[Sawtooth]

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




I'm not too upset that the developers of Whole Foods are deciding to build the tower shorter. 17 floors would have been one lonely giant on that far side of East downtown anyways, 6 - 10 floors for the tower would be perfect and far more on a human scale with the surrounding buildings. If the tower were proposed for the heart of downtown that would be a different story. I am glad that that bare lot is getting developed after all, especially after that U of I fiasco.

Hale's decision is good because he can focus on The Linen District and not on projects all over the city.

[alphawolf]

I didn't really care for either design for Schlosser's building , but if a transition was needed from "human scale" thats a perfect spot for it. You have the transition buildings of WGI, Civic Plaza complex, and the 251 E. Front St. Buidling. What's needed now is a pinnacle building, though I think the tower section of the building needed to be facing Julia Davis as a selling point (park views). I still don't believe seventeen stories was a stretch because thats still on the lower end of highrises.

[boisecynic]

I know this will never fly in Boise, but I used to live in Wash, DC, and I really liked the look and feel of the K Street business district. There's a building height restriction in DC. Due to this, there is a wide area of buildings built to the identical maximum height, about 13 stories if I recall.

There's a certain beauty to the symmetry of the equal height buildings of downtown DC, it's also on a more human scale than the overwhelming buildings of Manhattan or SF.

[alphawolf]

I know what your saying. The more European or old world layout, but I think with the buildings we have currently thats pretty much out the window with regards to the St. Lukes building, Bannock Arms, and to some extent Imperial Plaza.

[Evo5Boise]

I didn't really care for either design for Schlosser's building , but if a transition was needed from "human scale" thats a perfect spot for it. You have the transition buildings of WGI, Civic Plaza complex, and the 251 E. Front St. Buidling. What's needed now is a pinnacle building, though I think the tower section of the building needed to be facing Julia Davis as a selling point (park views). I still don't believe seventeen stories was a stretch because thats still on the lower end of highrises.

Agreed

[BoiseAirport]

Not Boise Projects, but did anyone feel the earthquake this morning? It was just totally out of the blue, at first I thought I was going crazy in my English class, but then the teacher said "Do you guys feel that? It's an earthquake."

Interesting stuff, I almost wish the epicenter were a bit closer so it'd have been more interesting.

Anthony

[Visualize]

I didn't really care for either design for Schlosser's building , but if a transition was needed from "human scale" thats a perfect spot for it. You have the transition buildings of WGI, Civic Plaza complex, and the 251 E. Front St. Buidling. What's needed now is a pinnacle building, though I think the tower section of the building needed to be facing Julia Davis as a selling point (park views). I still don't believe seventeen stories was a stretch because thats still on the lower end of highrises.

I also agree that transition buildings are already in place and it's time to start going higher. At first I thought it was facing the wrong way too since the park and river are on the other side of the street, but the foothills which have much more character and make for a vastly more dramatic view to the north. I personally would opt for the hills and somewhat of a view of downtown.

Though now this discussion means nothing because at six stories they're not going to be able to see anything other than into the offices on the other side of the street. If the civic plaza apartments can be filled (granted lower income) then I'm sure they would be able to fill a skinny building with breathtaking views above a trendy grocery store, across the street from the river, and no more than a couple blocks away from BSU stadium and the heart of downtown. What a dissapointment. This is the main reason I don't want to see the west end develop yet. I fear a bunch of developers without faith in Boise's future will clog up the land with 2-6 story buildings when you have a perfect opportunity to plan for something that could be really dynamic and amazing.

[alphawolf]

I fear a bunch of developers without faith in Boise's future will clog up the land with 2-6 story buildings when you have a perfect opportunity to plan for something that could be really dynamic and amazing.

Exactly. The markets always fluctuate, but growth still occurs.

[Cottonwood]

What happened to Mr. Boisean? He seemed to know Mr Christensen and usually had updates regarding his projects. I have respect for Christensen but it is a shame that The Gem is sitting half renovated. It's gotta be frustrating for the first floor tenants. How come there is controversy surrounding him? What went wrong?
IBR, any updates?

[alphawolf]

Well, an reminder for people who might have forgot. according to a article in the IBR the Capitol Terrace Apartments are suppose to start construction in March at the earliest. Plus Idaho Camera has closed its downtown location in part to the planed construction of the apartments.

[boisecynic]

100 N. 8th is the address for Capitol Terrace, if you want to search City of Boise's PDS online. There has been quite a bit of recent activity. Currently under review is the permit for Lateral Force Resisting System Structural Upgrade.

http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/details.aspx?id=BLD07-03231

I think a start in March is a bit optimistic. But what do I know?

[boisecynic]

http://i27.tinypic.com/27zx1e1.jpg

chirp, chirp, chirp

[Cottonwood]

There are a lot of great infill projets lined up for Eagle, there are signs everywhere in that little burb exclaiming what is coming soon.
Eagle is "filling" in rather fast these days..the whole area (old farm land) south of State Street accross from Franz Witte nursery is being prepped for more and more development. I saw the signs for this project which is next to the river...a really pretty spot. It will even have a boutique movie theatre.


www.riverdistrict-eagle.com




The Promenade Shops at Lakemoor (http://www.pm-lifestyle.com/lifestyle_center/new/lakemoor/index.html) location looked like it was being prepped too. I wonder if these two developments will compete for certain retailers

[Bodo_business]

I don't get the feeling that they will be competing for retailers. I saw a prelim list of some of the tenants in Lakemoor and we have never seen most of them in the Boise area before. Think Versace, DG, Emporio Armani, etc. Brands like that do much better when they stick together at a "destination" shopping area.

[Boizean]

Here we go again with scaled down projects. Not really a biggie but still....

Boise Plaza parking garage is now at 5 levels from previously stated 8 levels. Five or six floor building could follow after the garage is completed.

