[boisecynic]

Oh joy, I've been wanting that warehouse torn down for a long time. This will make easier for one of my lifelong Boise road dreams that will never happen but should--connect 4th Street between Grove and Front and finish off the one-way couplet with 3rd and 4th all the way to Myrtle....




:previous: That's a smoking hot idea, I had never thought of it. I had to drive down there just to check it out. 3rd and 4th are definitely underutilized, I've long known that. Making that a couplet A) could make a grand entrance to Julia Davis Park and B) would take some traffic away from 5th and 6th allowing for a eastward expansion of the pedestrian friendly zone.

Time to whip out the eminent domain stick?

:tup: :tup:

[Viperlord]

:( Its spreading like the plague:(

Market slows for downtown Boise housing

March 31, 2008

http://www.idahobusinessreview.com/archive.htm/2008/03/31/Market-slows-for-downtown-Boise-housing

Three residential buildings finished this month have added more than 120 homes to downtown Boise and its periphery.
There were 43,000 workers downtown and only 2,000 dwelling units as of 2003, according to the Capital City Development Corp. Web site. A 2004 study commissioned by CCDC identified substantial demand for downtown housing.
Two projects that are still under construction, the Aspen and the Jefferson, could add another 110 condos to the downtown market.
But beyond those, the future of the housing in downtown Boise depends on the markets – and the courts. Two downtown projects are bankrupt and a third is in foreclosure proceedings. Half a dozen others are on hold until real estate and financial markets improve or until the developers finish redesigning them in response to shifting markets.

Completed projects

CitySide Lofts: The Hosac Co. finished its first building in CitySide Lofts in 2007 and expected to complete the second building by the end of March. As of last week, the company was cleaning the building, checking the finishes for flaws, performing fire-testing and other inspections, Vice President Ken Hosac said.
The two five-story buildings, located at the corner of 13th and Myrtle streets, contain 77 condos.
Royal Plaza: R.S. Hosac Inc. recently completed the six-story Royal Plaza building at 11th and Main streets. As of last week, the company was just “shining off the doorknobs and things,” developer Bob Hosac said.
Ten of the 26 condos had already been sold as of mid-March, and Bob Hosac expected another to close in two weeks.
Grand Avenue Townhomes: Neighborhood Housing Services was putting the finishing touches on 20 townhouses on Grand Avenue between 14th and 15th streets last month, staging furniture in some of the homes to prepare them for tours, interim Executive Director Bea Black said. The organization had received its occupancy permit for the first two buildings by mid-March and expects to receive occupancy permits for the other two buildings by the end of the month.
NHS designed the project as “workforce housing,” affordable to people making 80 to 140 percent of median income. But there are no income restrictions, Black said. Starting prices for the two- and three-bedroom units are $197,500. Two of the units have already sold, she said.

Under construction

The Aspen: Crews started pouring concrete for the seventh floor of the Aspen earlier this month, developer Scott Kimball said. Kimball planned to pour the eighth floor by the end of March and floors nine, 10 and 11 in April. If the project stays on schedule, they should be able to top out the 17th floor penthouse by the first week of July, he said.
Snow didn’t stop construction on the 70-condo project on Front Street between Eighth and Ninth streets. Construction crews only lost one or two days of work this winter, Kimball said. “They were out there pouring in the snow,” he said. Because of that, he expects to be able to stick to his goal of moving some residents into the building by the end of the year. “We’ve got a lot of anxious buyers, anxious to get in there,” he said.
The Jefferson: Concrete work on the six-story Jefferson project is complete, now that the underground parking garage and first two stories have been finished, developer Bill Clark said. “It’s going to go quickly now after all the concrete work,” Clark said.
The Jefferson, located at Fourth and Jefferson streets, would have 43 condos. As of last week, construction crews had begun work on the third story, which is the first level of wood construction. They were in the midst of framing, masonry work, and installing plumbing, electrical wiring and other utilities, and expected to start putting brick on the exterior soon. Clark said he hoped to have the building ready for occupancy by fall.

