Blackbird Investments, a development team that has completed the renovation of a historic warehouse in downtown Des Moines and is planning a residential build out at Historic Fort Des Moines, is considering a partnership with the Alexander Co. for the completion of the Younkers/Wilkins building project.

“We are doing due diligence over the next 45 days to ascertain what, if any, role our firm will play,” Justin Doyle, a partner in Blackbird Investments, said in an email.

He said the firm is “actively exploring a potential partnership with the Alexander Company for the ongoing development of the Wilkins building and the Younkers site.”

It is not clear whether Blackbird Investments would play a part in the $18.7 million renovation of the west wing of the Younkers site, now called the Wilkins Building, as well as the construction of a new building on the east half of the lot at 713 Walnut St.

Madison, Wisc.-based Alexander Co. had begun gutting the interior of the Younkers building for a residential and retail redevelopment when much of the structure was destroyed or damaged by fire on March 29, 2014. Since that time, Alexander has modified its plans to include 29 market-rate and 31 affordable apartments and 14,000 square feet of retail space. The company also plans to restore the Younkers Tea Room.

It was noted when the company changed its plans that new construction was not one of its specialties and there was speculation that it would attempt to sell at least the east side of the property.

In the meantime, Employers Mutual Casualty Co. has sued Alexander Co. and The Hansen Co. in connection with the fire and for damages suffered by EMC’s headquarters building.

Just last week, the Iowa House passed a bill that would allow the Iowa Economic Development Authority to grant Alexander as much time as needed to complete the project. The firm has received nearly $10 million in state and federal tax credits for the project.