[Cottonwood]

Here are a few more:


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/12-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/14.jpg



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/17.jpg




http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/22.jpg



Crescent Rim Drive

Crescent Rim Condos--remember the NIMBY's?--too dense makes no sense:whip:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/7-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/6-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/1-1.jpg



Bronco Stadium in the snow


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/8-1.jpg


The snow stopped long enough to take this picture.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/2-1.jpg





Taken a few weeks ago. Soon The Aspen will fill in the gap between the US Bank Tower and The Grove Hotel, from this angle of course. There are so many different angles to get a picture of downtown.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/3-28.jpg




And some recent condo additions to downtown.



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/9-1.jpg



Hopefully when the convention center is constructed the ugly power lines will be no more.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/10-1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/11-1.jpg




The Royal Plaza is a very handsome building:yes: But you have to be rich to afford to live there. I always forget about those condos on 15 Street. Is that project considered part of the Linen District?

[Visualize]

Wasn't this in the news recently. The concept of realigning Broad st and making 10th St. go through ala 8th St. This was related to the placement of the convention center, GBAD wouldn't go for this street alignment proposal though. Can't say I blame them. Regardless, lining up Broad St and an extension of 10th St. would be ideal. This would expand the "pedestrian friendly" area.

I think this concept is part of the Pioneer Trail (walkway?) (path?) master plan. You know, the little greenbelt spur off of 11th that connects roughly with the Ann Morrison Park footbridge.

There were some artist renderings of overhead views, but for the life of me I can't find them.

Sorry it took so long to respond to this I was on vacation...

I've been looking for the renderings too and I can't find them either. I've seen the overhead drawings before and was really impressed with what they had come up with, especially all of the rezoning allowing for quite a bit of height along the path. The area right by the footbridge all bricked out with a bit jutting out over the river sounded intriguing. The only thing that I really didn't like were the plans to turn Myrtle into three lanes and allow parking on either side of the street. I don't remember the Broad/10th street area on there but I'll take your word for it.

Any idea on when this was supposed to start??? Seems like they decided which plan to go with quite a long time ago.

If you ever find the renderings again please post them and I'll do the same.

[Sawtooth]

Sorry it took so long to respond to this I was on vacation...

I've been looking for the renderings too and I can't find them either. I've seen the overhead drawings before and was really impressed with what they had come up with, especially all of the rezoning allowing for quite a bit of height along the path. The area right by the footbridge all bricked out with a bit jutting out over the river sounded intriguing. The only thing that I really didn't like were the plans to turn Myrtle into three lanes and allow parking on either side of the street. I don't remember the Broad/10th street area on there but I'll take your word for it.

Any idea on when this was supposed to start??? Seems like they decided which plan to go with quite a long time ago.

If you ever find the renderings again please post them and I'll do the same.


Is this the info you and Boisecynic are looking for? I found this at the CCDC website about the Pioneer Corridor.


http://www.ccdcboise.com/pdfs/smartcity/Competition_report_lores.pdf

[Visualize]

Excellent, yes, thank you. I couldn't remember for the life of me where I once found it.

[Visualize]

.

[Evo5Boise]

Wow. Excellent pics. I guess I haven't been in the downtown area for awhile as I didn't know the crane was up. Well, good to see some progressions. I got into a conversation today at work at just how much Boise has grown up in the past 20 years. It's almost amazing.

[Cottonwood]

Did anyone else notice this story about the old armory in the Eastend?
http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-jan2408-armory.556fe520.html


There is a lot of potential with that building, and a year round farmers market, as mentioned in the article, would be great.

[®uger]

...

[boisecynic]

In my opinion, what's burning is not the stucco, but the styrofoam they use to create the "stucco bumps." Look closely at the video, flames are coming exactly from the architectural details, better known as stucco bumps.

Of course, this is probably a topic for the skybar forum section.

[®uger]

Thanks for directing me Boisecynic, I'll take it there...

er, no I guess I'll just let it go, but you're right it's the foam and the synthetic EFIS burning...

[Boizean]

I thought the tower crane for The Aspen was supposed to be placed on the garage? Anyway, if The Aspen is supposed to be 194 feet tall, the crane seems quite short. When I was downtown earlier I didn't notice any lift unit installed for adding more vertical segments. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

[BoiseAirport]

WOahASHFASDFWAXC!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I'm going to explode!

Sen. Barack Obama is coming to Boise on Saturday!

http://www.idahostatesman.com/273/story/278462.html

Anthony

[jard]

I thought the tower crane for The Aspen was supposed to be placed on the garage? Anyway, if The Aspen is supposed to be 194 feet tall, the crane seems quite short. When I was downtown earlier I didn't notice any lift unit installed for adding more vertical segments. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

Maybe they will start the first 8 or 9 floors, and then move it to the garage and finish the rest?

[alphawolf]

They can always add to it were it stands. They just put another section of the crane in.

[Cottonwood]

Does anybody know how sales have been coming along for The Aspen? I last read that sales were brisk, but their website isn't updated.

