HGA hopes to consolidate its 400 employees at the new site, whoare now spread out over three locations, says Steve Fiskum, chiefoperating officer of HGA. The building, which is listed in theNational Register of Historic Places, is a seven-story concreteframe warehouse that will be completely gutted and remodeled forthe architectural firm. "We are attracted to an older building likethis because of the character of the workplace that can be achievedwith the higher ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows," Fiskumsays. "It's conducive to the kind of creative environment we wantto establish."

Fiskum also says it was important for his firm to be near theDowntown Minneapolis business district. The Litin building, whichwas recently bought by Ken Sherman of Minneapolis-based ShermanGroup, is located at 701 Washington Ave. N. It's market value islisted on the Hennepin County tax roles at $1.79 million. The90-year old building originally housed a bakery.

HGA now works out of International Market Square and two otherbuildings on Harmon Place and Harmon Court. Fiskum says he expectsto finalize the lease details later this month. He declined todiscuss the terms of the lease.