On hold

Whole Foods: The developers of a planned Whole Foods on Broadway Avenue between Front and Myrtle streets plan to include a hotel and condominium tower in the project. The tower was originally planned to be 17 stories and include 56 condos. But the developers are now redesigning the tower to shorten it. It would contain fewer condos, according to Dave Winder, associate broker for the Winder Co.
The developers, Texas-based Schlosser Development and landowner Jim Kissler, plan to resubmit designs by April 12, Winder said.
Capitol Terrace Apartments: Developer Ken Howell plans to build six floors of affordable apartments on top of the Capitol Terrace building at Eighth and Main. The 100-unit project has been delayed by opponents of the project who live in the neighboring Washington Mutual building and who have appealed throughout the approval process.
But that’s not what’s holding up the project now, Howell said. He has come to an agreement with the neighbors, but it involves Capital City Development Corp. making some improvements and additional maintenance in the Capitol Terrace parking garage, which the agency operates. CCDC has not yet approved the agreement, but Howell hopes it will at the board’s April meeting.
Howell hasn’t yet figured out final costs either, and his financing is in progress, but it isn’t complete.
The Library Blocks: Mark Rivers’ six-block Library Blocks project – a mixed-use project that would involve redeveloping the area between Myrtle Street, the Boise River, Capitol Boulevard and Ninth Street – has been delayed. The start date for construction of the first building, River8 at the corner of Eighth and River, has been pushed back to 2009 to give time for the credit landscape to improve, Rivers said. River8 would include 218 condos, 40 of them workforce units.
“Not only do you need the construction lending market to improve so you can afford to build, you need the mortgage market to come back so your buyers can afford to buy,” Rivers said. Since the Library Blocks’ timeline is more than five years, extending the timeline for River8 by six to 12 months makes little difference, he said. In the meantime, he is tweaking the design of River8 and looking at ways to maximize the whole Library Blocks area.
The Metropolitan: Developers Rudy Kadlub and David Southers have put the Metropolitan, a planned five-story building with 90 condos at 15th and Idaho streets, on the back burner. Kadlub said he’s monitoring capital markets and residential sales to figure out when it’s the right time to build. They may start construction in the second half of 2008 at the earliest, Kadlub said.
Boise Rescue Mission project: Developer Clay Carley planned a green, mixed-use building on Front Street on the site of the Boise Rescue Mission. It was initially planned as 23 stories and to contain 103 condominiums, including workforce condos. But Carley and his new partner on the project, Urban Frontier, have had to change the design to make it more financially feasible. The new project would be much shorter and contain fewer condos.
As of early this month, Carley was still negotiating with his contractor to cut costs out of the project.
Linen District: David Hale plans to build 10 to 30 condos on top of the Furness Building at 15th and Grove streets, site of Second Chance Building Materials Center. He also plans some mixed-use buildings on lots at 14th and Main and 14th and Grove, which would contain some residential. But Hale’s timeline is indefinite. He wants to wait until market demand increases.
“It’s just very difficult these days to commit to projects when the financing is so up in the air,” Hale said.

In court

Gem & Noble Building: Developer Gary Christensen planned to redevelop a 106-year-old building at 10th and Main streets and build nine condos on the second story. But he ran into financial trouble partway through the project. Contractors and subcontractors filed liens and Sterling Savings Bank attempted to foreclose on the property. Christensen’s firm filed bankruptcy before the property could be sold. A hearing is scheduled for early April, but the process could take much longer.
R. Grey Lofts: Christensen also started to redevelop a three-story, century-old building at Eighth and Myrtle streets into 19 condos and ground-floor retail. The R. Grey Lofts building also ran into financial trouble. Liens amassed, and Bank of the Cascades sued to foreclose on the property. The bank plans to sell the property at auction in April if Christensen does not make some arrangement to pay up or declare bankruptcy first.
Boise Place: Developer Gary Rogers’ firm Charterhouse Boise Downtown Properties declared bankruptcy a year after announcing plans for a 31-story tower with 138 condos. Rogers has submitted a reorganization plan that would allow him to take on a new investor and build a much shorter tower, but the plan has not yet been approved by creditors or the court.

I am really surprised at how fast the aspen is going up. Could be topped off by July. Wow. :tup:

btw, any word on the status of the capital plaza (i think thats what its called):shrug: the 14 story office project?

But I tell ya we got to get back to a better market for building residential and other projects. I think every city in the mountain west is seeing a slowdown in construction. SLC is for sure. reading through some of the PHX threads i know that they have as well.


Here is to better times on the horizon:cheers: :)

[Evo5Boise]

Wow. I think it is a curse to ever build a new tallest in Boise. Anything that looked to take that title (and everything else for that matter) is being redone to become shorter. Shorter towers, meh.

[BrianInBoise]

Just found this on the Statesman website on the Aspen. Looks like a full article tomorrow in the Life section.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/eyepiece/story/358093.html

Great little short video on some of the harzards of the site... watch out for falling screwdrivers!:runaway:

http://videos.idahostatesman.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1829977

[Cottonwood]

Blue/Green glass. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[In Boise]

That calls for not 1, or 2, but 3 dancing bananas!

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[alphawolf]

"Topping out is scheduled for July, the blue-green glass should start going up this week and the exterior will be largely finished by September. Tenants are expected to move into some of the condos by October."

http://www.idahostatesman.com/life/story/358348.htmlhttp://

[City Of Trees]

They've moved in a bigger crane to the Aspen today to finish off the rest of the floors. As a result, it blocked off three of the five lines on Front Street between Capitol and 9th and the far left turn lane from Capitol to Front is also closed off. Don't know if those closures will last as long as the crane is there or not, but if so, it's going to screw up traffic over there in the process.

[Cottonwood]

They've moved in a bigger crane to the Aspen today to finish off the rest of the floors. As a result, it blocked off three of the five lines on Front Street between Capitol and 9th and the far left turn lane from Capitol to Front is also closed off. Don't know if those closures will last as long as the crane is there or not, but if so, it's going to screw up traffic over there in the process.


It is a good challenge for some of those impatient drivers who lane weave from Broadway to the Connector on ramp.

[boisecynic]

They're going to add sections to the top of the tower crane. This is a bit unusual, in that they're removing the top of the tower crane instead of just jacking it, or jumping it in crane lingo. Don't know why they're doing it this way. Liability? My battery went dead or I'd have pictures of 2 new sections that arrived on a flat bed semi. I'm sure 2 sections are not enough, so this is probably going to go on past rush hour. Glad I don't have to drive on Front Street.