[Cottonwood]

From our friends at the IBR---


SUPERVALU announces Boise expansion

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/01/29/SUPERVALU-announces-Boise-expansion

[®uger]

I thought the tower crane for The Aspen was supposed to be placed on the garage? Anyway, if The Aspen is supposed to be 194 feet tall, the crane seems quite short. When I was downtown earlier I didn't notice any lift unit installed for adding more vertical segments. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

It's more than likely a self erecting tower crane and it's height now means nothing. There are a number of reasons to NOT erect a crane to full height and the reasons are more those of the PM's and superintendents but more so and more than likely that of an engineer with due cause. It's a complicated quandary and just because it's a (?) self erecting crane it also means it can be used to build another crane. Here are just a few of the varieties http://koenigcranes.com/CraneSales/SelfErectingCranes.html Remember the BOI expansion, we had two towers ;)

[alphawolf]

From our friends at the IBR---


SUPERVALU announces Boise expansion

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/01/29/SUPERVALU-announces-Boise-expansion

Interesting, their old offices off Park Center are so bare now. At least they can go to Impact Guns on their lunch hour now and and get some target practice in.

[Boizean]

It's more than likely a self erecting tower crane and it's height now means nothing. There are a number of reasons to NOT erect a crane to full height and the reasons are more those of the PM's and superintendents but more so and more than likely that of an engineer with due cause.
I understand the benefits of the tower crane not being erecting to the full height as well as being self erecting. Self erecting though, requires the "lift" segment (or climbing segment) of which I didn't see in the current tower. That's what prompted my comment.

[®uger]

I understand the benefits of the tower crane not being erecting to the full height as well as being self erecting. Self erecting though, requires the "lift" segment (or climbing segment) of which I didn't see in the current tower. That's what prompted my comment.

It kind of looks to me from the renderings at the front of this topic that it's a two crane project. Just a guess, I can't see it from my house ;)

[BoiseAirport]

SNOW DAY!!!!!!! Hooray!

Anthony

[Evo5Boise]

SNOW DAY!!!!!!! Hooray!

Anthony

Must be nice.

[Cottonwood]

Urban renewal updates about downtown Nampa. Good news for the metro especially since we have suburban cities with real historic downtown districts.(not fake suburban cities as in other regions near us that build lifestyle centers in place of having no downtown).
It looks like downtown Nampa is "arriving". IMO, Nampa has many handsome brick buildings, kind of similar to downtown Pocatello, but Nampa is thriving while downtown Poky is still waiting for investment.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/westtv/story/280909.html


http://www.whynampa.com/lifestyle/downtown-nampa.htm

[alphawolf]

Didn't we have some photos of DT Nampa on here a while back?

[Cottonwood]

A twelve floor four diamond hotel for Meridian?!

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/01/31/Gardner-Ahlquist-breaking-ground-on-Meridian-development

[BoiseAirport]

A twelve floor four diamond hotel for Meridian?!

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/01/31/Gardner-Ahlquist-breaking-ground-on-Meridian-development

Holy cow...I'm starting to think we're getting the foundation for a 2nd downtown .

Anthony

[Boizean]

Hold your horses! I'm sure it's a misprint in the Review. The developers web site indicates a 7 floor hotel. Would be nice if they upped it but I rather doubt it.

http://www.gardnerahlquist.com/portico/index.html

[Evo5Boise]

Even 7 stories is great there!

[®uger]

In my opinion, what's burning is not the stucco, but the styrofoam they use to create the "stucco bumps." Look closely at the video, flames are coming exactly from the architectural details, better known as stucco bumps.

Of course, this is probably a topic for the skybar forum section.


Pardon my dumb ass but could someone please direct me to this 'Skybar Forum' The only thing I haven't done is a search which I don't think I should have to do if there truly is an 'off topic' area, I have data (pronounced day-ta not daa-ta) lotsa luv...

[Boizean]

Pardon my dumb ass but could someone please direct me to this 'Skybar Forum'
It appears to be gone!?

[Boizean]

Hold your horses! I'm sure it's a misprint in the Review. The developers web site indicates a 7 floor hotel. Would be nice if they upped it but I rather doubt it.
Glade to be wrong, it looks like it really is 12 floors. See comments under the article. :banana:

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/01/31/Gardner-Ahlquist-breaking-ground-on-Meridian-development

[boisecynic]

Skybar is still there. You have to be logged in for it to be accessible, I believe. For those who do not know, it's a sub-section on SSP forums front page, in which you can discuss anything.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

[Boizean]

True (been there several times) but it was missing when I posted (I was logged on) and now it's visible. Strange. :shrug"

Edit: It might have something to do with having multiple windows open on the same site.

[alphawolf]

Good to hear Meridian getting their first legitimate skyscraper.

[Cottonwood]

Has the new project started in downtown Meridian that takes place of the old grain elevator or whatever it is or was?

[Boizean]

Haven't seen anything started yet on that site but the new city hall building is sure making an impact.

[jard]

Haven't seen anything started yet on that site but the new city hall building is sure making an impact.


