Sandpoint, Idaho  / Commercial Renovation / Built in 2024

Awards  AIA Idaho 2025 Design Awards

Award of Merit in Architecture + Award of Best Architectural Element

The North Second project emerged in a rapidly changing community, where Sandpoint’s historic character faces increasing pressure from short-term development. Two local professionals responded with intention—investing not only in real estate, but in preservation. They acquired a 1910 masonry building in the heart of downtown, dividing it to reflect their individual businesses while pursuing a shared goal: to reinforce the continuity of Sandpoint’s historic fabric. This posed a layered design challenge—one building, two users, a rich historic context, and a modern program.

Key goals included restoring the building’s original mercantile frontage, introducing light and openness without erasing its past, and creating distinct, contemporary workspaces. A compact alley-accessed studio apartment further expanded its use.

The design emerged through discovery—shaped by a deep understanding of the building’s history, and guided by what was uncovered along the way. The new building program space is made up of a law office, public accountant and rear apartment.