforts, the block is vibrant once again. The buildings have been completely renovated, historic structures have been saved and an exciting group of new tenants fill the block offering locals and tourists a great combination of retail, restaurants, artisanal food, art, and office space.
While our main office is located in Chicago, the team in Boise consists of all local professionals; the vendors and professional service providers (attorneys, architects, general contractors, etc.) consist of local Boise firms. The team has developed wonderful decade long relationships (personal and professional) and maintains a small office and local staff. We are also involved in civic, philanthropic, and cultural causes in the Boise community.