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/26/Boise-Plaza-parking-garage-could-break-ground-in-May

[alphawolf]

But is it the garage planned at the Greyhound station lot still or maybe behind the 5-6 story and hotel on the same block facing Jefferson? LV at IBR?

[Cottonwood]

:previous: Aren't they also planning a city "block" park on the surface lot between Boise Plaza and Banner Bank?

[alphawolf]

Well, if its the northeast corner of 11th and Bannock then that's the same block.

[®uger]

There are a lot of great infill projets lined up for Eagle, there are signs everywhere in that little burb exclaiming what is coming soon.
Eagle is "filling" in rather fast these days..the whole area (old farm land) south of State Street accross from Franz Witte nursery is being prepped for more and more development. I saw the signs for this project which is next to the river...a really pretty spot. It will even have a boutique movie theatre.


www.riverdistrict-eagle.com




The Promenade Shops at Lakemoor (http://www.pm-lifestyle.com/lifestyle_center/new/lakemoor/index.html) location looked like it was being prepped too. I wonder if these two developments will compete for certain retailers


The one thing that I could never understand about the valley is the use of the 'farmland' over the preservation of those goddamn drab scrubby foothills.
I realize that building any infrastructure up there would be impractical at this point but if someone would have been thinking 15/20 years ago it would have been more a hell of a lot more agriculturally friendly.

Even if the cities in the Rockies were pushed up to and maybe not on top of it would make more sense to me. Really, why keep encroachment away from something that needs 'color' over tearing up and destroying irreplaceable farmland, it makes no sense to pave over an un-renewable resource. The same can be said about Salt Lake and other cities in Utah and Idaho. Look at the cost and rising costs at the produce isle these days and then look at the burbs popping up and covering some of the most fertile ground in the world.

I am ranting :hell: and I know that as far as Eagle goes what better place to set an example of wisdom. When I lived over there I was out in my garden digging out and old post and went down three feet before I hit sterility in the ground. Do you know how many states would like to have just one foot of good topsoil.........bla, bla, bla!!

Think how happy we all would be, and healthier..
:tomato:..........:cucumber:.........:apple:............:pepper:..........:apple:

[Sawtooth]

I stumbled on this info about the renovation of the Immanuel Church in Hyde Park. Preservation Idaho has the original plans on line and some pics of beautiful stained glass. It's nice to see some TLC happening to the church.


http://www.preservationidaho.org/advocacy/immanuel.shtml


http://www.preservationidaho.org/advocacy/immanuel-arch.shtml

[Cottonwood]

Here we go again with scaled down projects. Not really a biggie but still....

Boise Plaza parking garage is now at 5 levels from previously stated 8 levels. Five or six floor building could follow after the garage is completed.

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/02/26/Boise-Plaza-parking-garage-could-break-ground-in-May

But is it the garage planned at the Greyhound station lot still or maybe behind the 5-6 story and hotel on the same block facing Jefferson? LV at IBR?


This is actually an exciting project(s) to look forward to. Filling in those surface lots and creating even more density in downtown is a good thing and it's great to see more growth heading "westward" in the downtown core. I would rather see these blocks developed than the proposed tower the same development company wants to put on that lot on Capitol and Front.

[boisecynic]

Here's the link to the permit at pds online.

http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/details.aspx?id=DRH07-00355

Interestingly, there's been no activity since Nov 15. Thanks again for the story Lora, but what was the source of your informaiton? I know, that's confidential. In other news, my sources say Riverside Medical Center will break ground in March.

The roof of Boise Plaza sure is interesting. What are all those bubbles?

http://i28.tinypic.com/2cy1g28.jpg

[Evo5Boise]

Those bubbles are all skylights. I worked in a suite there about a month ago and noticed them. Really, it is kind of a cool building for being square.

[boisecynic]

Here's some updates:



Two new buildings for unknown retail use at the 36th Street Garden Center.
http://i27.tinypic.com/1238u2r.jpg

AGC's new office at Shoreline and Americana is moving right along. Notice the Banner Bank building in the shot?
http://i29.tinypic.com/2zdnb5z.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/ruwsie.jpg

Despite the residential real estate doom and gloom, Crescent Rim condos are also moving right along.
http://i32.tinypic.com/23jopcm.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2ur9h01.jpg

I don't know if anyone has ever posted pics of this, not a construction project, but a cool building nonetheless.
http://i31.tinypic.com/15gphjd.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/r7rb10.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2uhprnn.jpg

I don't know what's going on here. This is across S 17th from the PowerHouse and across Shoreline from the AGC site and hidden behind those tall junipers. Anybody know? I think it may be an Idaho Power job.
http://i27.tinypic.com/sowzyu.jpg

bonus pic
http://i32.tinypic.com/5o236.jpg

[boisecynic]

Update; 806 S 17th is a demo job and a sewer cap.

http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/details.aspx?id=BLD07-02901

[Go Vandals]

Here's some updates:



Two new buildings for unknown retail use at the 36th Street Garden Center.
http://i27.tinypic.com/1238u2r.jpg

AGC's new office at Shoreline and Americana is moving right along. Notice the Banner Bank building in the shot?
http://i29.tinypic.com/2zdnb5z.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/ruwsie.jpg

Despite the residential real estate doom and gloom, Crescent Rim condos are also moving right along.
http://i32.tinypic.com/23jopcm.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2ur9h01.jpg

I don't know if anyone has ever posted pics of this, not a construction project, but a cool building nonetheless.
http://i31.tinypic.com/15gphjd.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/r7rb10.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2uhprnn.jpg

I don't know what's going on here. This is across S 17th from the PowerHouse and across Shoreline from the AGC site and hidden behind those tall junipers. Anybody know? I think it may be an Idaho Power job.
http://i27.tinypic.com/sowzyu.jpg

bonus pic
http://i32.tinypic.com/5o236.jpg

Boisecynic,

The north retail building for the 36 Street Garden Center, will be my dental office, Hillside Dentistry. Regarding the South retail building, rumor has it that an Asian restaurant may be going in there. The latest I heard about the Garden Center Cafe, is that it will open the end of March.

