[Boisebro]

Today's the day. Anyone want to put some money down on there being good news? :fingerscrossed:

in this town? i ain't taking that bet. :)

[eastidaho]

I agree they need more garages in other parts of the campus. Lets say next to the stadium and next to the sub on the flat lots.

Thanks alphawolf, I agree.

so to act sentimental about dumpy rentals is kind of ridiculous IMO.

Conquistador, I did sound sappy in my previous post, I actually didn't mind seeing those structures torn down. They needed it IMO. I thought the campus was going to expand with residential or a learning facility. My problem was every single surface lot on the south and west side of campus remains surface parking. So why tear housing down? I think alphawolf explains it a lot better.

Besides, the only that was there for the last 10 years or so, as far as I can remember, was a dumpy surface lot and a couple trailer offices. A parking structure sounds fine to me.

10 years? :haha: I am definitely not that old. I was there in the Koetter years. They tore down the residential to make way for this parking structure in the spring of 2006. At least the University doesn't tear down stuff and let it sit for 10+ years before building something. :shuffle:

[el conquistador]

Thanks alphawolf, I agree.

so to act sentimental about dumpy rentals is kind of ridiculous IMO.

Conquistador, I did sound sappy in my previous post, I actually didn't mind seeing those structures torn down. They needed it IMO. I thought the campus was going to expand with residential or a learning facility. My problem was every single surface lot on the south and west side of campus remains surface parking. So why tear housing down? I think alphawolf explains it a lot better.



10 years? :haha: I am definitely not that old. I was there in the Koetter years. They tore down the residential to make way for this parking structure in the spring of 2006. At least the University doesn't tear down stuff and let it sit for 10+ years before building something. :shuffle:

eastidaho and alpahwolf, if i sounded snippy previously then I do apologize. I just get defensive about BSU considering the political climate they have had to endure over the years to get anything done. In light of that, they still have been able to get an A+ rating for financial management from Standard and Poor's, and part of that reason is being seemingly over-cautious in terms of duration to get a project done.

With that said, I agree that surface lots should be converted, but one is in the plan by the pavillion, just not sure when. Also, the lots on the west side of campus will be partially covered by the new COBE building. I know it seems like an eternity for BSU to get some of these projects underway, and as an alum it does seem to take forever. But, I have a suspicion the location of that lot being built is a compromise to the residents in that area who are affected daily by the controlled chaos that is student parking and the even bigger chaos that football gameday presents. Also, it does fit when you consider there are new buildings in the pipe just east of that garage, plus it will have the ease of access to the SUB buildings and to the future Health Sciences. As for residential buildings, part of that is probably a 'wait and see' notion to make sure the current student housing is able to maintain at or near capacity before embarking on a new building. It wasn't until last year that they finally filled all the student housing. Just a hunch, but it seems to make sense.

Hopefully that makes my stance a bit more clear. All I am asking is consider what BSU had to put up with in the past (as has ISU, just not to the same degree). But, times have been changing thank goodness, and I think in the next few years the other shoe will drop in regards to how higher ed funding will be handled and where the priorities should lie.

End of ramble. Please go on about your business. :D

[Boisebro]

<yawn>... this is nothing we didn't already know, other than the fact that financing still hasn't been nailed down.

12:54 p.m. -- Construction on Downtown Boise Place tower set to begin mid-summer, builder says
Joe Estrella - Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 04/09/07


Construction is set to begin mid-summer on the $126 million Boise Place hotel/condo tower in Downtown Boise, Charterhouse Boise Downtown Properties builder Gary D. Rogers told the Capitol City Development Corp. today.
Charterhouse is contemplating a smaller building than the originally announced 31 stories and an estimated 400 feet high. How high the building goes will depend on pre-sales, that will start in May or June, and current construction costs, Rogers said.

Boise Place will be at the northwest corner of 8th and Main streets, where former developer Rick Peterson repeatedly failed to secure funding to build the Boise Tower.

Charterhouse is still talking with potential sources of financing, but officials haven't made a decision yet.

[nobody]

IBR is reporting that starting this week they're going to start building up to ground level, though. So that's neat.

[Cottonwood]

So, no news on the Capitol Terrace Apartments?

[Boisebro]

this is interesting, from IBR:

Charterhouse is still waiting for CCDC and the city of Boise to change urban renewal codes which currently do not allow for building to be built over 20 stories.

we're just hearing about this now? wasn't the original Boise Tower going to be 25 stories? didn't the height of the Mission Block Tower (or whatever it'll be called) just get approved at 23 stories?

is something amiss, or amister?!?
:jester:

[Evo5Boise]

I really hope they decide not to scale down the Boise Place project. That is a prime spot for Boise's tallest building. Not to mention the taller the better. :D

[Boisebro]

boise is yet again near the top of the list of best places to do business, this time ranked #3 by Forbes (just behind our neighbors in Provo).


http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/1/07bestplaces_all_slide_3.html?thisSpeed=10000


but good lord, do you think they could find a newer photo?!? this picture is MORE than a decade old!

http://images.forbes.com/media/lists/1/2007/slides/2832.jpg
:koko:

[Northernlad]

:previous: Tip them off to one of Sawtooth's skyline pics. Boise has been on that Forbes list for probably over a decade, or it seems, so they must keep using the pic they used the first time.

[Evo5Boise]

:haha: WOW! That is an old picture.

[BrianInBoise]

KTVB now has a story.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-apr0907-boise_place.7b20bcd.html

"Rogers is considering doing a smaller version, but will only say publicly that Boise Place will be between 25 and 34 stories. "

[Boisebro]

this bugs me:

"We fully recognized when we got involved, we got involved with a very public site with a horrible history, I am shocked by the number of people who want us to fail, it absolutely amazes me that so many people in this town want us to fail," said Rogers.

why in the HELL would anyone want this project to fail?!?! what kind of empty-headed shallow morons would wish that on this project???
:hell: :hell: :hell:

sounds like we need to tell these guys how many of us want this project to SUCCEED.
:notacrook:

[Vvoyage]

The question awaiting all of us regarding Boise Place, of course, is "how tall will be it be?" I think that's why this Rogers fell is a little upset ... he doesn't know.

The latest plan we saw was for Boise Place to be 34 floors and 400-460 feet tall (I've heard both numbers). But the determining factor is going to be money. This guy - Rogers - is going to follow his pocketbook and we have to wait and see what the answer will be.

I'll bet guys like Boisebro and Mr. Condo would agree to that.

Personally, I think 460 feet is too tall for this building. I'm also not thrilled on the design. If it's going to be Boise's tallest building, by far, it had better look good. I know we would all be thrilled to have a 460-footer, but the architecture looks like my neighbor's house - one add-on after another and it doesn't follow any specific design.