1
http://i30.tinypic.com/x0vfpt.jpg

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http://i30.tinypic.com/sglfdd.jpg

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http://i28.tinypic.com/2wqwye9.jpg

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

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http://i30.tinypic.com/212xq51.jpg

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http://i28.tinypic.com/15z5bpg.jpg

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http://i30.tinypic.com/34rsxg0.jpg

10
http://i29.tinypic.com/28bz8ea.jpg

11
http://i30.tinypic.com/2u6dzlk.jpg

[rudimentalist]

Great shots! I got stuck in that traffic returning from lunch today, but was able to slip down 6th and through The Flicks lot when I saw what was coming. (Since the Aspen cleared the garage we've been able to watch upper-floor construction from my office along the Boise River to the south.) What location is shot #9 from? It has to be the Hotel 43 structure, but it looks like you are hovering above the southwest corner of 9th & Front. Thanks for the pics.

[boisecynic]

The last 3 were from the Hotel 43 parking structure. I saw a couple of other photogs up there too. Any of you?:cool:

[Sawtooth]

Nice pictures. I like this one because it shows the curve on Front Street.
If anyone from ACHD reads this forum, please fix the timers on the pedestrian crossing between BoDo and The Grove.:( The traffic is allowed to flow by for minutes upon minutes, and then when the traffic light is red for the vehicles, us pedestrians are awarded with what seems like minimal seconds to cross the street.;) An underground tunnel for the pedestrians, much like the tunnels on the Greenbelt would be a dream come true for us who bike because the vehicles mess up the flow along 8th and those vehicles are in our way!:halo:

Boisecynic:
http://i30.tinypic.com/212xq51.jpg

[City Of Trees]

Nice pictures. I like this one because it shows the curve on Front Street.
If anyone from ACHD reads this forum, please fix the timers on the pedestrian crossing between BoDo and The Grove.:( The traffic is allowed to flow by for minutes upon minutes, and then when the traffic light is red for the vehicles, us pedestrians are awarded with what seems like minimal seconds to cross the street.;) An underground tunnel for the pedestrians, much like the tunnels on the Greenbelt would be a dream come true for us who bike because the vehicles mess up the flow along 8th and those vehicles are in our way!:halo:

I actually asked someone from ACHD about this once. During the afternoon rush hour the 8th Street ped light is delayed a bit because of the large volume of traffic turning left from Capitol to Front. They want to fit in as many of those cars as possible from Capitol to 9th (two blocks) before the 8th Street light turns to prevent queue-ups on Capitol.

Now, what I REALLY want them to do is to simply automate that signal, so you don't have to push the button. Like you mentioned, if you get there at the wrong time, you are waiting a long time for the rush hour Front cycle to complete.

[boisecynic]

The long term plan should be to tunnelize Front and Myrtle from 5th to 11th or maybe all the way to 184. Didn't councilman Shealy make that proposal a year or 2 ago? He caught a lot of flack for that but I think it's a good idea.

I think I've posted this before, but I believe it deserves to be kept in the limelight. Something like this will have to be done by the state government and IDOT.

I 15 in San Diego's inner city Normal Heights neighborhood:
http://i31.tinypic.com/23s7pjp.jpg

[Cottonwood]

How cute and precious.:banaride:





http://legacy.idahostatesman.com/media/2008/geese/


from Idahostatesman.com
http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2008/04/23/17/721-0424_local_geese090.feature.prod_affiliate.36.jpg

[Boiseguy]

the mighty crane is up on the Aspen.. this building is going to look so hot...

[Sawtooth]

Ahhh, the thrills of living in a state full of outdoors nirvana.

Boise
http://ironman.com/boise70.3


Coeur d'Alene

http://www.ironmancda.com/

[ghost22]

hello bosians,

I am from up north in CDA and just looking at your thread for the first time. Are you guys seeing just as many scratched projects as we are up here in the CDA/Spokane area and wow a 460' tower proposed that would be almost 2x the size of anything else in the city is that still moving along? Good to see some other idaho guys around somewhere.

[Cottonwood]

hello bosians,

I am from up north in CDA and just looking at your thread for the first time. Are you guys seeing just as many scratched projects as we are up here in the CDA/Spokane area and wow a 460' tower proposed that would be almost 2x the size of anything else in the city is that still moving along? Good to see some other idaho guys around somewhere.

Check out this thread and the other Boise threads for the answers to your questions. Ghost22, you should join us over here in the mountain west forum and there are also a fair number of Idaho forumers. I notice that Seattle and Portland ditched you guys in Spokane and left you to fend for yourselves in the northwest forum. Come and join us here in the Mountain West, we have a CD'A thread too!

ps. at first I thought you were calling us bosnians:) but then noticed you just mistyped Boiseans and spelled it bosians:coolugh:

[jard]

The Aspen is peaking above the parking garage now (may have been for a while) and it is looking really good as you travel down front street.

[Evo5Boise]

I need to make a trip downtown and check it out!

[Boiseguy]

oh yeah its looking good, when its all the way to the top with the glass on it its going to look good for the skyline... its just now clearing the top of the garage and essentially it will be twice as high as the garage..
Considering our new tallest has been fumbled once again, this project really is a breath of fresh air.... it is one of the coolest looking buildings being built in the entire mountain west..

[Cottonwood]

oh yeah its looking good, when its all the way to the top with the glass on it its going to look good for the skyline... its just now clearing the top of the garage and essentially it will be twice as high as the garage..
Considering our new tallest has been fumbled once again, this project really is a breath of fresh air.... it is one of the coolest looking buildings being built in the entire mountain west..

Very unique too because it will be so skinny.

[Cottonwood]

I read in the city website that the convention center and Marriott Hotel have been through the review process. Is the heavy equipment on that lot for the Aspen, or for the new center?
Any news as to the status? anyone?

[alphawolf]

It's for the Aspen. They don't have enough room on site.