It sure is. It appears to be coming along nicely.

[alphawolf]

photos?

[Boizean]

I'll see what I can do, I'll be in Meridian Saturday.

[nobody]

I'm away for work and keep logging in to see that everyone is excited that we're getting a random building on Eagle Rd.

What about us poor folks that live downtown where nothing (new) is going on. :(

[Boiseguy]

well don't forget about the aspen.. its going up... and I was walking thru the park today and noticed the tall crane working on the crescent rim condo's as well..
I think if our economy starts to go into a recession.. places like boise are going to much more attractive and viable because of it's affordability...
I know that when I grew up in seattle .. the 70's and 80's were when things really took off and grew..even durring a recession... it was california's escape....

[Sawtooth]

:previous: Boise is usually somewhat sheltered, protected when the rest of the country is in a recession, it has practically been this way, ever since the city was founded. The country and world has discovered the secret that is Boise and Idaho and for good or bad, the growth will continue. I am excited for the projects that should start construction in downtown this year, there is a lot in the pipeline:fingerscrossed: and there are a few major projects currently under construction. When we start wishing we had more towers under construction, stop and look at our city: the setting, the mountains, the river, the parks, the greenery/foilage, the bustling downtown that isn't defined by malls or cheesy national restaurant chains, or prohibition of free speech. Boise is creative and progressive and our downtown has become a model for other cities that are trying to put life back into their city centers. Boise is probably one of the smallest cities to start a major push for light rail and tranport hubs, there is forward thinking here that is always at odds with the good old boys who don't want any change.


Anybody go to the Obama rally this morning? Julia Davis Park became the parking lot for his supporters.

[Cottonwood]

Uber Tamarack---


http://www.idahostatesman.com/business/story/284846.html

[Boiseguy]

:previous: Boise is usually somewhat sheltered, protected when the rest of the country is in a recession, it has practically been this way, ever since the city was founded. The country and world has discovered the secret that is Boise and Idaho and for good or bad, the growth will continue. I am excited for the projects that should start construction in downtown this year, there is a lot in the pipeline:fingerscrossed: and there are a few major projects currently under construction. When we start wishing we had more towers under construction, stop and look at our city: the setting, the mountains, the river, the parks, the greenery/foilage, the bustling downtown that isn't defined by malls or cheesy national restaurant chains, or prohibition of free speech. Boise is creative and progressive and our downtown has become a model for other cities that are trying to put life back into their city centers. Boise is probably one of the smallest cities to start a major push for light rail and tranport hubs, there is forward thinking here that is always at odds with the good old boys who don't want any change.


Anybody go to the Obama rally this morning? Julia Davis Park became the parking lot for his supporters.

I initially like edwards.. but since he's out of the race.. I am really liking obama, the fact that he came to idaho says alot. He certainly didn't have to or need to.. and the people came in droves to hear him speak...
America needs a voice of unity... the divide that has been formed due to the bush administration and their policies has done nothing good for america... what's the old saying.. united we stand.. divided we fail...

[Boizean]

No photo expertise but here's the new Meridian City Hall construction pics.

From Main Street
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/9346/1000682bf5.jpg

Meridian Road
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3733/1000685hn6.jpg

Comparison of size to the existing grain elevators still downtown
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3534/1000687an4.jpg

From Franklin Road
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2702/1000688ph1.jpg

[alphawolf]

It reminds me of a Golds Gym. Cool, thanks Boizean.

[BoiseAirport]

Anybody go to the Obama rally this morning? Julia Davis Park became the parking lot for his supporters.

I was there, and I couldn't believe how many went. The thought didn't even cross my mind before hand that there wouldn't be enough seats. Good thing I left early. I heard in the statesman that there were 13,000 in the stadium and then over 2,000 more had to stay outside where they put up speakers. Man it was so great that he came here, I think, especially to revitalize the Democrats here in Boise. If it comes down to Obama v. McCain, it could be one of the few and rare times that Idaho may vote Democratic. (It would be very very close if so)

Anthony

[Boiseguy]

I was there, and I couldn't believe how many went. The thought didn't even cross my mind before hand that there wouldn't be enough seats. Good thing I left early. I heard in the statesman that there were 13,000 in the stadium and then over 2,000 more had to stay outside where they put up speakers. Man it was so great that he came here, I think, especially to revitalize the Democrats here in Boise. If it comes down to Obama v. McCain, it could be one of the few and rare times that Idaho may vote Democratic. (It would be very very close if so)

Anthony

I think you might be right...

[Cottonwood]

Here's an interesting article from the paper about centennial anniversaries for some of the cities historic structures.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/life/story/285502.html

In its year-end summary of buildings completed in 1908, the Statesman enthused: "Nowhere in the country is a better class of buildings going up than is the case in Boise and in Idaho. The capital city residences range from the cottage style of architecture to the mission and the colonial while the bungalow prevails as the chief style, the mission and colonial have their share of admirers."