This building should stand out. Perhaps a circular design, like the Westin Hotel in Seattle? It's different, but at least it's all one design.

This building is one step toward some major changes going on downtown. This summer - with The Aspen, Christensen's 23-story building, the Whole Foods building and now Boise Place - promises to be very interesting.

Oh ... and don't forget Bronco Stadium.

Here's a thought ... perhaps us at Skyscaper page should hold our own meeting, and invite people like Mr. Rogers, Mr. Kushlan, Mr. Christensen, etc... to speak.

That would be even more interesting.

[alphawolf]

Some updates from 4-8-07.
The Grand Avenue
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f171/alphawolf256/P4080935.jpg

Cityside Lofts
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f171/alphawolf256/P4080936.jpg

[el conquistador]

Grand Avenue went up fast, glad to see that one moving along.

As for Boise Place, I think Vvoyage has a good idea: Give Rogers some support. I think those who are making the most noise are a very vocal minority. Unfortunately, some of those opposed are either in the press or in the city offices. Bummer, really. Most people either like the idea or are, for lack of a better term, indifferent to it.

And to play devil's advocate: I think the 460-ft. proposal was a bit much, I don't think Boise is quite ready for that yet. But, I would definitely like to see this proposal become the new tallest, it's about time when you consider how fast Boise has grown and our tallest building was done in the 70's. :koko:

[STRMCSR]

Hi all,
New forum member. Came across this forum several months ago and was suprised to find others that shared an interest in the Boise Skyline. Wanted to join awhile, but for some reason the registration process wasn't working for one reason or another.

Anyways, I really appreciate all the comments you have all made. I have been particularly interested in Boise Place as well as the development at the Boise Rescue Mission site as I am also a member of the Basque Center; The Basque center was looking to expand and was looking at aquiring the land across 6th at Grove street; however, we later learned that the current developer had aquired it and found out about the exciting plans the have. Needless to say, he has quite a bit more cash ola then we did: however, I think his vision if it comes true will indeed enhance that whole area.

As for the Basque Center, the were looking at some other alternatives to expand their current building. They are still in the preliminary stages; however, it look's like they will be expanding UP. Not a huge expansion, adding one or two stories to the current 2 story building.

Anyways, as for the Boise Place development, I hope it remains at 34 stories and 460 feet. I would hate to see something that isn't dramatically taller than the US Bank tower. Then you are left with two tree trunks in the middle of town amidst the other brown cardboard boxes. Another saga of something great turning into something mediocre. But I guess it still beats the HOLE!! Except that it is the really only KEY piece of property to really set off the Boise Skyline unless you move to the east or west and build a core of buildings there, similar to Century City west of L.A.

[nobody]

Boise Place developer Gary Rogers is in default on a $2,575,000 loan for his project on the former Boise Tower site.

Alpha Lending issued a notice of default to Rogers’ firm, Charterhouse Boise Downtown Properties, on March 26 for a loan he took out April 6, 2006. That’s when Rogers purchased the site from its former developer, Rick Peterson, who only got so far as building a pit of concrete and rebar.

According to the notice of default, Alpha Lending plans to sell the property if Rogers does not satisfy his debt obligations.

Article - http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/10/Boise-Place-developer-in-default-on-loan

Things are looking good!

[Mr.Boisean]

Article - http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/10/Boise-Place-developer-in-default-on-loan

Things are looking good!

Good? How is that good?

[nobody]

Sarcasm! Isn't it easy to pick up without tone?

[jard]

Hi all,
New forum member. Came across this forum several months ago and was suprised to find others that shared an interest in the Boise Skyline. Wanted to join awhile, but for some reason the registration process wasn't working for one reason or another.

Anyways, I really appreciate all the comments you have all made. I have been particularly interested in Boise Place as well as the development at the Boise Rescue Mission site as I am also a member of the Basque Center; The Basque center was looking to expand and was looking at aquiring the land across 6th at Grove street; however, we later learned that the current developer had aquired it and found out about the exciting plans the have. Needless to say, he has quite a bit more cash ola then we did: however, I think his vision if it comes true will indeed enhance that whole area.

As for the Basque Center, the were looking at some other alternatives to expand their current building. They are still in the preliminary stages; however, it look's like they will be expanding UP. Not a huge expansion, adding one or two stories to the current 2 story building.

Anyways, as for the Boise Place development, I hope it remains at 34 stories and 460 feet. I would hate to see something that isn't dramatically taller than the US Bank tower. Then you are left with two tree trunks in the middle of town amidst the other brown cardboard boxes. Another saga of something great turning into something mediocre. But I guess it still beats the HOLE!! Except that it is the really only KEY piece of property to really set off the Boise Skyline unless you move to the east or west and build a core of buildings there, similar to Century City west of L.A.


Welcome to SSP - glad to see you were able to join.
I like what you said about "another saga of something great turning into something mediocre." and I agree, this is all to typical of Boise, and while I think 460' may be a little overpowering - it is also very exciting. I still have hope for this project - I am really needing a recharge though by actually seeing a few of these projects get off of the ground.

[Mr.Boisean]

Sarcasm! Isn't it easy to pick up without tone?

LOL, sorry. I think I took some stupid pills with breakfast this morning.

[STRMCSR]

Thanks for the welcome! As my User name implies, I do quite a bit of storm chasing and take quite a few pictures. As this is a Skyscraper forum and not a Skywarn forum, I will keep to the skyscraper theme and make sure I include the skyline in any photos. This is one I snapped from the foothills last summer:

http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=155278601/PictureID=3101175475/a=57616668_57616668/t_=57616668

Also, if there is a better way of posting .jpg images, let me know.

thx

[nobody]

Thanks for the welcome! As my User name implies, I do quite a bit of storm chasing and take quite a few pictures. As this is a Skyscraper forum and not a Skywarn forum, I will keep to the skyscraper theme and make sure I include the skyline in any photos. This is one I snapped from the foothills last summer:

http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=155278601/PictureID=3101175475/a=57616668_57616668/t_=57616668

Also, if there is a better way of posting .jpg images, let me know.

thx

You can put [ img ] [ /img ] (without spaces) tags aroung the URL to your image to post it inline.

Also "stormchaser" may have implied a storm chaser for your name, I was thinking your name was meant more along the lines of Stream Caser.

Anywho welcome, great to have more Boise folk on the forums!