I've been lurking on these forums for a few months now. Thought I might as well register when I saw my building come up on this thread. Nice pics.

Jeff

[boisecynic]

Thanks for the input and welcome. My comment should have been "unknown to me." That development is really a good looking one, in my opinion, and a great location also. Now if we could only get ACHD to build the traffic circle at 36th and Hill. If nothing else, the circle will greatly improve the looks of the area. Right now with the vacant lots, decrepit pavement and that chicken wire fence....looks are not so hot.

Which segues into my obligatory political comment. I would like to see some spending graphs with respect to ACHD's outlays in the area west of Cole RD/Glenwood/Gary Lane versus east of that line. I don't have any hard evidence to back this up, but it seems to me that spending has been heavily weighted to the western part of the county for quite some time now. Those of us in the eastern part of the county pay taxes too.

[logicskier]

Thanks for the input and welcome. My comment should have been "unknown to me." That development is really a good looking one, in my opinion, and a great location also. Now if we could only get ACHD to build the traffic circle at 36th and Hill. If nothing else, the circle will greatly improve the looks of the area. Right now with the vacant lots, decrepit pavement and that chicken wire fence....looks are not so hot.

Which segues into my obligatory political comment. I would like to see some spending graphs with respect to ACHD's outlays in the area west of Cole RD/Glenwood versus east of that line. I don't have any hard evidence to back this up, but it seems to me that spending has been heavily weighted to the western part of the county for quite some time now. Those of us in the eastern part of the county pay taxes too.

Hate to say it, but it looks like the traffic circle is DEAD because of no money!

STOPPED
PROJECTS STOPPED, NO MONEY

Boise

36th Street - extend from Hill to Cartwright roads.

36th Street and Hill Road - build roundabout intersection.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/306331.html

[cman]

Boisecynic- The Powerhouse is a very cool building. I remember going into it when Idaho Power had it. The current banquet/party use works very well for it.

[boisecynic]

To be fair to ACHD, that statesman article is somewhat inaccurate. I don't have time to point out the inconsistencies right now. But here's the relevant link.

http://www.achd.ada.id.us/Departments/PP/5Year.aspx

Click on the link at the bottom, the 2008 compared to 2009 one. It's a small pdf.

[logicskier]

A 200-acre development planned in Meridian will grow into Idaho's largest single-owner office, retail and residential project, its developer says.
Developer Dennis M. Baker of Boise unveiled plans for the Pinebridge Med-Tech Park on Friday before an audience of Meridian business and civic leaders. The project will stretch from Eagle Road west to Locust Grove Road and from Fairview Avenue south past Pine Avenue.

Pinebridge may cost more than half a billion dollars and could take 15 to 20 years to complete, Baker said. When done, it should have nearly 4 million square feet. He said he has taken 19 years to assemble land parcels.

The project depends in part on an extension of Pine Street by the Ada County Highway District. That work should start next week, Baker said.

"We have a project we think will help this valley, help the state," he said.

A proposed Staybridge hotel should be built before the year is out, he said. Baker also said he would move his company's headquarters to a 24,000-square-foot office building already on the site.

For more details, pick up Saturday's Idaho Statesman.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/logicskier/meridian3.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/logicskier/meridian2.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/logicskier/meridian1.jpg

http://www.idahostatesman.com/eyepiece/story/310442.html

[boisecynic]

That's a good looking building. I give it an A+!

[Evo5Boise]

Ya I actually saw the sign for that today on Locust Grove. I thought the same thing, wow, nice looking building!

[eastidaho]

boisecynic - Nice photos. :tup:

Also welcome to the new forumer with the initials G.V.

Unfortunately, I can't type your full name........it has to do with a big BLUE and ORANGE flag that hangs off my house in the fall on gamedays. ;)

[Go Vandals]

boisecynic - Nice photos. :tup:

Also welcome to the new forumer with the initials G.V.

Unfortunately, I can't type your full name........it has to do with a big BLUE and ORANGE flag that hangs off my house in the fall on gamedays. ;)

Hey eastidaho,

Sometimes it's tough to wear the black and gold around Boise, especially when you've been getting your ass kicked for the last decade. The Vandals will come back, though. I hope. :tup:

[el conquistador]

:evil: A 200-acre development planned in Meridian will grow into Idaho's largest single-owner office, retail and residential project, its developer says.
Developer Dennis M. Baker of Boise unveiled plans for the Pinebridge Med-Tech Park on Friday before an audience of Meridian business and civic leaders. The project will stretch from Eagle Road west to Locust Grove Road and from Fairview Avenue south past Pine Avenue.

Pinebridge may cost more than half a billion dollars and could take 15 to 20 years to complete, Baker said. When done, it should have nearly 4 million square feet. He said he has taken 19 years to assemble land parcels.

The project depends in part on an extension of Pine Street by the Ada County Highway District. That work should start next week, Baker said.

"We have a project we think will help this valley, help the state," he said.

A proposed Staybridge hotel should be built before the year is out, he said. Baker also said he would move his company's headquarters to a 24,000-square-foot office building already on the site.

For more details, pick up Saturday's Idaho Statesman.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/logicskier/meridian3.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/logicskier/meridian2.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/logicskier/meridian1.jpg

http://www.idahostatesman.com/eyepiece/story/310442.html

I like the implications of this project. Could bring MUCH needed professional level jobs to the region. Hopefully this is realized.