[Props]

Has anybody seen these for the Main 5 Building project? This is supposed to go in at the old seed and feed site that was razed recently next to the tracks on Main in Meridian.

From the CSHQA Architecture website:

http://www.cshqa.com/project_detail.php?cid=16&did=157

http://www.cshqa.com/images/projects/Main501_L.jpg

http://www.cshqa.com/images/projects/Main502_L.jpg

This is going back a few pages but I brought this project up recently with a friend of mine. It seems that it's a nice ambitious idea but they haven't even made formal application to develop it yet.

[Boiseguy]

I read in the city website that the convention center and Marriott Hotel have been through the review process. Is the heavy equipment on that lot for the Aspen, or for the new center?
Any news as to the status? anyone?

I don't know when they're going to start but I found some pictures of the connector as it comes into downtown.. and it looks recent... it will be nice to see that big surface filled in with a hotel tower and convention centre

http://www.interstate-guide.com/images151/i-184_id_et_06.jpg


this was a good skyline shot from far away.. looks like an angle I haven't seen

http://www.mbpost.com/images/medium/262834.jpg

[logicskier]

I don't know when they're going to start but I found some pictures of the connector as it comes into downtown.. and it looks recent... it will be nice to see that big surface filled in with a hotel tower and convention centre

http://www.interstate-guide.com/images151/i-184_id_et_06.jpg





that is old. cityside lofts at the corner of 13th and the connector is not there, at all. not even a construction trailer.

[Boiseguy]

you're right.. I didn't even notice that.. my eyes were drawn to the big vacant lot where the convention center will go. my bad.. nonetheless it gives outsiders a view of where its going and what kind of impact it will have on downtown

[jard]

http://www.mbpost.com/images/medium/262834.jpg

I like this shot.

[IdaBoi]

that is old. cityside lofts at the corner of 13th and the connector is not there, at all. not even a construction trailer.

I noticed the same thing.

[Beagle]

I'm not sure if this site has been brought up before, but it has some pretty good renderings of Boise, Eagle, etc... Some pretty good Aspen renderings also.

http://www.visual-genesis.com

[el conquistador]

That's a cool site, but also a bit depressing since Boise Place is not going to be that. :(

[Visualize]

Eagle Island State Park looked amazing. I found it kind of funny that they'll have camping there. That would be like strolling down the greenbelt with your big pack and setting up camp in Kathryn Albertsons Park. I just coined their new motto, "Come camp in the park and be one with nature. After all your hard work in the office you've earned the right to feel homeless.":leek:

[Cottonwood]

They're going to add sections to the top of the tower crane. This is a bit unusual, in that they're removing the top of the tower crane instead of just jacking it, or jumping it in crane lingo. Don't know why they're doing it this way. Liability? My battery went dead or I'd have pictures of 2 new sections that arrived on a flat bed semi. I'm sure 2 sections are not enough, so this is probably going to go on past rush hour. Glad I don't have to drive on Front Street.

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Boisecynic,
We need some updates now that the crane is way up in the sky.:tup:

[nobody]

So as of yesterday I'm officially living in Portland.

Kind of bummed that I don't get to watch the Aspen go up, but I'm also happy that I don't have to watch everything happen in Boise at a snails pace, I can come back every few months and see real progress, hopefully.

[boisecynic]

Here ya go. The new extended crane. Sorry about my poor framing skills, I blame the camera. Did anyone notice pic #11 above? The crane at the Crescent Rim condos is visible, barely.

:skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper:
http://i25.tinypic.com/o526ph.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/30jn489.jpg

[Cottonwood]

:previous: awesome. Thanks!

[alphawolf]

So as of yesterday I'm officially living in Portland.

Kind of bummed that I don't get to watch the Aspen go up, but I'm also happy that I don't have to watch everything happen in Boise at a snails pace, I can come back every few months and see real progress, hopefully.

Congrads on the move. What hood are you inhabiting there?

[Cottonwood]

I love the IBR!:hi:

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/05/01/Oracle-would-have-breathed-easier-in-Boise

:rolleyes:

[Cottonwood]

Here ya go. The new extended crane. Sorry about my poor framing skills, I blame the camera. Did anyone notice pic #11 above? The crane at the Crescent Rim condos is visible, barely.

:skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper: :skyscraper:
http://i25.tinypic.com/o526ph.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/30jn489.jpg





Your pics need to be on this new page since they were posted towards the bottom of the last page:)

[nobody]

Congrads on the move. What hood are you inhabiting there?

Northeast, pretty much right at the intersection of Sandy and Burnside, on Couch. If you know where that is, because I hardly do :P

[Boiseguy]

the aspen certainly is up and coming.. from that pic... it looks great.. the crane is going to have to go a lot higher because its only about halfway up so far...

[Boysee Boi]

Northeast, pretty much right at the intersection of Sandy and Burnside, on Couch. If you know where that is, because I hardly do :P

I know where that is. Just watch your back. Seriously, my cousin got mugged not far from there. If you want a good neighborhood close to downtown, check out the area on the west side, south of downtown. Lair Hill, Corbet, Johns Landing, Burlingame, or Goose Hollow. All great neighborhoods, I used to live in Lair Hill and for a while in Burlingame. Goose Hollow is the most downtown of them though.

[Evo5Boise]

the aspen certainly is up and coming.. from that pic... it looks great.. the crane is going to have to go a lot higher because its only about halfway up so far...

Thats what I was thinking. It didn't look quite as high as I thought it needed to be.

[Boiseguy]

thought I'd share

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2457711295_0b76548bd4_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2457710933_e2c3de9822_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2458540574_3bea47a587_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2457710143_499c49bf72_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2458539818_c4a9eaf323_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2458539278_4538ded050_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2458538458_d05e92c91d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/2457707121_a87b42f3e4_b.jpg

[BrianInBoise]

I love the IBR!:hi:

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2008/05/01/Oracle-would-have-breathed-easier-in-Boise

:rolleyes:

Speaking of the IBR - what happen to Lora V? :shrug: She was on top of the downtown Boise Development happenings and contributer to this Boise thread. If she is gone, that is to bad - hope they have someone to back up the downtown beat.

[BoiseAirport]

Whatever happened to Boisebro?! Or Boizean? Did they fall off the face of the earth?

:(

Anthony

[boisecynic]

Sweet pics Boiseguy, nice unusual angles.

In other news, site work at Riverside Medical Center. I believe this is sewer work. The trucks on site had City of Boise logos. The point of view is from behind the Boise Junk House looking west toward Midas at 27th and Fairview.

http://i31.tinypic.com/ff02ua.jpg

[jard]

Whatever happened to Boisebro?! Or Boizean? Did they fall off the face of the earth?

:(

Anthony


Good call, where did they go?

[Cottonwood]

Speaking of the IBR - what happen to Lora V? :shrug: She was on top of the downtown Boise Development happenings and contributer to this Boise thread. If she is gone, that is to bad - hope they have someone to back up the downtown beat.

I am not sure, and come to think of it I haven't seen an article written by her for a while. Maybe she is on vacation?

[City Of Trees]

Speaking of the IBR - what happen to Lora V? :shrug: She was on top of the downtown Boise Development happenings and contributer to this Boise thread. If she is gone, that is to bad - hope they have someone to back up the downtown beat.
I am not sure, and come to think of it I haven't seen an article written by her for a while. Maybe she is on vacation?
I was asking myself the same question. I hope she hasn't left, because she was by far the best writer they have(had?) on their website.

[Boizean]

The long term plan should be to tunnelize Front and Myrtle from 5th to 11th or maybe all the way to 184. Didn't councilman Shealy make that proposal a year or 2 ago? He caught a lot of flack for that but I think it's a good idea.

I think I've posted this before, but I believe it deserves to be kept in the limelight. Something like this will have to be done by the state government and IDOT.

I 15 in San Diego's inner city Normal Heights neighborhood:
http://i31.tinypic.com/23s7pjp.jpg

I agree with this. I originally suggested this way back before the connector was even built (I too was chastised for it). Boisebro, City of Trees and some others discussed it some time back on this forum as well. I would be/am willing to fight for this. My suggestion is more like at the park location in the pic above (at least through the downtown core area). Then use that surface area for a rail transit type center (following the old track line). I was supposed to get this drawn up on CAD but haven't had any time to do so.

Nice pics of The Aspen and crane. Great job!

Did anyone else notice...but it looks like the added height to the tower crane is a narrower column than the lower portion. Hum, wonder why?

[Boizean]

http://www.cshqa.com/images/projects/Main501_L.jpg
http://www.cshqa.com/images/projects/Main502_L.jpg

This is going back a few pages but I brought this project up recently with a friend of mine. It seems that it's a nice ambitious idea but they haven't even made formal application to develop it yet.
I don't know anything about a formal application but they have put a large sign with this rendering on the site within the last month or so and I've also seen it advertised (The Idaho Statesman I think) within the last week or two.

[Boizean]

this was a good skyline shot from far away.. looks like an angle I haven't seen

http://www.mbpost.com/images/medium/262834.jpg
I must say this is a sweet picture! Great find Boiseguy.

[Boiseguy]

I agree with this. I originally suggested this way back before the connector was even built (I too was chastised for it). Boisebro, City of Trees and some others discussed it some time back on this forum as well. I would be/am willing to fight for this. My suggestion is more like at the park location in the pic above (at least through the downtown core area). Then use that surface area for a rail transit type center (following the old track line). I was supposed to get this drawn up on CAD but haven't had any time to do so.

Nice pics of The Aspen and crane. Great job!

Did anyone else notice...but it looks like the added height to the tower crane is a narrower column than the lower portion. Hum, wonder why?

I remember reading some information at the albertsons library at boise state, back in the 60's or 70's when they first built the interstate up through boise, they were questioning whether to make it pass thru or near downtown or have it bypass the city... needless to say we can tell they chose to bypass, now with buildout and downtown becoming a center for everything in the valley.. the level of traffic is just not going to be accomodated too much longer... I don't think freeways and belt loops are the way to address the issue anymore.. that was a 1980's way of fixing things. I really like the idea of sinking both myrtle and front atleast from 5th all the way to the connector. Many buildings and future projects with underground parking could have complete access from that underground bypass, not to mention a corridor for mass transit to enter the city core...
Something needs to be done to get all those cars out of the way for urban vitality.. with the bodo developement and whatever else is in the pipeline.. I'm tired of seeing pedestrians darting across 6 lanes of traffic to get from their car to shops and back to their car.. that should not have to happen.. and the traffic is so backed up in peak hours that putting more crosswalks in would just make it worse.. so.. this idea is going to have to happen sometime in the future no matter what... I just wish that they had enough sense when they built the connector project that they would have had more forethought....
If I'm not mistaken.. isn't the new convention center suppose to have underground parking? wouldn't it be so much easier if you could just zoom into town in a tunnel and turn into the parking garage without having to back up traffic? and wouldn't it be even nicer if you could park underground and walk up to your destination as well as walk around the city core without the fear of being smacked by some SUV with 2C plates?

