Oil Patch Bits: CIRI to bring new office tower to former theater site

Cook Inlet Region Inc. has announced the development of the first office tower in what will become the Fireweed Business Center. Once the site of the Fireweed Theater, the now vacant 8.35-acre site at the corner of Fireweed Lane and the New Seward Highway will soon be home to CIRI’s corporate offices, as well as upscale commercial office space available for lease.

“CIRI envisions a campus of upscale office buildings at the Fireweed Business Center,” said CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich. “At a time when the Anchorage commercial real estate market is tight, CIRI is prepared to meet the demand with a project that will be as iconic for the community as it is for our company.”

CIRI Land Development Co. is leading the project with RIM Architects and Davis Constructors & Engineers Inc. The 110,000-square-foot, eight-story building is being designed with the input of CIRI shareholders and employees to reflect the cultural values of sustainability, diversity and a respect for the land.

Site preparation began earlier in October and construction is scheduled to begin next spring. For more information visit www.FireweedCenter.com.