[cman]

I don't recall seeing this ever posted here so sorry if this a repost. I think Boise could be the envy of other forumers as this seems like a fairly completed inventory of 3-d buildings. Have fun

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=ccdc&btnG=Search&styp=m&start=0

[BoiseAirport]

I don't recall seeing this ever posted here so sorry if this a repost. I think Boise could be the envy of other forumers as this seems like a fairly completed inventory of 3-d buildings. Have fun

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=ccdc&btnG=Search&styp=m&start=0

Yup, thanks to the awesome efforts of the CCDC, I now have a complete 3D model of downtown on my computer :)

Anthony

[®uger]

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:kSnU710dXAdF3M:http://www.planetarygems.com/images/blue%2520no%2520heat%2520TOP%25201.42%2520ct%2520OV.jpg

[Boizean]

It was noted in the statesman today that Meridians population is currently 73,040. Nampa may not hold on to the second largest Idaho city for very much longer (I would est Nampa at about 82,500 currently)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/287124.html

[Boizean]

The Metropolitan may not materialize. Developer has put it on the back burner. :(

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/06/Metropolitan-owner-puts-projects-on-back-burner

[boisecynic]

To counter the sad news about the Met, I saw Idaho Power working at the Riverside Medical Center site, this afternoon. (utility pole work?) Hopefully they'll start work soon.

[Cottonwood]

The Metropolitan may not materialize. Developer has put it on the back burner. :(

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/06/Metropolitan-owner-puts-projects-on-back-burner

Hopefully they do start later in the year as the article indicates. I personally think they are holding off for paranoid reasons... stalling when they have a building that would most likely sell a lot of units quickly if they (the developers) had more confidence in themselves and the market. Maybe they are worried because of the number of units which will be in The Aspen, Jefferson and the new condos at Whole Foods which are to start this Spring. Obviously these projects are moving forward while the Met just sits and waits, and waits, and waits when they should not be.

[jimthemanincda]

It was noted in the statesman today that Meridians population is currently 73,040. Nampa may not hold on to the second largest Idaho city for very much longer (I would est Nampa at about 82,500 currently)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/287124.html

Yeah, using growth percentages from previous years, Meridian is set to overtake Nampa in the next 10-15 years. The article stated that Meridian's growth has slowed though, to under 3% a year. Has Nampa's also slowed? It will be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming years---which city will hit 100,000 first, etc.

Which city has more land available for infill and annexations? Not that I know too much, but I would think Nampa does because Meridian seems hemmed in by Boise to the east, Eagle to the north, and Nampa to the west...

[Cottonwood]

:previous: Idaho Falls and Pocatello must feel jipped losing their in state larger city rankings to Nampa, Meridian, and soon to be Caldwell and Eagle. Maybe even Kuna someday:)

[Boiseguy]

I think its a matter of the types of developement thats happening in each city.. both eagle and meridian are about have large lifestyle centre's built in the near future which are suppose to house higher end retail establishments, whereas nampa is seeing slapped up cheaper quality housing with sprawling big box's like best-buy and costco etc... Many things nampa is just now getting in terms of shopping Meridian has had for years...I think its proximity to boise will fuel further growth.. Nampa definetely has more potential LONG TERM.. in terms of land.. but dont forget that south of meridian is miles and miles of desert and they are Much more aggressive than Kuna. These lifestyle centers are sparking infill developement in meridian which is really good. I don't think nampa is on that path just yet.. they're still sprawling north and south.. Nampa has a lake to the south of it and caldwell to the west and north...



As for Idaho falls and Pocatello... Idaho falls while still small in population in city proper is still very much a regional hub. Pocatello is the one that is getting jipped I feel. It has always been the second largest city in idaho and it has first taken a back seat to boise, and now Idaho falls. Idaho falls has experienced HUGE growth but the statistics might mislead you to think otherwise. Idaho falls has little dotted villages all around it that have double and even trippled in size and as created basically one big block of urban developement much like boise, meridian, and eagle but just on a smaller scale of course.. I like keeping up on Idaho falls because like boise they have LOTS of civic pride over there and the posibilities are endless. Many people relocating to idaho falls area are from Utah.. last I was over there utah plates were damn near as common as idaho.. and I even ran into a few people that moved to utah when they were married etc but were origionally from idaho falls and are deciding to move back because the area is offering more jobs and lifestyle that is previously hasn't had. I don't particularly like pocatello because it just seems like a "has been" place.. but I certainly like idaho falls.. its a great area

[Cottonwood]

I think its a matter of the types of developement thats happening in each city.. both eagle and meridian are about have large lifestyle centre's built in the near future which are suppose to house higher end retail establishments, whereas nampa is seeing slapped up cheaper quality housing with sprawling big box's like best-buy and costco etc... Many things nampa is just now getting in terms of shopping Meridian has had for years...I think its proximity to boise will fuel further growth.. Nampa definetely has more potential LONG TERM.. in terms of land.. but dont forget that south of meridian is miles and miles of desert and they are Much more aggressive than Kuna. These lifestyle centers are sparking infill developement in meridian which is really good. I don't think nampa is on that path just yet.. they're still sprawling north and south.. Nampa has a lake to the south of it and caldwell to the west and north...