[Evo5Boise]

Ya I agree with you guys too. But you know how ACHD and/or The City Of Boise seem to think. Traffic? Well lets add a few more traffic lights. That will help! :D

[boisecynic]

Like I said, since Front/Myrtle are part of US HWY 20/26, then it's an IDOT job and likely federal funds will be needed. I'm not sure how it all works, but the I'm sure the City of Boise would have to be on board and would probably need to contribute some money.

[Boiseguy]

Like I said, since Front/Myrtle are part of US HWY 20/26, then it's an IDOT job and likely federal funds will be needed. I'm not sure how it all works, but the I'm sure the City of Boise would have to be on board and would probably need to contribute some money.

considering gas prices and the governments lacking in funding such projects because of its CO2 footprint... they'd have to implement the project for the sake of public transportation to enter the city center. I really think that the federal government should quit spending money on this war and start investing in growing cities and helping them to make the necessary shift away from destructive infrastructure. Cities the size of boise are the ones that such an investment can really pay off because its still cheap enough to implement it, before things get too big and expensive.

[Future Mayor]

Looks like there are some great projects going on in Boise, I've only driven through once and didn't get a chance to go into the city really. Once I'm back in the Mtn West I think I'm going to take a day or a weekend and check it out.

Heres to being neighbors :cheers:

[boisecynic]

Screencaps from the 1970 "Greenbelt Video." Extemely rare!

http://i32.tinypic.com/jfxlrl.png

http://i32.tinypic.com/2c0fmd.png

http://i32.tinypic.com/2jaeo0p.png

[alphawolf]

That second photo reminds me of the Wood River.

[Boizean]

wouldn't it be so much easier if you could just zoom into town in a tunnel and turn into the parking garage without having to back up traffic?
I concur. Location of the new transit center should reflect this, however I don't think it will. :(

[Boiseguy]

has anyone else noticed on the aspen that they are getting the fittings in place to start putting up the glass windows... this building is just going to be sooo HAWT...:cool:

[alphawolf]

:previous: The cladding has been up for about a week now. I haven't seen any glass in the construction yard yet though. I'm kinda surprised they didn't do the parking levels first, but I'm glad they're doing the residential levels first. Has anyone else noticed the new beige paint in between levels? :irked:

[utenation]

Question for the Boise residents and BSU fans.


Are they going to have the press box done in Bronco stadium before the season starts?

[Cottonwood]

The new Convention Center was supposed to start some kind of contruction last month and so far this year the local media hasn't mentioned anything about it. Are any of you lurkers Centre on The Grove employees?

[Boiseguy]

The new Convention Center was supposed to start some kind of contruction last month and so far this year the local media hasn't mentioned anything about it. Are any of you lurkers Centre on The Grove employees?

I would like to know the same thing.. I would suspect that since aspen is renting the space for materials that they are waiting on them to get off the property

[Cottonwood]

:previous:
There is current approval info on the city website but no info regarding the construction dates.

[Boizean]

Screencaps from the 1970 "Greenbelt Video." Extemely rare!
What a nice find and what a transformation! The people involved with the greenbelt certainly had a vision. :tup: :tup:

The green BSU turf seems unreal :yuck: :haha:

[BrianInBoise]

Question for the Boise residents and BSU fans.


Are they going to have the press box done in Bronco stadium before the season starts?

That is the plan - it looks like it is coming along quite nicely.

Also to note - They are installing fresh new blue turf for the 2008 season.:tup:

[Boiseguy]

looks like the office market downtown is strong. In the Idahobusiness review, many tenants are gulping up new leases and expanding more which is making it hard for many new offices looking for prime A office space. This in turn is going to raise leasing rates, which is what will kick start more highrise office buildings. They are quoted as saying office vacancy rate downtown in april is 5 percent. That is extremely low. Anyone looking to build a new office tower in boise could pretty much build it and start the leasing rate rise off... seems there are many tenants looking for prime locations downtown.

[Boiseguy]

I concur. Location of the new transit center should reflect this, however I don't think it will. :(

I don't think it will either... does anyone know of the long term plans envisioned in the new multimodal transit hub that is scheduled to start next year? I know there is an arm of the rail line the city owns that ends up on the bench just short of chinden... would be a real shame if they don't envision extending that down to the city center... I don't know if they have a comprehensive plan yet.. and how the plan to develope that area especially considering the current traffic flows and streetscape.

[Evo5Boise]

That is the plan - it looks like it is coming along quite nicely.

Also to note - They are installing fresh new blue turf for the 2008 season.:tup:

Really? I never heard about the new turf. Awesome! Fresh ground to kick ass on! :D

[Boizean]

does anyone know of the long term plans envisioned in the new multimodal transit hub that is scheduled to start next year? I know there is an arm of the rail line the city owns that ends up on the bench just short of chinden... would be a real shame if they don't envision extending that down to the city center... I don't know if they have a comprehensive plan yet.. and how the plan to develope that area especially considering the current traffic flows and streetscape.

This link might help. I haven't seen any new development since the public comment open house.

http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/multimodal_center.htm

[Boiseguy]

This link might help. I haven't seen any new development since the public comment open house.

http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/multimodal_center.htm

thanks yeah.. that has a bit of information I was wondering.. I was wondering about a rendering and design.. but it seems they haven't gotten that far yet...

