IDEA1 was built on the strong pillars of innovation, design, education, and arts. This vibrant mixed-use project has been set up to provide space for design and technology jobs, and to support innovation-based economic development by creating a human-scaled environment rich in amenities that matter. The 360,000-square-foot full-city block development mixes offices, residential, fitness, and restaurants, to encourage social and business connections among inhabitants and the broader neighborhood. The project includes the following programmatic elements:

Creative Office Space: Being the first structure in an emerging area requires IDEA1 to be nimble and adaptable to evolving market conditions. As of today, 8,000 square feet of office space has been built out. Additionally, a conditional use permit allows residential units to be mixed with active commercial uses at the ground floor for up to 10 years. Eventually, IDEA1 will offer 50,000-square-feet of office space. Offices have large open bays – they were designed as raw, creative, and reconfigurable spaces.

Urban Housing: With 295 total units, the focus is on flexible, fresh, and current spaces for today’s urban dweller. Target residents include entrepreneurs, collaborators, recent graduates, and downtown workers. The project features a multitude of plans, including lofts, studios, ground-level live/work flats, warehouse infill units, and penthouses. IDEA1 offers something for everyone.

Retail and Restaurants: Over 12,000-square-feet of street level retail space for unique tenants provides the physical and social setting to encourage collaboration between diverse inhabitants. Currently, tenants providing coffee, beer, and gourmet tacos outfit some of these spaces and will soon provide additional activity for both the local streets and the IDEA1 HUB.

The HUB: A large open courtyard connects residents, commercial tenants, and the community in a ground-floor event space. Designed to support the entrepreneurial spirit, the HUB includes a 10’ x 16’ projection screen, stage area, and Bluetooth audio for lectures, industry talks, and forums. Concerts, cultural events, and rotating art installations support the sense of community and place. By providing curated programming and encouraging collision among residents, IDEA1 seeks to advance not only their innovation but also the health of businesses throughout the I.D.E.A. District.