GO BRONCOS! (sorry GV, couldn't resist! :evil: Welcome to the forum! )

[nobody]

I'm not a huge fan of Eagle road turning into one of those roads sprinkled with 6 - 10 story office buildings with nice big parking lots, but I am a fan of some real new professional jobs coming to Idaho. I think the fact that the building is just awesome looking has put me on the pro side of this project, and the developer seems like he has his head on straight.

[boisecynic]

Fresh pictures of ES Park, Veteran's Park, WaterFront District and more in the Veteran's Park Neighborhood thread. Including, actual work being done on ES Park! Sawtooth, your pics were awesome as always. You always seem to capture something I hadn't noticed before.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146714

[el conquistador]

This is a surprise, looks like Micron will build a fab. plant in Boise:

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-mar0308-micron_expands.1b95cd45.html

Said it won't add many new jobs will hopefully secure existing jobs. I'll take it with a grain of salt, but still pretty good news.

[Chaisem]

New investor could bail out Charterhouse
POSTED: 10:30 MST Monday, March 3, 2008

by Lora Volkert

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Tags - Alpha Lending, Boise Place, Charterhouse

A new investor is willing to buy into the Boise Place project if the bankruptcy plan for Charterhouse Boise Downtown Properties, the project’s developer, is approved, according to a disclosure statement filed by Charterhouse. Robert E. Plummer, who has worked with Boise Place developer Gary Rogers and his partner James Knighton on past real estate projects, would become a one-third owner of Charterhouse. Plummer has been promised a 12 percent return on investment per year, according to the disclosure statement.

How we got here

Charterhouse had planned to build a tower up to 34 stories at Eighth and Main in downtown Boise. It bought the property for $9.6 million from Boise Tower Associates, a development firm headed by Rick Peterson, according to the disclosure statement. Peterson had unsuccessfully attempted to build a 25-story building called Boise Tower on the site.

Charterhouse paid Boise Tower Associates $2.5 million in cash at closing, using funds from $2.6 million loan administered by Alpha Lending. Charterhouse was supposed to pay Boise Tower Associates the remaining $7.1 million when he received a construction loan.

A seller repurchase clause in the sales agreement gave Peterson the right to repurchase the site if Charterhouse didn’t pay the $7.1 million within 18 months or if he defaulted on the Alpha Lending loan and failed to cure the default, according to the disclosure statement.

ISG Architects, the architects Charterhouse contracted with, filed a lien against the property for $500,000 in March 2007.

Charterhouse defaulted on the $2.6 million loan in April 2007. Alpha Lending moved to foreclose on the loan and later sold the interest in the loan to Robert Capps. The property was set to be sold at auction Aug. 2, 2007. Charterhouse filed for bankruptcy on Aug. 1.

The same day, Peterson and his firm Eastman Associates sued Charterhouse and its principals, Rogers and James Knighton, for not fulfilling the terms of the seller repurchase clause.

What’s next

Charterhouse filed its reorganization plan on Feb. 29 and is awaiting approval of creditors. Charterhouse’s plan must be approved by more than half of all the company’s creditors, and by creditors that hold at least two-thirds of Charterhouse’s debt by monetary value. If they don’t, there are bankruptcy code provisions that could still allow the court to approve Charterhouse’s bankruptcy plan if the company meets certain requirements.

The disclosure statement is filed in order to help creditors determine whether to vote for Charterhouse’s reorganization plan.

If the creditors and the court reject the plan, the bankruptcy could be converted from a Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy. Charterhouse argued against liquidation in its disclosure statement. It estimated that its assets would only sell for $5 million if they were liquidated. After the secured creditors took their piece, $8 million in debt held by unsecured creditors, including Peterson, would never be paid.

[boisecynic]

Assets, what assets? That land full of rusting rebar is worth $5 million. I'll pass.

[nobody]

So what does this really mean, a few more years of staring at the pit and similar behind-the-scenes drama every few months?

[Orlando]

Boise forumers,
I just thought I'ld mention how impressed I am with your downtown. I was passing through on my way from Salt Lake City to Portland, and I decided to check out downtown Boise. There's a lot of charm. The streets have a lot of neat shops and there are a lot of old buildings still intact. The new ones are pretty decent too. I'm originally from SLC and I post a lot on the SLC forums, and it's neat to see what other cities are doing.:tup:

[jard]

Thanks for the kind words Orlando!!

Glad you enjoyed your detour.

[boisecynic]

Boise forumers,
I just thought I'ld mention how impressed I am with your downtown. I was passing through on my way from Salt Lake City to Portland, and I decided to check out downtown Boise. There's a lot of charm. The streets have a lot of neat shops and there are a lot of old buildings still intact. The new ones are pretty decent too. I'm originally from SLC and I post a lot on the SLC forums, and it's neat to see what other cities are doing.:tup:

Thanks for the comment. Was your interest in making the side-trip due to this forum, at least in part?

[Cottonwood]

Boise forumers,
I just thought I'ld mention how impressed I am with your downtown. I was passing through on my way from Salt Lake City to Portland, and I decided to check out downtown Boise. There's a lot of charm. The streets have a lot of neat shops and there are a lot of old buildings still intact. The new ones are pretty decent too. I'm originally from SLC and I post a lot on the SLC forums, and it's neat to see what other cities are doing.:tup:

Thanks Orlando. I used to live in SLC, and when I have had friends from Salt Lake visit Boise for the first they were always impressed, blown away, and/or envious of what downtown Boise has and is like. Instantly all of their preconceived notions about Boise were washed away, and they always enjoy coming back. Their attitudes went from "what can there possibly be to do in downtown Boise" to "why can't SLC be more like Boise"?

[NYC Rick]

The difference between Boise and Salt Lake City are night and day. However, this night and day are reverse to your "what people say" scenario.

Metro SLC is a different to Boise as NYC, where I live, is to Salt Lake City.

Specify what you think Boise has that is not in downtown Salt Lake.