[BrianInBoise]

Since the Boise Place thread has be locked down...

http://www.idahostatesman.com/eyepiece/story/373434.html

Is there any end to this deal? I imagine this can go on for a very long time...:shrug:

[Cottonwood]

Has anybody else noticed a construction like trailer and fencing along the parking lot behind the Greyhound station on 13th Street?
Isn't this where the new parking garage for Boise Plaza is being built so the other surface lots around the building can be developed?

[Boizean]

I hadn't noticed but would say your correct about the parking garage.

Is this garage still supposed to be 8 levels or has that changed?

[alphawolf]

I thought it was going to be five levels?

[Cottonwood]

I thought it was going to be five levels?

I can't really remember now how many levels. It would have to be at least 5 to make up for all of that lost surface parking.

[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
I found the original article I posted about this. I knew it was reduced, just couldn't remember by how much.

Spot-on alphawolf.

[Boizean]

You may or may not like this, but I found some updated information about Boise Park West (Whole Foods) project. Click on the links to access the associated drawings.

It's been reduced to a 99' seven floor structure. :(

Site Plan (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804091015523120)

South and West Elevations (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804091020365930)

North and East Elevations (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804091019363900)



Something new in the works...it's across or near the new CambriaSuites Hotel on Elder St. (west of Vista just north of the exit ramp).

Laquita Inn (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804101315447810)

[Boiseguy]

u know I actually like this design a bit better.. I mean I would love to have the 17 story height, but it is kind of far from the core... I'd like to see the winco foods sold off and ripped out.. that should have never been allowed to be there in its form.. it should have been a mixed use project like this as well.. or out on broadway or parkcenter.. not on front street...

[Visualize]

Originally posted by Boizean;
You may or may not like this, but I found some updated information about Boise Park West (Whole Foods) project. Click on the links to access the associated drawings.

It's been reduced to a 99' seven floor structure.

This sucks. Every building on that strip of Front is of very similar height. There is still a hotel pad available in front of the civic plaza apartments. To utilize that relatively small piece of land hopefully something ends up there taller than the rest and as an added bonus blocks the ugly apartments in the process. At least there are plans for something rather than nothing at the Whole Foods project. That piece of land is itching to get filled in.

I'd like to see the winco foods sold off and ripped out.. that should have never been allowed to be there in its form.. it should have been a mixed use project like this as well.. or out on broadway or parkcenter.. not on front street...

Exactly my thoughts and probably every one elses on here too. A grocery store across the street from a great park and pond downtown, brilliant. They should have stuck it up on Vista when they tore down and built back up the Vista Village shopping mall.

Anyone checked out the building on Broadway across from Garfield Elementary? Nothing totally spectacular but for the location I really like it. Kind of odd how they built it with a flat faced back with no windows facing the church next to it. Future plans to buy out the church and expand?? Doesn't seem very realistic but that would be awesome to see that far down on Broadway especially if Garfield ever gets moved and opens up all that land across the street.

[BoiseAirport]

u know I actually like this design a bit better.. I mean I would love to have the 17 story height, but it is kind of far from the core... I'd like to see the winco foods sold off and ripped out.. that should have never been allowed to be there in its form.. it should have been a mixed use project like this as well.. or out on broadway or parkcenter.. not on front street...

Ya know, I'm going to have to agree with just about everything you say in this comment...I can definately live with this design, and I think it'll fit nicely (except for that damn parking lot) for where it's being built, though a 17 story building would've been great.

Anthony

[Cottonwood]

I like the new Whole Foods design too. I would like it to be taller but oh well, at least it is still getting built and I believe I read a month or two back that construction is planned for late this summer.
I'm with you guys about the Winco, but I think this new mixed use Whole Foods complex will kind of buffer the Winco and make it not as obvious. The trees and landscaping at Winco,along Front and Myrtle, are getting more mature and softening the look and feel of the store. That store just sticks in our minds because it is next to the vacant weed filled lot that Whole Foods is being built on.

[Visualize]

That store just sticks in our minds because it is next to the vacant weed filled lot that Whole Foods is being built on.

Huh...And I could have swore it was the two acre parking lot. Live and learn.

[Cottonwood]

Huh...And I could have swore it was the two acre parking lot. Live and learn.

Well swear then. Just don't be too vulgar:)

[BOI-IDA]

:yes: The Portico at Meridian is starting to show some progress.

Although construction on the six story office building hasn't begun yet, most of the other buildings are well under way.

http://www.icg-projects.com/Portico (http://www.icg-projects.com/Portico/)

Construction cam:

http://oxblue.com/pro/open/?webPath=esiconstruction/portico

[boi2socal]

You may or may not like this, but I found some updated information about Boise Park West (Whole Foods) project. Click on the links to access the associated drawings.

It's been reduced to a 99' seven floor structure. :(

Site Plan (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804091015523120)

South and West Elevations (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804091020365930)

North and East Elevations (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804091019363900)



Something new in the works...it's across or near the new CambriaSuites Hotel on Elder St. (west of Vista just north of the exit ramp).

Laquita Inn (http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=200804101315447810)

Looks like the new hotel is "A Loft" Hotel. A funky, less expensive W Hotel. There aren't very many around right now but expanding quickly.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/index.html?IM=gtld_alofthotels_com&PS=GWS_aa_Starwood_Aloft_Google_aloft_hotels_121007

[Boizean]

The Portico at Meridian is starting to show some progress.

