Mixed-use building takes shape at Boise Cascade site

Construction crews on Friday poured concrete for foundation work at the former Boise Cascade warehouse in downtown Salem, which is being transformed into a mixed-use building.

In January, the project started with demolition crews razing the top floor of the warehouse. The building, part of a master plan called Pringle Square, is under construction at the corner of Commercial and Bellevue streets SE.

When the redevelopment is complete, the building will have 168 apartment units. Plans call for a $17 million building with six levels, including a secure parking garage for apartment tenants. About 15,000 square feet of commercial space will be available on the ground floor.

The project is being developed by Mountain West Investment Corp. Salem City Council agreed to enter into a public-private partnership with the developer to jump start the redevelopment of entire 13-acre Boise Cascade site, including the old warehouse.

Rents in the apartment complex will range from about $700 per month for a studio to $1,400 for a three-bedroom, two-bath unit, according to the developer. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2015.

The building Mountain West Investment is renovating for apartments was used in Boise Cascade's paper converting operation. The plant, which turned large rolls of paper into office-sized sheets, closed in fall 2007.

Boise also operated a pulp mill in Salem that closed in 1984.

mrose@StatesmanJournal .com (503) 399-6657 or follow on Twitter @mrose_sj