[Boizean]

Welcome to the forum STRMCSR. :cheers:


what kind of empty-headed shallow morons would wish that on this project???
You have to ask? :shrug:

[BoisEng]

Hello fellow Threadees –
Been enjoying the fruits of your labor here for a few months, thought I would participate. Excellent friendly discussions…you’re to be commended. Attended the AIA luncheon (Architects) this afternoon; there was a presentation by Visual Genesis, people who do wonderful photo simulation graphics of many of these new projects. They showed (among other things) a 3D view around the proposed Boise Place project. While there seemed to be excitement for the project within the group, there were also those murmurs in the background: “That’s not right”, “It’s too big” etc. I interpreted this to mean that there are some who feel the scope of the building within the context of the existing city is out of whack. An interesting observation from a few that are aesthetically sensitive (or should be) to our built environment.

[Sawtooth]

Welcome to the excitement, BoisEng.

[Boisebro]

Article - http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/10/Boise-Place-developer-in-default-on-loan

Things are looking good!


i'm not crying.
:no:

i got dust in my eyes... from all the #@!$ing empty dirt lots downtown. :gaah:

[Evo5Boise]

Wow. What a joke. Could this lot ACTUALLY be cursed????

I don't know if this city could build a Texaco on that lot at this point. It just doesn't want to get developed.

[boisecynic]

There is a lot of stuff that IS being built. Alphawolf beat me to an update on the Grand Ave condos but here's some pics of other near downtown projects. I went by the Waterfront District again also, but my camera battery had died, you won't believe it.

Oh, and welcome BoisEng and STRMCSR. BoisEng, that's a goofy looking dog, what's his name--Buck?

Crescent Rim condos massive foundation work appears nearly complete. (or at least the first phase)

http://i13.tinypic.com/4h84fmr.jpg


Mystery to me project at University and Capitol.

http://i14.tinypic.com/33wr0bo.jpg

[City Of Trees]

Mystery to me project at University and Capitol.

It's the Marriott expansion.

[Sawtooth]

Hey Boisecynic, I noticed that the new garden center on Hill and 36th is coming along nicely. Isn't that project going to include condos and shops?

[boisecynic]

Waterfront District update 4-11-07

A SSP exclusive!

Do you remember my last pics from the Waterfront district.
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=92318&page=51
Those pics were on 4-4, well 7 days later we have the following:

http://i15.tinypic.com/2hd2tew.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/2vxmxxf.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/30b19nq.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/2aighv9.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/4gg6q1j.jpg

I tried to capture what the view is like from the front yard of the riverfront single family homes, or is that the back yard?

http://i14.tinypic.com/2d760d0.jpg

So you think it's easy being a developer? This is the kind of stuff you have to fix after your subcontractors are done with a morning's work. Oh, look at the top of this pic. That's yet another 'plex in the framing stage.

http://i12.tinypic.com/2j5kpvm.jpg

To answer your question, Sawtooth, I'll be driving by there this afternoon, I'll take a pic. I know condos and other retail are proposed but I don't think any work has begun. I did read in the, IIRC, Statesman that the Garden Center will open May 1st.

EDIT: 2-17-12, This is why you don't use tinypic to host your pics. SIGH

[Cottonwood]

Garden City is set for a huge change with this project. :previous:
And that whole area is proposed to become an "artist district" from somewhere near this development to the hotel on the river by the connector.

[Boizean]

that's a goofy looking dog, what's his name--Buck?
LOL! Definitely an interesting avatar. Welcome to the forum BoisEng. :cheers:



Here's a current look at Boise's larger projects.

Recently completed
Hampton Inn & Suites (11)
St. Alphonsus (9)


Under Construction
BSU Luxury Suites/Press Box (11)
Royal Plaza (7)
Bella Plaza (6)
BSU Lincoln Ave. Garage (5)
Anthem Office Building (5)
CitySide Lofts (5)
Marriott (4)
Crescent Rim Condos (4)


Should Start Anyday
The Aspen (17)
The Jefferson (6)
CitySide Lofts II (5)


Active But Tentative Construction Timeline
Boise Place (34)
SC1 (23)
Boise Park West (17)
River 8 (8)
Capitol Terrace Apartments (8)
SC2 (7)
The Metropolitan (5)


Back Burner
BOI Control Tower (-)
Capitol Plaza (14)
Embassy Suites Hotel (11)
SC3 (9)
SC4 (7)
Nine Sixteen Park (7)
Capitol Plaza II (5)
Boise Plaza Parking Garage (5)
BSU College of Business (5)
Whitney Building (5)
Capitol Connector Building (5)
Convention Center (?)


Possibly Dead
The Paradigm (4)

[BoisEng]

Wow boisecynic, Great pictures of the Waterfront District. That prefab stuff sure goes up in a hurry...one of the huge advantages. The other advantage is the quality control able to be applied in a plant environment. If done right, it can definitely be more than tornado fodder.

as an aside - Dog's name is Bubba (though Buck makes more sense). I'll spare you all the redneck jokes to avoid offending those NASCAR fans out there.:)

[Cottonwood]

LOL! Definitely an interesting avatar. Welcome to the forum BoisEng. :cheers:



Here's a current look at Boise's larger projects.

Recently completed
Hampton Inn & Suites (11)
St. Alphonsus (9)


Under Construction
BSU Luxury Suites/Press Box (11)
Royal Plaza (7)
Bella Plaza (6)
BSU Lincoln Ave. Garage (5)
Anthem Office Building (5)
CitySide Lofts (5)
Marriott (4)
Crescent Rim Condos (4)


Should Start Anyday
The Aspen (17)
The Jefferson (6)
CitySide Lofts II (5)


Active But Tentative Construction Timeline
Boise Place (34)
SC1 (23)
Boise Park West (17)
River 8 (8)
Capitol Terrace Apartments (8)
SC2 (7)


Back Burner
BOI Control Tower (-)
Capitol Plaza (14)
Embassy Suites Hotel (11)
SC3 (9)
SC4 (7)
Nine Sixteen Park (7)
Capitol Plaza II (5)
Boise Plaza Parking Garage (5)
BSU College of Business (5)
Whitney Building (5)
Capitol Connector Building (5)
Convention Center (?)


Possibly Dead
The Metropolitan (5)
The Paradigm (4)


You should move The Metropolitan to another category because this story was in the IBR last week:

Here is part of the full article:
http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/03/Funding-secured-for-Metropolitan-in-downtown-Boise



But Southers found a partner – Wilsonville, Ore.-based Costa Pacific Communities – to provide the equity he needed to pay off his loan, get the property back, and continue to move forward with construction plans.

Costa Pacific CEO Rudy Kadlub said he and Southers have applied for a building permit for the subterranean parking garage and first-floor retail component of the project.

They are redesigning the condominium floor plans to make them more efficient and create more living space, Kadlub said. Once the designs and plans have been reworked and the developers have acquired a construction loan, they hope to begin construction in late spring or early summer, he said.:banana:

[Boizean]

Thanks Cottonwood. Guess I missed (or forgot) that article. The last I had heard was the property was in default (or some such thing)...several weeks later, the web site went down and still is.