Although construction on the six story office building hasn't begun yet, most of the other buildings are well under way.
Heh BOI-IDA! Good to hear from you, it's been awhile.

Ironically, just yesterday I was wondering how this project was coming along. Thanks for answering my thoughts and also for the webcam link. The cam shows just how much activity is taking place on the site. Looks like everything but the office building and the hotel/parking garage is under construction. Promotional Material (http://my.quickspace.com/pdf_assets/078KS155.pdf)

They advertise the hotel will be a "4-Diamond Upscale, National, Full-Service Brand, Convention Hotel." The Idaho Business Review had an article awhile back mentioning it was going to be 12 floors high. Does anybody have more information about this?

[Boizean]

Looks like the new hotel is "A Loft" Hotel. A funky, less expensive W Hotel. There aren't very many around right now but expanding quickly.
The drawings indicate what you say but the link doesn't show Idaho (Boise) listed under future openings, seems odd. Unless they just don't update their website. (we know that never happens) :shrug:

[boi2socal]

I would assume some sort of deal was struck because logos aren't loosely used. Perhaps the hotel website hasn't updated since the project itself keeps changing. Who knows. :haha:

[BOI-IDA]

Heh BOI-IDA! Good to hear from you, it's been awhile.

Thanks, and you're welcome! :cheers:

I check this board almost daily, but just haven't had any reason to chime in. Not much going on around here these days other that depressing news about projects being cancelled, delayed, or downsized. :(

BTW, I'm not the only poster that's gone AWOL. What has become of Boisebro? He must still be around 'cause he posts regularly over on BroncoCountry.

Where ya at bro'?:shrug:

[boisecynic]

Thanks, and you're welcome! :cheers:

I check this board almost daily, but just haven't had any reason to chime in. Not much going on around here these days other that depressing news about projects being cancelled, delayed, or downsized....

Ah, but there is reason to chime in. Now is the time to advocate for infrastructure development. I see many "catch up" projects going on right now. The Ustick widening, it looks so much better than before, despite what all the nay-sayers were saying last year. Maple Grove, Five Mile and Cloverdale are getting their fair share of catch up work too. Site work has begun at the East Park Center bridge. There's a fence now where you used to be able to park. This leads me into the downtown scene...

Since most if not all of us regulars on SSP seem to be downtown aficionados, I believe we should take a great interest in the Whitewater Park and 30th St extension. I know, I sound like a broken record and sure I'm biased because I live in the 'hood.

But, all the history I've read about the greenbelt leads me to believe that these amenities proposed for the West End, (they've been proposed for 40 years, except the whitewater features, that's been proposed for only 12 or so years), these amenities will spur urban style redevelopment stretching from 16th all the way to Garden City.

I beg all of you regulars to just take 2 minutes out of your day to call the Mayor's hotline (384-4404) and advocate for the WW Park, ES Park and the 30th St extension. Take it a step further and contact council members, attend council meetings. Remember, it's we the people who run the show.

Call ACHD too, they're the ones who build roads. For years now, they've funneled almost all tax money into western Ada County.

[bronco(bsu) Student]

Thanks, and you're welcome! :cheers:

I check this board almost daily, but just haven't had any reason to chime in. Not much going on around here these days other that depressing news about projects being cancelled, delayed, or downsized. :(

BTW, I'm not the only poster that's gone AWOL. What has become of Boisebro? He must still be around 'cause he posts regularly over on BroncoCountry.

Where ya at bro'?:shrug:

Same with me. I'm on pretty much everyday.

[Cottonwood]

Ah, but there is reason to chime in. Now is the time to advocate for infrastructure development. I see many "catch up" projects going on right now. The Ustick widening, it looks so much better than before, despite what all the nay-sayers were saying last year. Maple Grove, Five Mile and Cloverdale are getting their fair share of catch up work too. Site work has begun at the East Park Center bridge. There's a fence now where you used to be able to park. This leads me into the downtown scene...

Since most if not all of us regulars on SSP seem to be downtown aficionados, I believe we should take a great interest in the Whitewater Park and 30th St extension. I know, I sound like a broken record and sure I'm biased because I live in the 'hood.

But, all the history I've read about the greenbelt leads me to believe that these amenities proposed for the West End, (they've been proposed for 40 years, except the whitewater features, that's been proposed for only 12 or so years), these amenities will spur urban style redevelopment stretching from 16th all the way to Garden City.

I beg all of you regulars to just take 2 minutes out of your day to call the Mayor's hotline (384-4404) and advocate for the WW Park, ES Park and the 30th St extension. Take it a step further and contact council members, attend council meetings. Remember, it's we the people who run the show.

Call ACHD too, they're the ones who build roads. For years now, they've funneled almost all tax money into western Ada County.


Good points. We focus so much on the downtown core that we ignore a lot of very important projects in the surrounding areas of the city and burbs.
So what is the current status of the whitewater park and ES park?
I think, as time progresses, that Boise is poised to become an even better city than it is currently because our leaders and citizens are pushing for smart growth and attempting to tackle issues before the city and valley become too large.
In other words, Boise is planning for the future because the quality of life here is an aspect everybody wants to protect-- more so when there are a million people in the valley.

[STRMCSR]

Has anyone noticed the progress on Boise's soon to be tallest building? I noticed the new control tower at the Boise Airport is starting to emerge on the horizon.

I could see it from I-84 on my way back into town from the east.

Didn't have my camera with me, but look's like they are moving along!! :banana: :banana: