BOISE – Athlos Academies is turning the former downtown Boise Macy’s building into its new headquarters.

Mayor Dave Bieter joined the company’s co-founders at a groundbreaking celebration Thursday. They smashed pieces of concrete to mark the beginning of the renovation project.

Athlos provides services to charter schools in Utah, Arizona, Texas and Minnesota. Its website says additional schools are in progress.

“Jason and I have been headquartered here in Boise now for almost ten years,” said Ryan Van Alfen, Athlos Academies co-founder. “It’s where we’ve chosen to raise our families, and it’s a great place to do business. We’re excited to be growing as rapidly as we are, and bringing jobs to Boise.”

Van Alfen also says the building at 10th and Idaho streets will provide space for Athlos to train teachers and other educational leaders on its three-pillar approach: prepared mind, healthy body and performance character.