As for Idaho falls and Pocatello... Idaho falls while still small in population in city proper is still very much a regional hub. Pocatello is the one that is getting jipped I feel. It has always been the second largest city in idaho and it has first taken a back seat to boise, and now Idaho falls. Idaho falls has experienced HUGE growth but the statistics might mislead you to think otherwise. Idaho falls has little dotted villages all around it that have double and even trippled in size and as created basically one big block of urban developement much like boise, meridian, and eagle but just on a smaller scale of course.. I like keeping up on Idaho falls because like boise they have LOTS of civic pride over there and the posibilities are endless. Many people relocating to idaho falls area are from Utah.. last I was over there utah plates were damn near as common as idaho.. and I even ran into a few people that moved to utah when they were married etc but were origionally from idaho falls and are deciding to move back because the area is offering more jobs and lifestyle that is previously hasn't had. I don't particularly like pocatello because it just seems like a "has been" place.. but I certainly like idaho falls.. its a great area



I used to live in Poky for a number of years so I am familier with both cities. Idaho Falls is the hub for SE Idaho and offers a lot more than other cities its size do.
I personally prefer Poky's setting to IF's, but Poky needs major reinvestment, there is a lot of potential there and they have a gem of a historic downtown too.
As far as Nampa is concerned, I think it is great that the city is working to turn its charming downtown into a destination again. New stores, investment, and all of those new projects coming on line in downtown Nampa are going to add a lot to the whole metro. The transformation that Nampa has made the past 5 years is amazing, especially the Idaho Center area. Now Caldwell is next with the uncovering of Indian Creek and the investment going into their downtown.

[Boiseguy]

I think that the foothills around pocatello are much prettier than idaho falls' for sure and you're right about their downtown, its sad to see it crumbling and falling apart because it has just as much potential as boise's did if not more.. I guess I just like the greenbelt that idaho falls has and its proximity to the city center and the freeway... driving into idaho falls you're kinda of like.. "its flat and boring and bland" but soon as you exit onto broadway there's green space and just tons of potential..

[boi2socal]

I think Pocatello's immediate scenery is much more appealing than that of Idaho Falls. I think Pocatello has potential but it does seem to be in the shadow of Idaho Falls.

I haven't been to Nampa for a few years so I don't know how things are shaping up except for what I read. I have been in Meridian often since my family lives in the Eagle Area and it's development is crazy.

[Cottonwood]

Twin Falls has a great downtown too with tons of brick and history. Come to think of it, most Idaho towns and cities have interesting historic downtowns...even Rupert:)

[Sawtooth]

Pocatello at one time was destined to be the big city, even larger than SLC. The reason is because Pocatello was the largest rail center in the West, hence the nickname Gate City. Then history took its course.
Boiseguy, downtown Pocatello isn't crumbling although it does needs some TLC for sure.

[Evo5Boise]

Ya Meridian is growing so much. Even as young as I am (28) I can tell stories about how much it has grown. Hell, the whole area for that matter!! I attended Lowell Scott Middle School in the early 90's and it was in the middle of nowhere on a quiet 2 lane Eagle Road. Hard to image that now huh!?!?!?!? lol

[Boiseguy]

yeah I spoke with a friend here that grew up in meridian and she said that as early as 1998 eagle road was nothing but country fields and farms between boise and meridian... now its the most traveled road in the state with developement on all sides blurring the lines of boise and meridian.. not to mention the TWO lifestyle centres that are planned to be built along that road.. simply astonishing considering the time frame

[Boizean]

Has Nampa's also slowed? It will be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming years---which city will hit 100,000 first, etc.
Yes, Nampa has slowed in growth but probably not as much as Meridian. Housing prices are still much more affordable in Nampa.

Which city has more land available for infill and annexations? Not that I know too much, but I would think Nampa does because Meridian seems hemmed in by Boise to the east, Eagle to the north, and Nampa to the west...
Nampa by far. Meridian is surrounded by Boise (East), Garden City (Northeast), Eagle (North), Star (Northwest), Nampa, (West) and Kuna (South). Nampa has extended its impact area north to the Boise River and there is nothing to stop it from going south. It could easily surround the eastern side of Lake Lowell.

This map of the City Limit as of January 2008 shows the possiblities well.
http://www.compassidaho.org/documents/prodserv/maps/bi-countyE.pdf

[Boizean]

Ya Meridian is growing so much. Even as young as I am (28) I can tell stories about how much it has grown. Hell, the whole area for that matter!! I attended Lowell Scott Middle School in the early 90's and it was in the middle of nowhere on a quiet 2 lane Eagle Road. Hard to image that now huh!?!?!?!? lol
I too remember Lowell Scott being "WAY OUT THERE". :haha:

Back in those days for me Meridian was only 2,500 in 1970, 6,700 in 1980 and 9,700 in 1990. The real growth didn't start until the 90's.