Funny, I only get back every few years but I was there just a while ago and what is happening in SLC is very progressive and its projects are taking on significant and important aspects that any larger city should want.

I got up to Boise, for the first time, last month before I returned. It is definitely a nice city but it still does not feel like a city at least in how I define a city.

It has definitely grown since I was last there.

[Cottonwood]

The difference between Boise and Salt Lake City are night and day. However, this night and day are reverse to your "what people say" scenario.

Metro SLC is a different to Boise as NYC, where I live, is to Salt Lake City.

Specify what you think Boise has that is not in downtown Salt Lake.

Funny, I only get back every few years but I was there just a while ago and what is happening in SLC is very progressive and its projects are taking on significant and important aspects that any larger city should want.

I got up to Boise, for the first time, last month before I returned. It is definitely a nice city but it still does not feel like a city at least in how I define a city.

It has definitely grown since I was last there.


Correct, the difference between SLC and Boise is night and day. Believe it or not, Boise is progressive and and offers aspects that larger cities try to emulate and I know that SLC is progressive too. While you may think Boise is not a city in your sense of the word, realize that there are many people who don't consider SLC a big city at all. This is why Boise and SLC are often compared to each other aside from the fact they are in two predominant LDS states in the mountain west. The main difference is at street level between the two downtowns... that is what I hear the most from people. Since you live in New York you know that a vibrant, exciting downtown is not full of malls that suck the life out of the streets. This is the difference, while SLC has a larger downtown most of "downtown life" is confined to shopping malls, and is what to become one new giant lifestlye center. Boise doesn't have the downtown malls, thank goodness(there were plans back in the 80's), so retail is scattered around the blocks and the blocks in Boise are a lot smaller than SLC thus more pedestrian friendly. The main difference is that in Boise a person can walk, stroll along block after block and there are shops, restaurants, galleries, sidewalk dining, parks, a river, ponds, which all creates an "energy" that SLC doesn't have ....yet. Boise is often, very often, referred to as a small Portland because of the layout and vibe of downtown, the funkiness, good food, wine, etc. Salt Lake has a lot of great things going for it, as does Boise. We can learn from each other:tup:

[nobody]

Yeah comparing Boise to NYC is definitely a useful comparison.

This just in: Moon has less gravity than Boise!

[Cottonwood]

News about the Boise State Research Park.



http://www.idahostatesman.com/boise/story/313605.html

[el conquistador]

Correct, the difference between SLC and Boise is night and day. Believe it or not, Boise is progressive and and offers aspects that larger cities try to emulate and I know that SLC is progressive too. While you may think Boise is not a city in your sense of the word, realize that there are many people who don't consider SLC a big city at all. This is why Boise and SLC are often compared to each other aside from the fact they are in two predominant LDS states in the mountain west. The main difference is at street level between the two downtowns... that is what I hear the most from people. Since you live in New York you know that a vibrant, exciting downtown is not full of malls that suck the life out of the streets. This is the difference, while SLC has a larger downtown most of "downtown life" is confined to shopping malls, and is what to become one new giant lifestlye center. Boise doesn't have the downtown malls, thank goodness(there were plans back in the 80's), so retail is scattered around the blocks and the blocks in Boise are a lot smaller than SLC thus more pedestrian friendly. The main difference is that in Boise a person can walk, stroll along block after block and there are shops, restaurants, galleries, sidewalk dining, parks, a river, ponds, which all creates an "energy" that SLC doesn't have ....yet. Boise is often, very often, referred to as a small Portland because of the layout and vibe of downtown, the funkiness, good food, wine, etc. Salt Lake has a lot of great things going for it, as does Boise. We can learn from each other:tup:

I think SLC is getting better, but it wasn't until recently. For a long time downtown SLC was not a good walking town, but added public transport has helped that I'm sure. My brother, who lives in the SLC area and is in government, commented a few years ago how the mayor wanted SLC to be better at street level and used Boise as a model. What Boise needs to model is the better architecture of SLC for new buildings.

[logicskier]

A mixed-use building still will be built on the old Boise Tower site, but on a “much smaller scale” than the building once envisioned as Idaho’s tallest, the developer said Tuesday.
Gary D. Rogers, founder of Charterhouse Boise Downtown Properties, originally planned a 31-story hotel, condominium and retail project. But Charterhouse filed for bankruptcy last August to stave off creditors as Rogers struggled to get the project under way on the open hole at 8th and Main streets.

Rogers did not say how tall the scaled-down building would be, but vowed that “it will always be a mixed-use project.” A mixed-use project is a mixture of residential, office and retail space.

Charterhouse last week filed a reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Boise. If accepted by the court and a trustee, the plan could pave the way for the project to go forward, Rogers told the Idaho Statesman.

The Charterhouse reorganization plan includes new details about the developer’s finances.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/314392.html

[alphawolf]

Fuck that noise! Just leave Rogers, you've done enough damage for one lifetime. You want to build a downgraded version? Then do it in west Boise, but not on such a prime and promised site. You dangle such eye candy then fuck it all up. Balls son, balls.

[Boiseguy]

are you kidding me? what a jerk.... so now he's going to scab up some 12 story "mixed use filler".... the court should force him to convert to chapter 7 and liquidate the whole mess and let someone else get the job done.... we don't need another hampton inn on 8th and main streets... what a fuckin douchebag..... obviously he has no shame.... meanwhile the rest of us have to look at another rooftop at treeline level only to have the airconditioning units on top as our new skyline.... I hope you read this forum Rogers.... boo for u.....

[BoiseAirport]

Wow, today is really turning into a shittier and shittier day by the minute. I'm going back to sleep.

Anthony

[boi2socal]

It is too bad the project will be scaled down, if built at all. But Downtown Boise still has a lot of room to grow and a more exciting project may find its way into town a little later.