I'll move it to the Active.

[Cottonwood]

I think they changed the web address. It is now www.themetboise.com

[STRMCSR]

If the famous HOLE at 8th and main doesn't warrant anything but rain water or a Texaco station, maybe they should rally to get a 40 or 50 story reproduction of the Fiesta Bowl trophy, you know with rotating restaurant on the top with observation deck...Gift shop at the bottom with the history of the location dating back to the Eastman building.

[Boisebro]

Thanks Cottonwood. Guess I missed (or forgot) that article. The last I had heard was the property was in default (or some such thing)...several weeks later, the web site went down and still is.

I'll move it to the Active.

come on boizean, you can keep up! :banana: it's not like things change on these projects every seven minutes or nothin'. :haha:

:whip:


btw: this just in -- another project may or may not be on hold, pending further confusion.
:sly:

[boisecynic]

36th Street Garden Center update

I went inside to get a sneak peek pic and was in there for less than 30 seconds when I was confronted by lady who said she worked for the developer. She asked if I needed help. I got cold feet and instead of just asking for one pic all I could say was.....uh, when do you open? She said May 1st. I left, not wanting to be accused of tresspassing.

I gotta say, this place is amazing, you gotta see inside. That dome is all open air inside with some ornate ironwork at the top. The floor is all concrete and it looked like they were polishing it. Outside, the building is surrounded by several thousand sq ft of hand laid brick or brick looking pavers. More pavers than I've seen anywhere except Sun Valley's River Run Lodge Plaza.

With all the subs buzzing around, I don't see how they could work on any of the other proposed condos or retail.

My hat's off to the architect of this place.

http://i13.tinypic.com/3yplsm8.jpg

[Props]

It seems like defaulting on loans is becoming so popular it could qualify as an olympic sport. I'm seeing plenty of that in my new town. :rant:

By the way, I'm not new to the forum, just the silent type. :) Besides, I moved away from Boise 6 months ago for a new job opportunity and keep in touch with what's going on mostly by listening to you all.

[Evo5Boise]

If the famous HOLE at 8th and main doesn't warrant anything but rain water or a Texaco station, maybe they should rally to get a 40 or 50 story reproduction of the Fiesta Bowl trophy, you know with rotating restaurant on the top with observation deck...Gift shop at the bottom with the history of the location dating back to the Eastman building.

:haha: :cheers:

[Boizean]

come on boizean, you can keep up! :banana: it's not like things change on these projects every seven minutes or nothin'. :haha:

btw: this just in -- another project may or may not be on hold, pending further confusion.

:lmao: ...no I can't!

My hat's off to the architect of this place.

I agree, this looks good from the outside and I like the idea behind the project too.

It seems like defaulting on loans is becoming so popular it could qualify as an olympic sport. I'm seeing plenty of that in my new town.
Where's your new town Props? ...Sorry my project map has taken such a serious nose dive into oblivion.

[Sawtooth]

36th Street Garden Center update

I went inside to get a sneak peek pic and was in there for less than 30 seconds when I was confronted by lady who said she worked for the developer. She asked if I needed help. I got cold feet and instead of just asking for one pic all I could say was.....uh, when do you open? She said May 1st. I left, not wanting to be accused of tresspassing.

I gotta say, this place is amazing, you gotta see inside. That dome is all open air inside with some ornate ironwork at the top. The floor is all concrete and it looked like they were polishing it. Outside, the building is surrounded by several thousand sq ft of hand laid brick or brick looking pavers. More pavers than I've seen anywhere except Sun Valley's River Run Lodge Plaza.

With all the subs buzzing around, I don't see how they could work on any of the other proposed condos or retail.

My hat's off to the architect of this place.

http://i13.tinypic.com/3yplsm8.jpg

Looking nice and much better than the old abandoned nursery that used to be there. I am heading to Edwards Greenhouse (my favorite) this afternoon and will have to glance over to this new project as I drive by on Hill Road.
There will probably be some fierce competition between the two locations since this new center and Edwards are so close to each other.

[alphawolf]

From todays Statesman.

CCDC has no recourse after developer defaults on Boise Place loan
In wake of Boise Tower debacle, urban renewal agency didn't require agreement giving it oversight on project
By Joe Estrella - Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 04/12/07


Boise's urban renewal agency was so eager to put the Boise Tower fiasco to rest a year ago that it exempted the new developer from a standard agreement that would have preserved city oversight of the project.
That developer, Charterhouse Boise Downtown Properties LLC of McCall, acknowledged Wednesday that it has defaulted on a $2.6 million loan it took last year to acquire the Boise Tower site at the northwest corner of 8th and Main streets. Without the agreement, the city can do nothing about the loan default.

Charterhouse founder Gary D. Rogers demanded the exemption from a development agreement as a condition of his deal with the city to build a $126 million skyscraper where the Boise Tower had once been planned.

Ground was broken on the Boise Tower in 2001, but only a partly finished foundation was built, leaving a pit that still blights the heart of Downtown. The Boise Tower's developer, Rick Peterson, fought for years with city officials and lenders until he finally sold his interest in the project to Charterhouse last year, raising hope that the site finally would be developed.

Rogers had little trouble getting his demand for an exemption met by the urban renewal agency. Capital City Development Corp. Executive Director Phil Kushlan said Wednesday that dropping the written development agreement "seemed like an effective way to unwind all the legal entanglements" that ensnared the Boise Tower.

Rogers proposed a 31-story, 400-foot building that would be Idaho's tallest. The building was to house 98 hotel rooms and 138 condominiums. After he bought the property, Rogers said construction would begin by Christmas 2006.

No construction has started yet. Rogers now says work will start in a few months. He told the CCDC board Monday that he is contemplating a smaller building. The tower's height will depend on presales and construction costs, he said.

But construction still depends on Charterhouse obtaining financing. The loan default could make that harder.

Rob Perez, a commercial lending expert with U.S. Bank in Boise, said any default on a loan "does not bode well for future lending opportunities."

Rogers said the default on the $2.6 million loan occurred because the loan matured before Charterhouse was ready to begin construction.

"But we have until Aug. 2 to cure the default," he told the Idaho Statesman. "The lender will be paid."

The lender is Boise-based Alpha Lending, Rogers said. Perez said developers sometimes turn to companies like Alpha Lending if they cannot obtain bank financing or cannot get it quickly enough.

Redeveloping the 8th and Main site has long been a goal of CCDC, whose mission is to redevelop blighted areas of Downtown.

In 1997, CCDC required that Boise Tower Associates sign a development agreement that included strict timetables for obtaining financing and schedules for construction. Each time developer Peterson failed to meet one of the agreement's deadlines, CCDC came under fire from irate people angry about the hole in the ground.