[BoiseAirport]

Where's Boisebro? It seems like we haven't heard from him in a while. Anyone know?

Anthony

[el conquistador]

I too remember Lowell Scott being "WAY OUT THERE". :haha:

Back in those days for me Meridian was only 2,500 in 1970, 6,700 in 1980 and 9,700 in 1990. The real growth didn't start until the 90's.


When I first moved here in the mid-90's, a friend of mine was renting a house on Cloverdale Rd. I couldn't help but wonder why she wanted to live sooo far out........:koko: :D

[boisecynic]

Fettuccine Forum tonight: sorry for the late announcement, just found out about it myself. West Side Story; a global perspective on Boise's next big thing; speaker, Miguel Gaddi of HDR engineering.

5/5:30 pm, Rose Room of the Union Block Building, 718 W Idaho.

http://news.boisestate.edu/newsrelease/012008/0103miguelgaddi.shtml

[BoiseAirport]

Boise now has Bird's Eye View on Windows Live Local!!!!!!!!

http://maps.live.com/

Anthony

[boisecynic]

More West End news. The old Albertson's Ice Cream plant on 27th by Jerry's market set to become condos. Thanks for the story, Lora.

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/05/Multifamily-development-approved-in-old-Boise-ice-cream-plant

One thing about the article, "Commissioner Gene Fadness called it a creative, non-standard use of an existing facility and said the location, which is near surrounding neighborhoods, public transit and a neighborhood grocery store, is ideal for infill."

Uh, that is not near public transit, there is no bus on 27th Street though there should be. And neighborhood grocery store, you mean that eyesore that sells mainly beer and cigarettes. Sorry Jerry, but you need to paint over that graffiti, pick up the garbage and try killing off that giant patch of goatheads. It only takes 10 minutes a month to kill off goatheads, and about the same amount of time to paint over the graffiti. Maybe, if you'd keep it cleaned up a little better, you wouldn't get tagged so much!

Veteran's Park Neighborhood Association will be meeting (for the 1st time in a few years) Feb. 27th at 7PM at Madison Elementary, and I can assure you, Jerry's market will be a topic of conversation.

[logicskier]

More West Side news. The old Albertson's Ice Cream plant on 27th by Jerry's market set to become condos. Thanks for the story, Lora.

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/05/Multifamily-development-approved-in-old-Boise-ice-cream-plant

One thing about the article, "Commissioner Gene Fadness called it a creative, non-standard use of an existing facility and said the location, which is near surrounding neighborhoods, public transit and a neighborhood grocery store, is ideal for infill."

Uh, that is not near public transit, there is no bus on 27th Street though there should be. And neighborhood grocery store, you mean that eyesore that sells mainly beer and cigarettes. Sorry Jerry, but you need to paint over that graffiti, pick up the garbage and try killing off that giant patch of goatheads. It only takes 10 minutes a month to kill off goatheads, and about the same amount of time to paint over the graffiti. Maybe, if you'd keep it cleaned up a little better, you wouldn't get tagged so much!

Veteran's Park Neighborhood Association will be meeting (for the 1st time in a few years) Feb. 27th at 7PM at Madison Elementary, and I can assure you, Jerry's market will be a topic of conversation.

i think that this is the next up and coming area in boise for redevelopment.

[Cottonwood]

Here is more info on the West End.
http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A310913

[boisecynic]

That's one of the best reports yet in the local media. Thanks to Deanna Darr and the Weekly!

I have 3 points of contention though.

1) No mention of the construction of the Broadway/Chinden connector leading to the decline of the Fairview/Main Corridor.

2) From the article; "ACHD is also looking at the feasibility of two roundabouts serving as entrances to Esther Simplot Park, at the request of city officials."

ACHD does not want the roundabouts, and one of my sources, claimed they are ridiculous. The traffic patterns do not warrant them, because the cross traffic will be minimal. Please Ms. Clegg and Ms. Lacey, stop delaying this project. We got our compromise from ACHD, the landscaped medians! Roundabouts will further delay the project and increase the costs!

3) Also from the article; "On any given summer afternoon, Kolby said those ponds attract 100 kids per day who come to swim, while SCUBA divers take advantage of the clear water for training dives."

Yeah, the kids who leave broken beer bottles and litter all around and did this to dock number one. One of the things I'm working on is to ban swimming from the dock, i.e., make the docks boat launching and fishing only.

At some point last summer, somebody tried to remove the dock ramp's hinge pin, they got it part way out and then jumped up and down on the ramp trying to break it. Looks like they succeeded. Edit: Oh, I forgot to mention the railings, that are to prevent a wheelchair from going over the edge, those were vandalized on 2 of the docks also.

http://i28.tinypic.com/14ul0cw.jpg

This was probably done on purpose as well.

http://i32.tinypic.com/9th25l.jpg

[Cottonwood]

What was the Main/Fairview Corridor like before it declined---were there once bulidings where all of the huge car lots are at? I have always thought it is strange that both Main and Faiview have 4 or 5 (can't recall right now) one way lanes that can handle a lot of traffic, yet the corridor isn't utilized to the full potential. But then if you drive over to State Street it is a huge bottlenecked mess while West Main and West Fairview and all of their lanes are usually mellow and empty of cars. IMO the 30th Street Extension needs be bumped up to start construction next year or 2010...they are waiting too long, why wait so long when it is a need right now. ACHD, bump a stupid, boring road project out in the burbs in the Western edges of the city limits and make this road in downtown a priority.

[boisecynic]

Cottonwood, regarding how it used to be on Fairview/Main, it's been a long time and my memory is fading. Although I had visited Boise a few times, I've only lived here since early 92, when the B/C connector was being wrapped up.

Anyway, Bob Rice Ford and Roundtree Chevrolet (SE corner, 30th and Main) were vibrant car dealerships that were well kept (unlike the weedy and vacant look of today). Traffic on Main, outbound PM rush hour was much greater than it is now. Koppels Browzeville was an outdoor outfitters store that did a lot of business. The corner of 23rd and Main, (the old Denny's) was also much busier, because 23rd went straight on through to connect with River Street.

That's all I can remember, and I should say that I don't mean to imply Fairview/Main was all that great before 1992.

The City of Boise is responsible for delaying the 30th St Extension for well over a year so that they could do the area master plan. This was acceptable, IMO, because ACHD has agreed, in principle, to build it with landscaped medians as opposed to their normal plain old 5 lane Fairview type boulevard. But, this latest request by Elaine Clegg, and I could be wrong that it was her, to make roundabout intersections, is truly an unnecessary delay to the project.

[Cottonwood]

:previous: Thanks for the info Boisecynic. There is so much potential on that side of greater downtown. In some ways I wish the Whole Foods complex would be built where the city wanted to put the new police station, but then a 17 floor tower would be a loner in that area of town, but there is more density on the East side where it will be built, so it will ultimately blend in better with the surrounding urban landscape. The Boise Weekly article mentions that the whitewater park may start construction this Fall, hopefully Simplot Park starts coming along soon.
Simplot has enough money he should just give the city all of the funds it needs to develop the park.

[BrianInBoise]

anyone besides me notice while driving by the Boise Rescue Mission on Front St the lack of "residence" mulling around the old building for the last month? I also notice several water heaters just standing in the main entrance... could this be a sign of possible activity on the site and pending demolition??? :shrug:

[jard]

anyone besides me notice while driving by the Boise Rescue Mission on Front St the lack of "residence" mulling around the old building for the last month? I also notice several water heaters just standing in the main entrance... could this be a sign of possible activity on the site and pending demolition??? :shrug:

I think they have been using the rescue over on river street. I don't think they are using the one down on front anymore.

[Cottonwood]

Does anybody know if The Jefferson is going to put up a crane since the construction progress is now above ground level? The Royal Plaza used a larger crane then expected during its construction. Both seem to be similar sized buildings.

[mr condo]

No movement on the construction side for SC1 (the old boise mission site), and Jard is right, the've most (if not all) the residents to the 13th street location.

I would expect the Jefferson to use a crane, it is projected to be about the size of the Royal Plaza.

BTW, the Royal Plaza is nearing full completion, there are a few residents already living there. Turned out quite nice and the views to the N/NE are really pretty great.

[eastidaho]

:previous:
What is the boundary for the SC1 development? Do they include the whole block bounded by Grove, 5th, Front, and 6th? Does it also include the 1/2 block parking lot north of Grove?:shrug:


there are a few residents already living there.
:rock:

[boisecynic]

I recently read something about the odd triangular lot along Front St. IIRC, CCDC owns that and there might be some sort of deal in the works to transfer ownership. That lot is an orphan that was created when Front St was rebuilt in the early 90s.

The rest of that block, I don't know. I believe the developer owns the whole block though, except for R1013001928.

http://i31.tinypic.com/5n58xc.jpg

[eastidaho]

:previous:
Thanks for the overhead with parcel numbers BC. It reminds me of the job I had when I was attending Boise State. It was at a title company and after pouring over parcel maps for 2 1/2 years I found myself bored a couple times. I would look up tax assessments and ownership records on those downtown parcels. Of course dreaming I could pull out a cool million off my $8.75 per hour part-time student job and purchase some of those surface lots. :slob:

Back to reality, it would be interesting to see a site plan for all of SC1.

BTW, I will be in Boise mid-March for a meeting, I better see steel framing topped out on Aspen and the Jefferson. :whip:

[Cottonwood]

Woo-hoo, pics of Bronco Stadium expansion from the Statesman. Sporting facilites anywhere are kind of mundane (yawn), but this stadium expansion upward is part of the extended downtown skyline since the campus is downtown, so I guess it is worth a post here!


http://www.idahostatesman.com/397/gallery/291119-a291116-t2.html





http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2008/02/09/16/660-0212_sp_stadium01.standalone.prod_affiliate.36.jpg

[Beagle]

Google maps now has 360 degree street level photos for most of Ada County. Some are quite out of data but still cool.