[Boysee Boi]

I think Rogers is just trying to save face by building "something" there. Hopefully whatever midrise he now has planned is never granted a permit. I'm not so optimistic about that either however, as I'm sure the city is just as eager to have this saga come to an end.

[boisecynic]

The market is the market. And the market in Boise cannot and will not allow a 30 story building, not on that lot or any other. Not this year or next or the next. I say it's better to have a 10 to 12 story elegant building than the pit full of rusting rebar.

Give it time folks. Patience is a virtue. Boise will get a high rise, just not in the near future.

[el conquistador]

The market is the market. And the market in Boise cannot and will not allow a 30 story building, not on that lot or any other. Not this year or next or the next. I say it's better to have a 10 to 12 story elegant building than the pit full of rusting rebar.

Give it time folks. Patience is a virtue. Boise will get a high rise, just not in the near future.

I agree with cynic, Boise was not ready to have a big 'un yet, and trying to convince investors otherwise is too daunting a task. It will happen, but right now the region needs to focus on transportation, better paying jobs, etc....

Now, I would rather see this than nothing, and I would rather see a downtown with 10-20 story buildings covering all surface parking lots than focus on one tower.

It sucks, but sometimes reality isn't fun. :shrug:

[boisecynic]

I agree with cynic, Boise was not ready to have a big 'un yet, and trying to convince investors otherwise is too daunting a task. It will happen, but right now the region needs to focus on transportation, better paying jobs, etc....

Now, I would rather see this than nothing, and I would rather see a downtown with 10-20 story buildings covering all surface parking lots than focus on one tower.

It sucks, but sometimes reality isn't fun. :shrug:

Conquistador is right, as well as hoping and praying for a new highrise, equally important is premium infrastructure development. A downtown trolley/cirulator, and ---sorry for sounding like a broken record---but, the whitewater park and ES Park are the downtown amenities that could and probably would spur greater interest in downtown development. Also, the Pioneer Corridor project is worthy of consideration.

It's sort of a chicken and egg argument.

[Cottonwood]

Conquistador is right, as well as hoping and praying for a new highrise, equally important is premium infrastructure development. A downtown trolley/cirulator, and ---sorry for sounding like a broken record---but, the whitewater park and ES Park are the downtown amenities that could and probably would spur greater interest in downtown development. Also, the Pioneer Corridor project is worthy of consideration.

It's sort of a chicken and egg argument.





:previous: Good points. There are simply too many other projects and proposals to get so wound up on this one tower. There are a ton of proposals for downtown and many more will come, the future for Boise is very bright. Besides it still can be trimmed down 8 - 10 floors and still be a new tallest. I will be satisfied if it is at least the same height of US Bank but hopefully it is still taller. Look forward to the new Convention Center and what will follow, Library Blocks, the infill around the Boise Plaza. And the fact that we have a downtown with active urban life at street level which other cities are desperately trying to achieve.

[nobody]

Took a few quick shots of some construction this afternoon in Boise. It was windy and I'm tired so excuse the sun spots and general shoddiness of the photos.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2313393682_ac8c829ba7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshuaisneat/2313393682/)
Capitol Expansion, there's quite a bit of steel in the pit.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2313395858_c6a8704302.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshuaisneat/2313393682/)
The Aspen coming along nicely, already have the first floor of jaggedness done, working on the next.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2313394426_84b968f2a4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshuaisneat/2313394426/)
The Jefferson seems like it's taking forever.

[BoiseAirport]

Conquistador is right, as well as hoping and praying for a new highrise, equally important is premium infrastructure development. A downtown trolley/cirulator, and ---sorry for sounding like a broken record---but, the whitewater park and ES Park are the downtown amenities that could and probably would spur greater interest in downtown development. Also, the Pioneer Corridor project is worthy of consideration.

It's sort of a chicken and egg argument.

That is actually very wel said. Call me not positioned on a stance, but, you've actually convinced me that this isn't really terrible news, and it's something I can easily accept.

Besides, 8th and Main is NOT the prime spot for a signature tower from a skyline focal point. Indeed, there is a plot of land covered by surface parking that, if developed into a beautiful, elegant signature tower, will produce a by all means perfect skyline view.

Anthony

[Sawtooth]

The current issue of Boise Weekly mentions the Capitol Terrace addition and states that a massive crane will be put up over the escalator area and that Main Street will be used for construction loading. I am kind of curious as to how this will affect the Saturday Market.

[el conquistador]

The current issue of Boise Weekly mentions the Capitol Terrace addition and states that a massive crane will be put up over the escalator area and that Main Street will be used for construction loading. I am kind of curious as to how this will affect the Saturday Market.

That's a good question, but there is still room on the Grove for some overflow. Hopefully it doesn't affect the mini-donut stand, my kids would kill me if we took them to Saturday Market and couldn't get donuts! :D

And, talking to BoiseAirport's point, the 'signature' tower doesn't necessarily have to be in the center of downtown. Look at the USBank tower in Portland (at least that's what it was when I lived there in '98), I would consider that the signature tower there, and it's not in the center of the downtown area. There's still lots of underutilized land between Broadway and 16th street! ;)

[eastidaho]

Thank you for the pictures Nobody, and great comments by everyone.

I like the photo of The Aspen and how you can see where the fourth floor starts that jagged face. I am crossing my fingers on the glass. IMO, this thing could be a beauty. Plus 17 floors on that sliver needs some more dancing bananas.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana::banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[boisecynic]

Yeah, the Aspen seems to be moving quickly. I live about a mile from there and last I saw there were only 3 floors.

[boisecynic]

Found this photo while going through the hard drive of my old computer. This is St Luke's.

http://i32.tinypic.com/wbwg2e.jpg

[alphawolf]

Speaking of the Aspen, they have a bunch of materials on the roof of City Centre Garage, but I haven't seen any cladding yet. They might have some pieces across the street though....don't know at what point they're planning on starting with the glass. They were suppose to open up the Front St. exit again to the garage, but with the crane in it's current location blocking the exiting view the insurance company told them they couldn't.

