The Idaho Wheat Commission (IWC) is moving ahead with plans for a new $14 million building in downtown Boise, as it seeks to replace the existing Idaho Wheat and Ag Center, a structure built in 1945. The building has served as a hub for agricultural organizations since its purchase by IWC in 2003, but rising maintenance costs and the need for modernization prompted the decision to build a new facility.

“We are excited about the opportunities this new building will provide to further the mission of IWC and showcase the importance of Idaho agriculture,” said Britany Hurst Marchant, executive director of IWC. “We’ve worked closely with the Idaho State Building Authority, the city of Boise, and several architectural firms to ensure the building meets the needs of the wheat growers and the wider agricultural community.”

The new facility will span 30,000 square feet, a significant upgrade from the previous 7,500-square-foot building. It will include retail and office space, with the top floor offering a boardroom, conference room, kitchen, storage, and an outdoor patio. The building’s design combines both modern and classic architectural elements, with an exterior featuring sandstone-colored stonework and tall, arched windows.

“This design brings together the two hallmarks of agriculture – permanence and progress,” Hurst Marchant said. “It was important to ensure the new building complemented its surroundings and served the agricultural community well for years to come.”

The new IWC building will be located directly across from the Idaho State Capitol and is expected to serve as a gathering place for trade teams, agricultural conferences, and IWC’s various initiatives. Demolition of the old building was completed in December 2024, and construction of the new facility is slated to begin in early spring 2025. The building is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

For now, IWC has moved to a temporary location at 250 W. Bobwhite Ct. Suite 120 in Boise.

Originally reported by Ryan Mortenson in AG Proud.