On Wednesday, Kushlan was asked whether, after years of taking the heat for the Boise Tower debacle, the agency decided to take itself out of the picture so that it couldn't be blamed if Charterhouse failed to make good on its proposal.

"That's a pretty good theory," Kushlan answered. "Basically, we put it (the land) on the private market."

But Kushlan said CCDC will continue to require development agreements on any future projects on other land it owns. That includes a $58 million, eight-story, 245,000-square-foot condominium project BoDo developer Mark Rivers plans for a 1-acre parcel near the Boise Public Library and the Greenbelt. The housing project on CCDC land would be a part of Rivers' proposed $130 million Library Blocks redevelopment plan.

Rivers said he understood why CCDC is requiring a development agreement from his company and not from Charterhouse.

"I think they (CCDC) just wanted to wash their hands of it. They wanted to take themselves out of the picture," Rivers said.

Rogers said he insisted on the exemption from CCDC's agreement.

"It was a pivotal piece of acquiring the property," he said. "We didn't want some city agency telling us what we could and couldn't do.

"Now, economics will determine whether the property gets developed."

Rogers said preliminary work on the site will begin "soon," with full-blown construction under way by mid-summer.

"We're not sitting on this property," he said. "We paid a lot of money for the property, and we want to build a product that's worthy of the location."

Boise developer David Southers agreed that defaults often happen on construction projects.

Southers recently cured defaults on loans he took out to buy the city block between 15th and 16th streets and Idaho and Bannock streets. He said Wednesday that he still plans to build The Metropolitan, a five-story, L-shaped building with 33,000 square feet of retail and office space on the first floor and 90 condominiums on the four upper floors.

"We're the ones with our necks stuck out, and something like this happens and people think we're flaky," Southers said.

Charterhouse's loan default was first reported in the Idaho Business Review.

Way to go IBR!

[Cottonwood]

:previous: Is this lending expert from US Bank this reporters (idaho statesman) best friend? The reporter seems to rely on the lending experts theories quite often. The lending expert always seems to throw doubt into every development he is asked about. Seriously, every time...

[boisecynic]

I wouldn't put too much stock in what Estrella has to say. I will give him this, he's been consistent.....consistently sensational.

I wonder if his so-called expert source, the US Bank person, was the same person who, a few years ago, wouldn't underwrite a mortgage for the buyer of my house because he was worried about the snow load on the flat roof.

[Props]

Where's your new town Props? ...Sorry my project map has taken such a serious nose dive into oblivion.

I'm now a proud resident of Vernal, Utah. I'm permanently attached to the Treasure Valley, though. After all, it's where I was raised. It is nice, however, to only have to drive 5 minutes to get to work (instead of 45 minutes). So, any plans to put the map back up?

[BoiseAirport]

I wouldn't put too much stock in what Estrella has to say. I will give him this, he's been consistent.....consistently sensational.

I wonder if his so-called expert source, the US Bank person, was the same person who, a few years ago, wouldn't underwrite a mortgage for the buyer of my house because he was worried about the snow load on the flat roof.

I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about the average joes who drops their strong consideration to purchase a condo at the Boise Place, which would lead to a shorter height, after reading this, whether it's correct or not.

Anthony

[eastidaho]

I'm worried about the average joes

At the dollar per square foot Boise Place is charging, I don't think you are talking about average joes. IMO, the stereotype of an urban dweller in a swanky joint like this has a lot more understanding and sophistication than to be duped by some sourpuss in the local rag.

[nobody]

Boise's Downtown is one of America's urban success stories.

Dreams come true here. I'm living proof of the power of potential, and BoDo is an example of how a dynamic vision can become reality.

But where do we go from here?

1. Make Downtown living the right kind of living.

We must prioritize residences for the creative, professional and entrepreneurial class of 25- to 45-year-olds, not just empty-nesters. Government must "partner" in new housing, with lower impact fees and programs that foster affordability. A 24/7 attitude is a must, with new events and programs that give a greater daily dose of vibrancy. This spring, we'll launch a task force to drive action in the "creative class," as a tool for cultural growth, urban life and economic development.

2. Invest in cultural, educational and recreational assets.

We need a new central library, to serve as a gathering place, an educational resource for all ages and a showcase of our global role in technology and innovation. The current library is dated. The Foothills School is a gem and should stay Downtown. We should aim to land an art school or a physical liberal arts college. The time is ripe for more biking trails and river activities.

3. Transform Boise into a modern mass-transportation hub.

The Legislature failed this year to advance a mass-transit program, but we can't give up. The vision for a Downtown trolley system is sound, as is investment in ValleyRide and the exploration of light rail. Look at what mass transit has done for Portland's livability.

4. Build a stronger town-and-gown connection with Boise State.

BSU is a wonderful source of education, culture and economic development. We can find ways to bring BSU, literally and figuratively, closer to Downtown, with more academic and extracurricular activities. And we should be exploring university residences, as well as educational and support facilities, in the city's core.

5. Develop and execute an economic "powerhouse" strategy for Downtown.

We must ensure that Boise's economy kicks into a higher gear. I'll lead an effort to create a technology incubator Downtown this year, to help drive investment and job creation. Concurrently, we must grow the next generation of economic jewels, such as Microsoft/ProClarity and BOB Trailers. Companies like these may even have a place in our Downtown skyline. Downtown can expand west to the river, along the Fairview and Main corridors, where land is less expensive. Thoughtful planning and ingenuity can create a vital new neighborhood of appeal and a significant new tax base.

But, the question is: What could prevent Boise from reaching its potential?

Politics.

Will Boise's elected officials support an imaginative vision that requires bold decision making? I have confidence that our mayor and council will showcase their leadership.

Sadly, I have doubts that our Legislature will show the foresight that our community needs in this historic period of growth and transition. This year's session was a civics lesson in how the short-sighted, ideological politics of a few can harm many.

Above it all, there is a spirit of optimism and opportunity in Downtown Boise, which should drive "livability" with new investment, big ideas and a can-do imagination in a city we all love.

Dreams come true here and many, like myself, will keep dreaming — and doing.

Mark Rivers is a Downtown Boise real estate developer, who developed BoDo and has unveiled plans for the Library Blocks district.

Article - http://idahostatesman.com/128/story/79614.html

Mark Rivers wrote a very thoughtful letter to the editor, I think there's a lot of wisdom in what he wrote, would be nice if more people could get no board with his train of thought.

[Mr.Boisean]

Article - http://idahostatesman.com/128/story/79614.html

Mark Rivers wrote a very thoughtful letter to the editor, I think there's a lot of wisdom in what he wrote, would be nice if more people could get no board with his train of thought.

The more I hear what Rivers has to say the more I like this guy. We need more proactive, progressive thinking in Boise to conteract our idiot legislature.

[mttop]

Article - http://idahostatesman.com/128/story/79614.html

Mark Rivers wrote a very thoughtful letter to the editor, I think there's a lot of wisdom in what he wrote, would be nice if more people could get no board with his train of thought.

He sounds like he is on top of what needs to be accomplished for Boise.

[nobody]

Jefferson looks like it may actually be going ahead as early as next week now.

Developer Bill Clark said he received his building permit yesterday for The Jefferson, his condominium project at Fourth and Jefferson streets in downtown Boise. Clark said he plans to talk to his banker today and hopes to begin construction next week.

Though Capital City Development Corp. has been reluctant to give urban renewal funds to Clark for his project, CCDC Commissioner and Boise City Councilman David Eberle told Clark after this morning’s Downtown Boise Association meeting that the conversation about financing is not over yet.


Article - http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/18/Clark-Development-receives-permit-to-build-Jefferson-in-Boise

[Cottonwood]

Jefferson looks like it may actually be going ahead as early as next week now.



Article - http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/18/Clark-Development-receives-permit-to-build-Jefferson-in-Boise

Where's this one supposed to be again?


Jefferson Street
www.thejeffersonboise.com

[boisecynic]

Sorry, this is a tad off-topic.

Did anyone catch the sunset Wednesday night? I was up at the Depot (Train not Home) and on Crescent Rim at the end of a cold, rainy day, when lo and behold, the sun made a feeble appearance about 5 minutes before setting.

With a cloud ceiling at about 5500 and a snow level at about 5000 and the extremely oblique sun angle illuminating ONLY the downtown buildings----well, it was a once in a lifetime photo opportunity.

You guessed it, I didn't have my camera. Sawtooth, were you there? Jard? Anybody?

[City Of Trees]

I could see it from Ann Morrison Park.

[BrianInBoise]

Has anyone gone down to the Boise Place site and see if any of the prep work has begun on the pit? Per last weeks developments, it was said they would begin cleaning up the site this week.

[alphawolf]

Nothing as of yesterday.

[Evo5Boise]

Ugh, we are doomed aren't we. I'm starting to have a a pessimistic outlook on this Boise Place.

[Mr.Boisean]

Somebody should figure out a way to euthanize that hole in the ground and put it out of it's misery.

[nobody]

We could all just jump in it, that would probably fill it up.

[Sawtooth]

I saw this at the newspaper site.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/109/story/80300.html

Chef John Berryhill recently announced that he is moving his restaurant operations from 2170 Broadway Ave. to Downtown Boise.
The latest incarnation of Berryhill & Co. Cafe will debut in August in the former Tapas Estrella spot (121 N. 9th St.). Current employees at the Broadway location will stay on when the restaurant moves to Downtown Boise.

For the last two years, Berryhill and his partner, Glenn Mosell, have been working on their 1,400-acre resort project in Idaho's wine country. Berryhill's at Polo Cove will be in the sunny slope area of the Snake River Valley. No opening date has been set for the restaurant, which will be part of a larger resort development that also will have a winery, a boutique inn, a spa, a community village and artisan district, an equestrian center and a polo field.

[Boizean]

We could all just jump in it, that would probably fill it up.
:haha: And end our suffering too.

[Boizean]

...many cheers were heard throughout the land... :banana:

Per The Jefferson website
April 19, 2007

***GROUND BREAKING UPDATE***

The Jefferson will be breaking ground next week,complete with gala ground breaking party scheduled for April 26th! Come join the fun, enjoy music and food, and take a ride in a 60' aerial lift to see the gorgeous views. Stay tuned to the website for more information, or call 381.8006.



edit: Thought I would add a pic refresher...

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1562/jefferson15uf.jpg

[rudimentalist]

Hi all, I'm a long-time lurker and planning/development geek, but a first-time poster. Until now, because everyone in Boise appears to be too preoccupied with the Boise Place Curse to have missed something positive a little more than two blocks to the south. Isn't that dirt I saw being moved the end of last week around the future site of The Aspen? They can't just be aerating the lawn.

Carry on, noble brainiacs.

[jard]

Hi all, I'm a long-time lurker and planning/development geek, but a first-time poster. Until now, because everyone in Boise appears to be too preoccupied with the Boise Place Curse to have missed something positive a little more than two blocks to the south. Isn't that dirt I saw being moved the end of last week around the future site of The Aspen? They can't just be aerating the lawn.

Carry on, noble brainiacs.


First, welcome and so glad you joined. Second, we are excited about he Aspen, here is a pic, taken last thursday by yours truly. The did have equipment on site, but I guess that is gone now

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/5545/april07124aspenwt1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[SLCforme]

good god that's a narrow peice of land! I mean, I've seen the renderings and such but to see a close-up photo really puts it into perspective. Props to the developers for thinking outside the box and coming up with a really cool project where most people would have thought "we'll just throw down some sod and a couple trees". :tup:

[Evo5Boise]

good god that's a narrow peice of land! I mean, I've seen the renderings and such but to see a close-up photo really puts it into perspective. Props to the developers for thinking outside the box and coming up with a really cool project where most people would have thought "we'll just throw down some sod and a couple trees". :tup:

Ya it still amazes me that they are going to build a 17 story building on that skinny lot!! :D

[nobody]

It's pretty funny considering how many massive open blocks there are downtown, but I still give them huge props for it.

[Boizean]

I found myself on the IBR site and it looks like the residents of the WAMU tower are still at it with Capitol Terrace. :no: This has gotten to the point of being absolutely ridiculous. :(

So, any plans to put the map back up?
I plan to develop a new map using a different method so yes I plan to put the map back up.

[Boizean]

Here's a pic I took of the Capitol Terrace Project area. For those not familiar with the project, it will rise six floors above the low flat roof of the retail building (striped columns) that is in front of the parking garage.

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/4576/1000137ka3.jpg

[jard]

I like that angle, we had taken some shots during the last boise meet where either saturn or cityoftrees was holding up the renderings that he got from attending a meeting and we were all excited about it then, and the wamu people were still throwing a fit. Some things never change.

[IdahoMountainBoy]

Ugh, The WaMu residents are beating a dead horse:slob: ...don't they know some residents in NYC pay thousands/month to share a view of a brick wall?

[Cottonwood]

Boise is the 6th most creative/artistic city of its size.

This article was in the Statesman on Sunday. The arts obviously play a major role in downtown's development.