[Evo5Boise]

See, I agree with el conquistador on a signature tower location. I don't think they always have to be in the center of downtown. I think in my opinion that a signature tower for Boise would look great on the West end of downtown.

[Cottonwood]

Anybody need a good wax job for that pesky hair that won't go away? Head to Eagle:smiley3:


Eagle becoming hub for valley's pampered
http://www.idahostatesman.com/eyepiece/story/316811.html

[logicskier]

Anybody need a good wax job for that pesky hair that won't go away? Head to Eagle:smiley3:


Eagle becoming hub for valley's pampered
http://www.idahostatesman.com/eyepiece/story/316811.html

Eagle = :slob:

[boi2socal]

Haha...well, I think you can at least blame this on the Californians. Obviously, Idahoans will use it but since Eagle has been a hot spot for equity wealthy Californians I find it no surprise such shops have opened up.

[Cottonwood]

Eagle is on the way to becoming a retail hot spot. I hope with all of the growth that they leave some open space along the river because the river bottoms there are so beautiful. Mainly from Eagle Road along Highway 44 west.

[boisecynic]

Breaking News

A fence has gone up around the Riverside Medical Center site. Could this be a sign that construction is imminent?

http://i25.tinypic.com/sl21l3.jpg

[el conquistador]

Breaking News

A fence has gone up around the Riverside Medical Center site. Could this be a sign that construction is imminent?

http://i25.tinypic.com/sl21l3.jpg

That would be my guess. I drove by there Thursday and no fence. It ain't a tower, but it's another building project. :D

[BoiseAirport]

Ugh, you know news is slow when the breaking news is dealing with a fence being put up. Oy vey.

Yeah yeah, I know the meaning behind it. I kid, I kid.

Anthony

[Go Vandals]

What is the latest word on the proposed convention center for downtown Boise? IMO, the Center on the Grove doesn't cut it for attracting big conventions.

[el conquistador]

What is the latest word on the proposed convention center for downtown Boise? IMO, the Center on the Grove doesn't cut it for attracting big conventions.

I thought groundbreaking was supposed to be this year, but in the world of Boise construction timelines that could mean it will be submitted for redesign and scaled back by about 2010........ :sly:

[boisecynic]

Has anybody seen this? Only $9,000,000, condo project at 3130 W Main. Correction: 3031 W Main

http://listings.listhub.net/pages/IMLSID/857/98349857/?channel=oodle

http://i32.tinypic.com/2d7z9j.jpg

This is breaking news, it was just listed and it's the Shiloh Inn property not the Bob Rice Ford property. Dear KTVB, you can give credit for this scoop to boisecynic, thank you for your co-operation.

[alphawolf]

Its the old Bob Rice Ford lot.

[boisecynic]

Its the old Bob Rice Ford lot.

I just called the realtor, it's the Shiloh Inn property not Bob Rice Ford. You must have posted before I edited my previous post. Since this is a new page I'm going to post the pic again

http://i32.tinypic.com/2d7z9j.jpg

[el conquistador]

I just called the realtor, it's the Shiloh Inn property not Bob Rice Ford. You must have posted before I edited my previous post. Since this is a new page I'm going to post the pic again

http://i32.tinypic.com/2d7z9j.jpg

I saw this last week on an MLS site! Mrs. Conquistador and I are going to attempt to sell our house (wish me luck), so we check the listings quite a bit to see what's out there and for how much. This one came up at the top of this list! :haha:

[alphawolf]

I just called the realtor, it's the Shiloh Inn property not Bob Rice Ford. You must have posted before I edited my previous post. Since this is a new page I'm going to post the pic again

That's what I though too, but I googled the address and it was on the other side of that block so I thought that the Shiloh must have been on Fairview.

[boisecynic]

That's what I though too, but I googled the address and it was on the other side of that block so I thought that the Shiloh must have been on Fairview.

Argh, typo on my part back in my first post. The address is 3031 W Main, not 3130, partial dyslexic here.

[alphawolf]

That's still weird though, because it's closer to Fairview. Is the entrance off Main?

[Visualize]

That's still weird though, because it's closer to Fairview. Is the entrance off Main?

To get to the Shilo Inn from Fairview you have to turn onto 30th St. first and then hook a left and go through the parking lot of the old army navy store. Coming from the Main St. side you have to go through the parking lot of the building that touches Main and the river. If anything they should say that it is on 30th since it is more parallel to that street and perpendicular to Fairview and Main.

[boisecynic]

I believe, but I'm not sure, that the addressing anomaly goes way way back. There was a Main St bridge (guessing by the looks of them) well before there was a Fariview bridge. Then, when the Fairview bridge was built in the 50s?, that's when they cut 30th St through, from Main to Fariview. Or maybe I have this backwards, Fairview bridge was built first and it used to be callled Main.

[Cottonwood]

Wow, this isn't good PR for Garden City and then couple this with the fact that little ole' G.C. doesn't have the best reputation in the valley. Now G.C. is going to be known as the trailer park city, adult entertainment/quarter booth city, and now the city that banned bikes from a stretch of OUR greenbelt.
Good Job G.C. Way to be a team player!






Garden City Council refuses to reconsider bike ban ordinance

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/320102.html

[Visualize]

Hopefully they get this figured out and allow bike access. It's really frustrating and not fair to everyone to limit certain stretches of the greenbelt when it runs for twenty plus miles. I get upset every time I reach the nature reserve area in east Boise and have to make a long horrible detour. The stretch in east Boise is probably one of the nicest sections along the whole path and they won't let you ride through it, and yet every single time you walk through there dogs are running loose all over the place.

Garden City shouldn't even exist anyway. They are just the big skid mark on the shorts that is Boise.

[alphawolf]

Garden City shouldn't even exist anyway. They are just the big skid mark on the shorts that is Boise.

Agreed, just give that tax base to Boise. :)

[el conquistador]

Agreed, just give that tax base to Boise. :)


I chatted with the owner of Golden Wok on Chinden, says in GC he has to pay a city and county liquor licence, when in Boise it's only the county licence. And the one in CG is about 3x the cost.

[boi2socal]

Areas vote to form a city or secede all the time. I'm sure the people that actually vote in Garden City would vote to join Boise. I guess it would probably have to be on Boise's ballot too. Not sure. Any lawyers around? lol

[Visualize]

As much as I take jabs at Garden City I think it has more potential than many other areas in Boise because of its current status. Pretty much the whole city is gridded which if done correctly could end up being an amazing addition to Boise's downtown and it is filled with nothing that wouldn't be overly expensive to bulldoze and redevelop. The development across from Esther Simplot Park is a nice start though as good as it is I wish they had built it slightly more urban with the buildings built to the sidewalks etc. I can definitely see 36th which is basically Orchard that connects to that development turning into a sweet Hyde Park type area if someone with some money discovers it. If the rail line takes off in Boise it would also be very easy to run it into Garden City from west downtown which is just across the river. The possibilities are endless.

What would anyone else like to see Garden City transition into?

[boisecynic]

What would anyone else like to see Garden City transition into?

You ask a tough question, my first instinct is to stay away from it. However, I can't resist. I've long thought GC and Boise City should merge. It's silly to have a huge island in the middle of Boise. My biggest gripe is GC residents use Boise parks regularly but pay nothing towards their upkeep.

Perhaps your question should be separated into short, intermediate and long term goals.

Short term goals. Continue with WaterFront style development in upper GC, I say upper because the southern end is the upstream end. Mid rise buildings would be a suitable use from the Chinden interchange to VMP. One thing I don't like about the WFD is how close the single family homes are. Jeez, just build condos and save that 3 foot strip of land to go around the outside.

Intermediate goals. The Boise River needs to be the focus for GC. Fairgrounds redevelopment. GC needs to pony up some money for the River Recreation Park and ES Park and the footbridge at the WaterFront District.

Long term goals. Convert Chinden into a freeway. Yeah, that's gonna be controversial. Merger of GC and Boise governments. Boise City Council would have to be expanded and council elections be changed to districted elections from the current at-large format. I'm already in favor of this change right now.

[Visualize]

Short term goals. Continue with WaterFront style development in upper GC, I say upper because the southern end is the upstream end. Mid rise buildings would be a suitable use from the Chinden interchange to VMP. One thing I don't like about the WFD is how close the single family homes are. Jeez, just build condos and save that 3 foot strip of land to go around the outside.

Intermediate goals. The Boise River needs to be the focus for GC. Fairgrounds redevelopment. GC needs to pony up some money for the River Recreation Park and ES Park and the footbridge at the WaterFront District.

Long term goals. Convert Chinden into a freeway. Yeah, that's gonna be controversial. Merger of GC and Boise governments. Boise City Council would have to be expanded and council elections be changed to districted elections from the current at-large format. I'm already in favor of this change right now.

Thanks for your views, we're definitely mostly on the same page with this. I think early identification of what should happen is crucial to seeing it become a reality.

Of course first on the chopping block is Garden City becoming Boise. That is a no brainer it's just convincing them that's the hard part.

I've been anxtiously awaiting any news on the Fairgrounds redevelopment, but nothing so far. I'm hoping this will be the start of a huge transition. If they can do it right it would be the perfecet opportunity for the start of what they could consider their downtown. If they could get the rights to divert some river water and then put it back, but inbetween add in plenty of streams and ponds, for that large of an area it would be totally unmatched and insanely unique if built with high density mixed use.

I've thought about Chinden becoming a freeway and I have a couple different possible views. Not too long ago as I'm sure you remember there was an article put out that Garden City wants to eventually turn Chinden into a seven lane boulevard. I think this would be a much better option than running a freeway through there since it would be running parallel to the river and prime future property (granted like 50 years future). Then just turn it into a freeway once it reaches Glenwood. The other possibility is to build the freeway through GC but don't smash it through the middle like Chinden, dividing an already fairly skinny strip of land. Run it along the bench where the canal runs in order to preserve all the land without making transitioning from one side to the other difficult. I think both options would work nicely.

Once some of these critical pieces get put in place it will really be fun to visualize the future.

[Northernlad]

I have said this before, but the river you have in Boise is such an asset to your city and it is so obvious whenever I am in your city. Many of the other larger cities here in the dry mountain west don't have the same luxery, or to the extent which Boise does and the river and what there is along it definately puts Boise in a league of its own amongst cities in our region. The riverside developments mentioned and the pics really seem to compliment the river which is such a treasure.

[Comrade Reynolds]

I have said this before, but the river you have in Boise is such an asset to your city and it is so obvious whenever I am in your city. Many of the other larger cities here in the dry mountain west don't have the same luxery, or to the extent which Boise does and the river and what there is along it definately puts Boise in a league of its own amongst cities in our region. The riverside developments mentioned and the pics really seem to compliment the river which is such a treasure.

To be fair, we do have the Jordan River in Salt Lake, even if it's constantly filled with dead bodies. :D

[Evo5Boise]

Thats a tough call on Garden City. The West end of Garden City isn't bad, across Glenwood. It almost would be wierd to not see the main drag of Garden City the "rundown meth lab hole" of Boise. :) It has always been that way since I was a kid. Although to me it doesn't scare me anymore. Its all about Caldwell being the hood now.

[IFtowner]

Caldwell is scary.

Update me on Boise Place.

Pronto.:whip: