The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation has kicked off construction on a new four-story, mixed-use building in the heart of downtown Boise — unlocking a major expansion for the agricultural advocacy group near the seat of state government.
A groundbreaking ceremony on October 16 marked the official start of the project, which will span half a city block and feature ground-floor retail, 99 parking stalls, and two floors of modern office space. The Farm Bureau will occupy the top story with sweeping views of the Idaho State Capitol.
“What a great day,” said Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President Bruan Searle. “And thank you to each of you for being here today. What a historic moment for Farm Bureau.”
The Farm Bureau’s current two-story office — originally built in 1959 at 5th and Washington — has long been outgrown by the organization’s needs. A feasibility study more than two decades ago planted the seeds for expansion, leading to the purchase of the full half block.
“As we went forward, we always talked about someday we need more space,” Searle said.
For Searle, the new location offers not only space — but influence.
“We wanted a connection to the capital, we wanted our presence here and we're here,” he said.
The Farm Bureau’s primary headquarters will remain in Pocatello, but this Boise facility is designed to bring the organization even closer to state policy decisions affecting farmers and ranchers.
“There’s no better place to be than right next to the capital and why? Why, because we want legislators to come our way and we want to go their way,” Searle said. “We want an open door so that they feel comfortable coming into our building to have conversations.”
The project is being developed in partnership with Ahlquist Development.
“This building is going to be spectacular,” said CEO Tommy Ahlquist. “We cannot wait to watch this come out of the ground and what it's going to add to the downtown.”
Ahlquist said the building was designed to support the needs of modern ag advocacy:
“The first floor will have some retail and a new restaurant right on the corner. The 2nd floor has 99 parking stalls.”
“It'll have parking for pickups. They'll find parking in this town for pickups!” Searle added.
Ahlquist added that the upper levels will include office uses, with the Farm Bureau occupying the fourth floor and benefiting from a direct view of the Capitol dome.
Idaho Governor Brad Little praised the project’s role in keeping the state’s agricultural voice strong.
“Whether you like it or not, policy matters. And if you're not at the table which Farm Bureau is, you might be on the menu,” Little said. “The Idaho Farm Bureau is always at the table.”
Searle emphasized the building is meant to be a gathering point — not just for Farm Bureau members but for the broader agriculture community.
“Our members can come to their building and have opportunities to have conversations,” he said. “It will be a landmark for decades into the future… so that we can protect and promote agriculture.”
Lombard Conrad Architects
McAlvain Construction
Expected Q1 2027
Additional office space and shared boardroom use will be available to other agricultural organizations, strengthening collaboration across the industry.
Originally reported by AG Info.
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