Here is the link---http://www.idahostatesman.com/109/story/80707.html

Boise Arts Commission seeks new role in city
City Council weighs expanding commission into a formal Department of Arts and Culture
By Dana Oland - Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 04/22/07


To understand how the arts fit into Boise's culture, meet someone in the airport's reception area upstairs. Walk down the escalator and step onto "Terra Firma," Elizabeth Wolf's artistically rendered map of Idaho set in the terrazzo floor. In Idaho's signature tones of sage green and sandy brown, the map marks Boise with bright red star.
One designation that has made city government take notice is that Boise is considered the sixth most creative city of its size in the nation (30th overall nationally). The listing from Richard Florida's creative economy index illustrates how the arts have become an increasingly important influence on Boise's character over the last several years.

As Boise decides how it is going to grow, both in its physical structure and economy, the arts will become a key component in future development, said Jade Riley, an assistant to the mayor.

"The arts have become a draw for the city; they're important in urban planning and in developing a sense of character and community as the city grows," he said. "You need someone to coordinate and facilitate that."



Boise is a relatively small city to create this distinction for arts and culture.

Departments of this sort are generally found in larger cities, including Phoenix, Sacramento and Seattle, which made this same change in 2002. That puts Boise on the leading edge nationally, said Michael Killoren, executive director of the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

[nobody]

I'd sure like us to do more with the arts. It's awesome that we're recognized but I miss living in Seattle where there were galleries on pretty much every block in Belltown where I lived. I though that was awesome.

Anyway I think we have a lot of areas that could become arts districts, I know they're thinking about that with Garden City but I think the Linen District could definitely turn into a really artsy area.

I'd also like to see more music venues in the area, but we're doing pretty awesome for ~600,000 people in the area.

Wow I said awesome like 10 times. I am awesome.

[Cottonwood]

Downtown is pretty impressive as far as the selection of art galleries for a city this size. I think we have them on almost every block and as more neighborhoods are developed around downtown, even more galleries will be added. First Thursdays are awesome (there is that awesome word again:) and really show off the artistic side of Boise. A lot of larger cities I have been to do not have the amount of public art that Boise has, so our city becoming an example for the arts.

[el conquistador]

I'd sure like us to do more with the arts. It's awesome that we're recognized but I miss living in Seattle where there were galleries on pretty much every block in Belltown where I lived. I though that was awesome.

Anyway I think we have a lot of areas that could become arts districts, I know they're thinking about that with Garden City but I think the Linen District could definitely turn into a really artsy area.
I'd also like to see more music venues in the area, but we're doing pretty awesome for ~600,000 people in the area.

Wow I said awesome like 10 times. I am awesome.

That is one of the main goals of the Linen district, a more ecclectic art-type community in the DT area. And, as cottonwood noted, there are many galleries in DT, a lot of them are smallish and like to operate fairly quietly. As for music venues, I would like to see more, and I saw a comment in the Statesman from a movie viewer who suggested a retro movie house that shows old pulp type films and B-movies. There are a few of those in Portland and Seattle, and I think would be cool in Boise.

[boisecynic]

Breaking news

Work at the Paradigm site----demolition of one of the old houses. Notice one of Boise's newest high-rises in the background? A double fix for you downtown construction news addicts.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7088/paradigmdp5.jpg

other Boisecynic exclusives
Foundation footing work at the site of the old State Court Cafe, 29th and State. I've no idea what this is going to be, though I heard a rumor that it was a King's or Dollar Store. I doubt it.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8638/statecourtsx7.jpg

And this sign at Americana and Shoreline is fairly new I believe. AGC = Associated General Contractors. Any details some of you might have would be interesting.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3826/shorelinedc6.jpg

[nobody]

I had no idea the Paradigm was located right there. Definitely the area Boise needs to focus on for infill, I'm excited!

[jard]

While we are at it here is a picture of the bank building being referenced in the post above - taken this last Thursday.
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2223/april07143oq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Evo5Boise]

I like the Wamu building. Too bad they never designed it taller. Then those idiots would have a view over the proposed 6 floor addition. But, I am sure they would still complain.

[Sawtooth]

That is one of the main goals of the Linen district, a more ecclectic art-type community in the DT area. And, as cottonwood noted, there are many galleries in DT, a lot of them are smallish and like to operate fairly quietly. As for music venues, I would like to see more, and I saw a comment in the Statesman from a movie viewer who suggested a retro movie house that shows old pulp type films and B-movies. There are a few of those in Portland and Seattle, and I think would be cool in Boise.

The Linen District has a great fine arts gallery/collection and is probably the venue which will help define the art scene in that pocket of downtown.
http://www.visualartscollective.com/

Boise is definately on the radar as an emerging artistic community. One aspect I notice is that people or artists here have their own independent style which in turn helps define the local community. I have several friends who have turned their alley garages in the Northend into artist studios.
Blown glass is becoming all of the rage.

[alphawolf]

Hotelier to build Marriott Downtown
Cost of hotel and convention center estimated near $100 million, up $20 million from initial projections
By Joe Estrella - Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 04/25/07


Hotelier John Q. Hammons said Tuesday that he has scrapped plans for an Embassy Suites Hotel adjacent to a planned new Downtown convention center and will build a 10-story, 250-room Marriott hotel instead.
Switching to a Marriott will save up to $4 million in construction costs because it would not include the huge atrium associated with an Embassy Suites, Greater Boise Auditorium District Chairman Stephenson Youngerman said Hammons has told local officials.

"And people who know the hotel business tell me that a Marriott has a more urban feel than an Embassy Suites, which are usually found in a suburban setting," Youngerman said. "There is also more name recognition,"

If completed, the new convention center would end five years of frustration for auditorium district officials who twice failed to get voter approval to build it.

As envisioned, the 130,000-square-foot center would be more than 40,000 square feet larger than the current Boise Centre on The Grove.

Jack Coonce, an official with Hammons/Oppenheimer Associates, a joint venture between Hammons and Oppenheimer Development Corp. of Boise, said the cost of the hotel and convention center is expected to approach $100 million, compared with the original price tag of $80 million.

A critic of the convention center said Tuesday that the auditorium district still has not signed an official contract with Hammons/Oppenheimer Associates.

"Are we being sold another bill of goods?" said Chuck Everett, operations manager for Ameritel Inc., a longtime opponent. "Are we going to give them another six months to sign a contract?"

Coonce confirmed that a final agreement is months away, but added that a contract has already been signed between Hammons/Oppenheimer Associates and Marriott.

The convention center/hotel project would be built on a five-acre piece of ground owned by the auditorium district between 11th and 13th streets in Downtown Boise.

It would include an underground parking garage with nearly 300 stalls. There had been discussions that Capital City Development Corp., the city's urban renewal agency, which operates several garages, might build it. But CCDC has decided not to, said Pat Rice, general man-ager of the Boise Centre on The Grove. That leaves the auditorium district to foot the bill.

"We'll pay for it (the garage) like we pay for everything else, from room taxes," Rice said.

The 5 percent room tax collected on some 5,800 hotel rooms inside the district provides most of the organization's revenue — about $4 million a year.

Everett said he was "skeptical" that the auditorium district can come up with the money to build the garage.

CCDC Executive Director Phil Kushlan was unavailable for comment.

Oppenheimer Development owns and manages 1 million square feet of real estate in Idaho and Wyoming. It's Boise's largest Downtown landlord, with 200,000 square feet of space at the Wells Fargo Center at 9th and Main streets and an additional 220,000 square feet of space at One Capital Center, 720 W. Idaho St.

John Q. Hammons manages 63 hotels across the country. Its properties include familiar names like Embassy Suites, Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, Radisson and the Sheraton hotels.


Sounds kinda odd that they would rush out and get Everett's opinion for this story. Just leave him out of the picture since he wants to leave his money out of it as well.

[Cottonwood]

Sounds kinda odd that they would rush out and get Everett's opinion for this story. Just leave him out of the picture since he wants to leave his money out of it as well.

I know---It is that reporter Estrella and his reporting tactics:yuck:

[nobody]

What the heck is a man-ager?

[Boizean]

What the heck is a man-ager?
The time spent waiting for these projects to actually come to fruition. ;)

[boisecynic]

April 30th deadline for public comment......

On the 30th St Specific Area Plan.

I just found at the cityofboise.org website a summary of the 30th St SAP. Argh, another terrible acronym. Anyway, I respectfully urge all of you to make positive email comments about the master plan and negative comments about the delay of construction of the 30th St Extension and the foot dragging of construction of Esther Simplot Park and Whitewater Park.

The cityofboise's front page has a link to the details. There are two reports, and they are lengthy. But look closely for the email link, read the reports if you want, but they are uber-long versions of what I've already surmised in this forum back in late Feb/early Mar.

Here's a direct link to the page that has the public comment email link

http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/PDS/NewsReleases/page17083.aspx

[Mr.Boisean]

Everett - shut up.

[Boisebro]

looks like another st luke's expansion... i wonder if this is to be built right on the corner of broadway and warm springs?

ST. LUKE’S REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER / GREG OSTROW requests Design Review approval to construct a four-story with one basement, medical office building on the St. Luke’s Medical Center Campus on property located at 139 E. Warm Springs Avenue in an HS-D (Health Services with Design Review) zone.

[nobody]

^I hope not, it could block my view of Jacksons :(

[boisecynic]

Dear Sensationalman; when you get your leads from this forum, how about giving us credit, huh?

Anyone catch the statesman's article about the Paradigm Condo project?

Instead of a lucid title like ---Work Begins At Another Downtown Condo Project---we get this sensational tripe--"One of Boise's oldest homes razed for condos." Worse, the story has made it to the top of the "most popular" category. Who knows if that "most popular" category is real though.

God, I just want to shout. First, I posted that news over 24 hours before they did, and though I have no way to prove it, I'll bet they got the lead from this forum. I used to live in that neighborhood and it was wonderfully convenient. I lived there before the Broadway/Chinden connector was completed, but once that happened the traffic noise soon made it a much more miserable place to live.

I can also say I've been in those particular houses and they were horrible and that was 15 years ago. Those "homes" as the statesman calls them were run-down ramshackle shacks owned and operated by greedy landlords without an ounce of civic pride.

I wish this forum had enough members to do a digg-effect job on the statesman. For those who haven't heard of the digg effect, digg.com com is a forum that has so many participants that if a sizeable percentage try to go to some written-about website, that website crashes due to the traffic overload.

Ok, that's my cynical rant for today.

[boisecynic]

And another thing.

The development under way at 29th and State WILL be a dollar store. I found the permit info at the cityofBoise PDS website. Great. What the hell good did the $100,000+ 30th Street Specific Area Plan do? Everything that came out of that study was against the very thing that is being built there----a single story box that will be setback from the street and who knows what cheap facade it's going to have.

Where's the sensational story about that, Kate?

Here, I did your homework for you, Family Dollar Store Permit:

http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/details.aspx?id=BLD06-03514

[Boisebro]

has anyone seen the grey lofts building at 8th and myrtle? i drove by quickly the other day, and it looks like the scaffolding is down. at a glance it looked pretty nice.

here's the rendering:

http://www.c-squaredboise.com/media/ow_smith_4x2.jpg

:tup:

[nobody]

Yeah the scaffolding has been down since I believe last week. I drive past it every day on the way home from work. Seems like they took them ever to gut the building, but once they did they just flew through sticking a frame in it and bricking the whole thing.

Looks pretty nice, actually.

[Mr.Boisean]

Wasn't he the forum's resident IBR'er?

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/26/IBR-Managing-Editor-resigns

IBR Managing Editor resigns

POSTED: 10:03 MDT Thursday, April 26, 2007

Managing Editor John M. Foster has resigned at the Idaho Business Review to become executive director of the Idaho Democratic Party.

The Democratic Party is expected to make the announcement sometime today.

Prior to being offered the position, Foster was on an extended leave of absence while he interviewed for the job.

Rick Carpenter, vice president and publisher of the Idaho Business Review, said Foster went on the unpaid leave of absence when he notified the publisher that he was going to apply for the position. Carpenter said the newspaper is politically independent and wants to support political candidates and policies that encourage business development regardless of political affiliation.

Foster joined the Idaho Business Review last year as the paper’s managing editor. He led the redesign of this Web site last November. A Boise native, John returned to Idaho from New Mexico, where he served as news editor of the Rio Grande Sun.

Carpenter said he has begun searching for a new managing editor.

Thats him all right. Maybe we'll see less fishing around here now.

[City Of Trees]

Wasn't he the forum's resident IBR'er?

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/04/26/IBR-Managing-Editor-resigns

IBR Managing Editor resigns

POSTED: 10:03 MDT Thursday, April 26, 2007

Managing Editor John M. Foster has resigned at the Idaho Business Review to become executive director of the Idaho Democratic Party.

The Democratic Party is expected to make the announcement sometime today.

Prior to being offered the position, Foster was on an extended leave of absence while he interviewed for the job.

Rick Carpenter, vice president and publisher of the Idaho Business Review, said Foster went on the unpaid leave of absence when he notified the publisher that he was going to apply for the position. Carpenter said the newspaper is politically independent and wants to support political candidates and policies that encourage business development regardless of political affiliation.

Foster joined the Idaho Business Review last year as the paper’s managing editor. He led the redesign of this Web site last November. A Boise native, John returned to Idaho from New Mexico, where he served as news editor of the Rio Grande Sun.

Carpenter said he has begun searching for a new managing editor.

[Boizean]

Okay, how did you two do that? Mr. Boisean quoted City of Trees before City of Trees posted....I'm impressed!


Can I read IBR now since John is gone? My subscription is up.