Concordia University Law School - January 18, 2010
Concordia University announced an initial agreement today to purchase the property at 501 Front St. in downtown Boise, ID for the new Concordia University School of Law, scheduled to open in 2011.
"We're delighted about the prospect of settling the Concordia University School of Law in the heart of Boise, within close proximity of the courts, state and local governments and law firms," said Concordia University President Chuck Schlimpert. "With our emphasis on community service and engagement, we look forward to contributing a wealth of new resources and talent to Boise's downtown core and to the State as a whole."
The University evaluated approximately 40 potential sites during the past year before deciding on the Front St. location. The property's purchase is expected to close by April 2010, following a period of due diligence. Colliers International is the real estate broker on the transaction.
The news follows an earlier announcement that Cathy Silak, former Idaho Supreme Court justice, was named as dean of the new law school. In addition, the Dean's Advisory Council is chaired by Richard Fields, a partner at Moffatt Thomas Barrett Rock & Fields CHTD, and includes 26 local and regional, business and civic leaders.
"This site is a win-win for the City of Boise and the University, and we look forward to close collaboration with the City during planning and development of the property," said Silak.
The current Front St. property is a two-story brick building with approximately 17,000 square feet. Concordia will utilize the existing structure but also plans to develop an additional 30,000 square feet of space to meet the law school's need for classrooms, offices and amenitites. Union Corner Construction, the general contractor, plans to source all jobs and subcontractors from the local Boise area.