[Visualize]

^^^ That is the coolest thing ever! Now they just need to model all the buildings into a video game and we can be grand theft autoing all over Boise.

[Visualize]

Anybody go cruise around Boise on there? My house isn't on there because I live in the east end but I went over to my parents house and the front door was open and the t.v. in their bedroom was on. Kinda creepy.

[boisecynic]

They've got my house on streetview, but not my car.

In other news, a flatbed trailer with a big storage container on top of it has appeared at the Riverside Hospital site. Could this be a sign construction is set to start? Or will it be another dud like the Met and Boise tower?

[jard]

I guess I should have checked here before I posted a topic in the main forum about the google maps stuff. That is really crazy what they have in there.

Like I said in the other post, they have a picture of my bike parked in front of the house.

[Sawtooth]

Photo update of The Aspen and other BoDo progression taken yesterday.


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/1-2.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/2-2.jpg



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/5-2.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/4-2.jpg



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/3-2.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/6-2.jpg



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/7-2.jpg



a balcony?

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/8-2.jpg



condos, or soon to be condos. front and rear

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/11-2.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/9-2.jpg


Any of you dudes an undercover ISP?:haha: Think bikinigate:rolleyes:
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/10-2.jpg


There is a ton of potential in this old warehouse.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/16-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/12-2.jpg



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/15-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/14-1.jpg



renovation in progress--the question is, will this be a boring office space or cool retail/bookstore/coffeeshop?
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/Cabin/13-2.jpg

[Boiseguy]

sweet pics sawtooth...

I can't wait until that urban corridor is connected with the new library blocks to the south..
I'm really wondering what the plans are for the warehouse to the west is. I think that would be a perfect area to put a small indoor multi-story shopping center.. much like pacific place in seattle... what about to the east? whats going on with the capital plaza building? their website is still up and running yet no news... what gives?

[Evo5Boise]

Nice pics. I love the 8th street marketplace. Speaking of which, I haven't been down to the Funnybone in quite awhile. I might have to take a trip down there.

[Cottonwood]

The Funnybone has moved out of the alley and is looking for another location downtown, which the news reported to the The Emerald club, but that isn't happening anymore and the Bone is looking for another location to open.
Isn't The Big Easy changing names?




p.s., I searched The Statesman and here is the update on the Funny Bone/Crack-N Me Up.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/277/story/289103.html

New comedy club Crack-N Me Up will not open at the Emerald Club as previously reported.

The deal fell through the day before construction was slated to begin, according to Pat Mac, who is planning to open Crack-N Me Up somewhere with Brian Lee.

Both men are former managers of the Funny Bone Comedy Club, which went belly up at the start of the year.

Mac and Lee hope to open Crack-N Me Up sooner rather than later. They just need to find a home for the club.

"We've got about three contracts on the table right now with different places for leases," Mac says. "Because our goal is to be up within the next four weeks, it's really putting the pressure on."

Wouldn't it be funny if Crack-N Me Up wound up opening right back where they'd started at the empty Funny Bone space?

[Visualize]

Wouldn't it be funny if Crack-N Me Up wound up opening right back where they'd started at the empty Funny Bone space?

I heard they were getting jacked for rent since all of BODO opened. Hopefully they find somewhere else, I didn't particularly like the small cramped layout of the old place. It felf like you were smashed up in the attic with all the obtrusive thick wood beams all over the place. Regardless it was still one of the best things to do in the evening.

[Cottonwood]

I always felt that when 8th Street Marketplace became Bodo, that the comedy club wasn't condusive for the warehouse area anymore. Not that the bone isn't cool, but it doesn't "fit" into that area of downtown anymore.
Maybe they will find a spot in the Linen District or somewhere in West downtown.

[rudimentalist]

Isn't The Big Easy changing names?

The Big Easys (two, the other being in Spokane) were bought by The Knitting Factory, which probably has them penciled into some kind of long term expansion plan. The New Orleans-theme has been scrubbed from the interior during the mini-renovation, and the web site development is in limbo, so it's probably only a matter of time until the branding does a 90-degree turn. That change will likely be in brand and name only, not in function, as both locations are top dogs in their markets as mid-sized performance venues. Wouldn't be surprised is future Knitting Factory acquisitions or deals include an eventual new brand. There's a lot of movement in the concert management industry right now -- a corollary to the problems/opportunities the major labels are having -- and mergers and buyouts will be the norm for the next 10 years. The term "Fillmore" has got to be a pretty valuable property in that regard.

[p.s. Love to lurk and learn, but this is only my second post in something like two years. Go Aspen!]

[LV at IBR]

Some bad news on the Whole Foods project, but at least it's still moving ahead:

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/19/Whole-Foods-developers-scaling-back-project

I had a story on David Hale last week. He's selling a lot of his projects:

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/13/Hale-plans-to-sell-Boise-residential-projects

Looks like the Colonnade in Meridian won't be built. And I'm sure you all heard the news about Christensen's two projects.