[Boiseguy]

The current library location is excellent on Capitol Blvd, so I wonder what the city would do with it if a new library is built as part of JUMP? You can't go wrong with the current location of the library with the river, greenbelt, Anne Frank Memorial, landscaping, proximity to BSU, etc. Maybe BSU would buy the building and use it for something. Or better yet Powells Bookstore in Portland could buy it and open a killer bookstore along the river.

perhaps that is a good idea... maybe if the library blocks aren't going to happen... bsu could get their hands on it and create more dynamic student housing options down that corridor.. with retail.. a bookstore.. and other university resources open to the general public as well...

[City Of Trees]

Or better yet Powells Bookstore in Portland could buy it and open a killer bookstore along the river.THIS.

[Visualize]

I think another interesting possibility would be for BSU and the City to team up and build a joint library. I think that the property that BSU owns on the southwest side of the river on Capital would work great, as it's connected to the BSU campus by the greenbelt tunnel and just across the river from where the library is now. San Jose's library is shared by the City and San Jose State University.

http://sanjose.metblogs.com/files/2009/04/king_library_exterior_by_san_jose_library.jpg
http://sanjose.metblogs.com/2009/04/15/library-director-talks-about-filters/

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/2008-0817-SJSU-MLKlib.jpg/250px-2008-0817-SJSU-MLKlib.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Martin_Luther_King,_Jr._Library

[Boiseguy]

that's a fantastic idea as well...
no matter what.. I am a total advocate of intertwining the fabric of downtown with that of Boise State Campus...The more the better:tup:

[boisecynic]

EPCB Udate:

The last leg of East Parkcenter Bridge has begun, connecting ParkCenter with Warm Springs Avenue. And, Boise Parks and Rec is now working on Marianne Williams Park. One really needs to get out here on bicycle to grasp the scope of work going on. IMO, this is one of the most significant projects in years, right up there with the Broadway/Chinden Connector, Cole/Overland/I84 interchange and Flying Wye reconstruction.

1: The stub street, center left, will be Barber Station Drive. The building, center right, is a sewer lift or pumping station, ew.
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9595/epcb1july.jpg

2: Pictures do not convey the scope of work going on in this area. Look near the upper right, along the line of trees, that's earth moving equipment way back in there.
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7199/epcb2july.jpg

3: At the north end of the project is the smaller Walling Ditch bridge and a greenbelt tunnel which is open for traffic, whereas WS Ave. is closed.
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/4691/epcb3july.jpg

4: Shown here is the greater layout. The light green area, I believe is private land to be serviced by the Barber Station Drive, someone correct me if I'm wrong. The sign seems to imply that the light green will be "undeveloped areas." However, I recall seeing plans for housing, relatively high density on both sides of that Barber Station Drive. I could be wrong, it has happened, once or twice.:D
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2330/epcb4july.jpg

[Cottonwood]

When is the new bridge scheduled for completion?

[boisecynic]

When is the new bridge scheduled for completion?

I think I heard the legacy media report November, but they're probably getting their info straight from ACHD's website. It sure looks like it could be open in just a couple of months. Certainly there are early completion incentives for the contractors. I'm betting on mid to late September. One of the reasons I say this is I don't recall hearing of any snafus with the footings, piers or girders, the most complicated parts of the project. Without any snags they should be ahead of schedule.

[Cottonwood]

Idaho Wine news.



http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/838361.html


News of a $300,000 grant for a proposed viticultural center is the latest in a series of accomplishments by the Idaho wine industry.

In 2007, the U.S. government designated 8,263 square miles from Twin Falls to just over the Oregon border as Idaho's first American Viticultural Area, or AVA. The designation means the area produces grapes for wines with distinct flavors that cannot be reproduced elsewhere.

Moya Shatz, executive director of the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission, said eight new wineries have opened in the state in the past eight months, bringing the total to 40 statewide, with 1,600 acres devoted to growing grapes for wine.

Idaho's burgeoning wine industry could get another boost if a planned business incubator and education center is built in Eagle and Star.

The $1.1 million Idaho Viticulture Research Center would help new grape growers and winemakers who need space and equipment while waiting to launch their own vineyards and wineries.


Plans call for a teaching winery, a co-op winery where people can share equipment, a tasting room, a lab for testing wines, classroom space, a grape-crushing pad, a bonded warehouse and a distribution center, all at one site in a 30-acre planned business park about 1,300 feet west of Ballantyne Road in Eagle.

[Boiseguy]

:previous: That's excellent news!!

[Cottonwood]

More good news for downtown as new restaurants keep on opening.


I read today in the daily paper that the new restaurant in the old Milky Way space on 10th street is open. Looks nice. They even have locally raised alligator meat and an oyster bar.


http://www.sweetwaterstropiczone.com/

[Boiseguy]

More good news for downtown as new restaurants keep on opening.


I read today in the daily paper that the new restaurant in the old Milky Way space on 10th street is open. Looks nice. They even have locally raised alligator meat and an oyster bar.


http://www.sweetwaterstropiczone.com/

I have a friend that works part time as a second job at this restaurant.. she said it's cajun, and that the menu is really good.. something downtown doesn't have yet.

[BoiseAirport]

*sigh* dreaming again...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/Blackhawk144/A121.jpg

(photo taken by me, and all buildings designed by me on Google Sketchup and implanted into photo via photoshop, from my 3D model of Pierpont; a fictional city I've been building --> http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=168358 )

[CaliforniaKid]

Give it a few more years and it just might happen.. I know a few California companies here that just might make Boise it's new home.. :tup:

[ianjt]

Does anyone know what is going on with the airport overflow parking? And what about the road work around that area? It looks like some serious expansion around there.

[boisecynic]

Does anyone know what is going on with the airport overflow parking? And what about the road work around that area? It looks like some serious expansion around there.

Others might know more than me, but I believe you're referring to the Orchard Street interchange. Orchard is not only getting a new interchange with I-84, it's also being realigned slightly to the west.

More info at Idaho DOT:

http://itd.idaho.gov/Projects/D3/

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4287/orchardi84.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8608/vistai84.jpg

[el conquistador]

Give it a few more years and it just might happen.. I know a few California companies here that just might make Boise it's new home.. :tup:

I hope so. One thing killing the Treasure Valley is power infrastructure. Idaho Power keeps taking the rap on that, but any recent attempts to bring in 500KV transmission or build a new power plant keep getting delayed or killed by NIMBY's. I know we've lost out on a couple big operations in recent years, and probably have a few in a holding pattern until some guarantees can be made. Frustrating.

I have heard some things about Micron kind of reinventing itself and moving towards green power technologies, particularly solar. Green energy is a potential growth industry in Idaho, let's hope something can come of that.

[City Of Trees]

That SPUI is going to kick inordinate amounts of butt.

[boisecynic]

That SPUI is going to kick inordinate amounts of butt.

Agreed. What doesn't kick butt though, is that intersection at Wright/Vista/AirportWay. Eventually they'll have to find some way to remove that.

[City Of Trees]

Agreed. What doesn't kick butt though, is that intersection at Wright/Vista/AirportWay. Eventually they'll have to find some way to remove that.Agreed, but the SPUI will make that intersection suck less.

[IFtowner]

I can't wait for the construction to be OVER. It'll be bombass. It seems as though it is almost done east bound in Meridian.

I also like the fictional skyline of Boise too. The buildings fit in really nicely.

[boi2socal]

Give it a few more years and it just might happen.. I know a few California companies here that just might make Boise it's new home.. :tup:

What companies? It'd be great for Boise but this has been the story for years.

[Cottonwood]

click the link for the entire story because I just copied a few paragraphs.

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/07/27/BVEP-official-Solar-companies-eye-vacant-tech-spaces

BVEP official: Solar companies eye vacant tech spaces
POSTED: Monday, July 27, 2009

by Brad Carlson


The vacant former SpecTek and MPC Computers buildings in Nampa are “prime targets for solar companies” and are getting at least one serious look by a prospective occupant, Boise Valley Economic Partnership Business Development Director Ben Quintana said. Of the four manufacturers of photovoltaic solar cell equipment that have evaluated these Micron Technology-owned buildings and another building in Nampa, one recently returned for a second visit, he said.


Alternative energy and solar products manufacturing tops the list of industries that the Boise Valley Economic Partnership aims to attract to southwest Idaho, he told a business breakfast audience July 21 in Boise.


Now, about 30 “active projects” are looking at southwest Idaho, and “we are going to get our fair share,” Quintana said. Face-to-face meetings with decision makers have played a key role, he said.

He presented a 2008-09 summary that said Boise Valley Economic Partnership has been working with prospective new employers such as the photovoltaic solar company that would employ about 700. Others with which the Partnership has been in contact recently include an insurance-processing call center, employing about 800, a distribution center that would bring 300 to 400 jobs, a customer support center (250), a technology company (200), a stretch film manufacturer (30) and a medical research and development/treatment business (50).

[Orlando]

http://www.genarch.com/master-res.html?http://www.genarch.com/res.html

You might already have this project listed, but in case you don't, here is a proposed condo/mixed-use development that I found.

[boisecynic]

http://www.genarch.com/master-res.html?http://www.genarch.com/res.html

You might already have this project listed, but in case you don't, here is a proposed condo/mixed-use development that I found.

Wow, that's not a very user friendly website. Won't allow any deep linking. You have to navigate to multi-family>mixed use. Here's a screencap of the Boise project which is proposed at the foot of the West ParkCenter Bridge and the east end of the URS campus, aka the "Quasar" site. Good find though, I don't recall seeing that mentioned before.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/1923/916.jpg

[Boisebro]

yeah, that's old news.

it began as a taller building (12 floors, i think) but the NIMBYs complained that it was too tall and would block out the sun or whatever.

so the project got scaled down to what you see here. but i think it died a couple years ago.

too bad, really, because that plot of land is an eyesore right now when you come into the city center over parkcenter bridge.

[boisecynic]

... block out the sun or whatever...

:haha:

[boi2socal]

click the link for the entire story because I just copied a few paragraphs.

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/07/27/BVEP-official-Solar-companies-eye-vacant-tech-spaces

BVEP official: Solar companies eye vacant tech spaces
POSTED: Monday, July 27, 2009

by Brad Carlson


The vacant former SpecTek and MPC Computers buildings in Nampa are “prime targets for solar companies” and are getting at least one serious look by a prospective occupant, Boise Valley Economic Partnership Business Development Director Ben Quintana said. Of the four manufacturers of photovoltaic solar cell equipment that have evaluated these Micron Technology-owned buildings and another building in Nampa, one recently returned for a second visit, he said.


Alternative energy and solar products manufacturing tops the list of industries that the Boise Valley Economic Partnership aims to attract to southwest Idaho, he told a business breakfast audience July 21 in Boise.


Now, about 30 “active projects” are looking at southwest Idaho, and “we are going to get our fair share,” Quintana said. Face-to-face meetings with decision makers have played a key role, he said.

He presented a 2008-09 summary that said Boise Valley Economic Partnership has been working with prospective new employers such as the photovoltaic solar company that would employ about 700. Others with which the Partnership has been in contact recently include an insurance-processing call center, employing about 800, a distribution center that would bring 300 to 400 jobs, a customer support center (250), a technology company (200), a stretch film manufacturer (30) and a medical research and development/treatment business (50).

Cool. Sadly most of these companies are probably just trying to get their hometowns to give them tax breaks and what not by threatening to leave. But if a company is looking for a second time that is good news.

[alphawolf]

:haha:

Best of all the NIMBYs were complaining formally at Municipal Park right across the street from their subdivision.

[alphawolf]

Wow, that's not a very user friendly website. Won't allow any deep linking. You have to navigate to multi-family>mixed use. Here's a screencap of the Boise project which is proposed at the foot of the West ParkCenter Bridge and the east end of the URS campus, aka the "Quasar" site. Good find though, I don't recall seeing that mentioned before.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/1923/916.jpg


Personally, I think the new design is a lot better then the original. They just need to add at least 5 more stories ;) .

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f171/alphawolf256/916.jpg

[boisecynic]

Best of all the NIMBYs were complaining formally at Municipal Park right across the street from their subdivision.

They got the Great Wall of Strawberry Lane when the West PC Bridge connection was built, what more do they want.

[Boisebro]

is there movement on the Whole Foods project?

i drove by the site yesterday morning, and there was a small crew cleaning up the weeds by the sidewalk.

and this morning, i noticed a "construction by" sign on the fence that i hadn't noticed before.

i haven't seen anything in the news or online whether the new design was approved, but maybe things are starting to happen.

:shrug:

[el conquistador]

is there movement on the Whole Foods project?

i drove by the site yesterday morning, and there was a small crew cleaning up the weeds by the sidewalk.

and this morning, i noticed a "construction by" sign on the fence that i hadn't noticed before.

i haven't seen anything in the news or online whether the new design was approved, but maybe things are starting to happen.

:shrug:

From what I gather, it's still a go (probably starting in 2010), just got delayed because of the economy.

[Boisebro]

the last articles i could find in both the statesman and IBR stated that while whole foods planned to open in 2009, it got delayed to 2010 for the opening.

the articles also stated that construction would take 1 year.

thus, if they still planned on opening in 2010, that means they'll likely get underway soon.

of course, i'm sure there have been a million behind-the-scenes things going on. and the only website i found still had the old 17-story tower rendering on it, so i'm not even sure what the final (if it is final) design looks like.

if it's brown with small windows, though, i'll puke.

:hell:

[Cottonwood]

I saw the fence and sign too so hopefully things are moving along and according to the local winderco.com website the project is still moving forward. I am excited that the project will include an Aloft Hotel.

[boi2socal]

Boise is no longer listed on Whole Foods as a site in development (and it was listed on their site at one time). I believe they indefinitely stepped back from this project.

[Sawtooth]

Boise is no longer listed on Whole Foods as a site in development (and it was listed on their site at one time). I believe they indefinitely stepped back from this project.

Perhaps Whole Foods has not updated their website because the Boise location has gone through a change of plans since the announcement.
I searched a local commercial real estate website and found this info which appears to be current.




http://www.lee-associates.com/global/properties_details.php?sizeRangeMin=0&sizeRangeMax=0&acreageMin=0&acreageMax=0&office=Boise&resultsPerPage=10&sortColumn=size&sortDirection=DESC&PHPSESSID=0c5b632044295d7a1d9b5d7be86f081b&__utma=165464866.349484028.1249100996.1249100996.1249100996.1&__utmb=165464866&__utmc=165464866&__utmz=165464866.1249100996.1.1.utmccn%3D(referral)|utmcsr%3Dwinderco.com|utmcct%3D%2F|utmcmd%3Dreferral&page=3&id=39426

[boisecynic]

Good find. So they're calling it 401 S Broadway? The only thing that actually fronts Broadway in that rendering is a parking lot, and a tiny little unknown thing at Myrtle and Broadway.

[Sawtooth]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/boiserotica/048-2.jpg





http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/boiserotica/046-2.jpg







http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/boiserotica/102.jpg




http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/alleys/135.jpg






http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/alleys/087.jpg







http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/alleys/053.jpg







http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/boiserotica/100.jpg





http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/alleys/129.jpg





http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/005-1.jpg






I will post the thread later this week.

[el conquistador]

More good news for downtown as new restaurants keep on opening.


I read today in the daily paper that the new restaurant in the old Milky Way space on 10th street is open. Looks nice. They even have locally raised alligator meat and an oyster bar.


http://www.sweetwaterstropiczone.com/

A friend of ours who is a good judge of all thing culinary said that this restaurant is really good, but be prepared for spicy! :pepper:

Also, don't know if anyone noticed, but the new Pho restaurant is up and running in the old Falcon Tavern locale.

And, both of Gino's old spaces are being backfilled. Shige is opening a Japanese steakhouse in the original Gino's spot, and Taj Mahal Indian is filling in Gino's Grill. :tup:

[alphawolf]

I think Taj Mahal Indian was serving outside while the saturday market was going on. Its nice to have two Indian restaurants downtown.

Does anyone know if the Falcon is up and running again?

[el conquistador]

I think Taj Mahal Indian was serving outside while the saturday market was going on. Its nice to have two Indian restaurants downtown.

Does anyone know if the Falcon is up and running again?

Should be, looks like a nice set-up in the old Satchell's locale. Plus I think they are reviving the 'movies on the wall' thing.

[Cottonwood]

It was sad to see Gino move his restuarant to Meridian but the new Indian and Japanese opening up in his old locations is enough to make me happy. Now we need someone to open up another great Italian restaurant downtown because Old Spaghetti Factory doesn't do it for me and Asiagos seems more fusion and trendy than true Italian. I think I read last week that a new Italian Deli was opening somewhere downtown. We have sushi restaurants up the yaa hoo,
(2 more opening) but now we need a good Dim Sum restaurant or a new Korean restaurant.

[Sawtooth]

A friend of ours who is a good judge of all thing culinary said that this restaurant is really good, but be prepared for spicy! :pepper:

Also, don't know if anyone noticed, but the new Pho restaurant is up and running in the old Falcon Tavern locale.

And, both of Gino's old spaces are being backfilled. Shige is opening a Japanese steakhouse in the original Gino's spot, and Taj Mahal Indian is filling in Gino's Grill. :tup:

I had lunch with a few friends at Pho Nouveau over the weekend and was satisfied.

[alphawolf]

I had lunch with a few friends at Pho Nouveau over the weekend and was satisfied.

Had it a week or so ago and I agree. The portions weren't over the top and it was still satisfying.

[el conquistador]

It was sad to see Gino move his restuarant to Meridian but the new Indian and Japanese opening up in his old locations is enough to make me happy. Now we need someone to open up another great Italian restaurant downtown because Old Spaghetti Factory doesn't do it for me and Asiagos seems more fusion and trendy than true Italian. I think I read last week that a new Italian Deli was opening somewhere downtown. We have sushi restaurants up the yaa hoo,
(2 more opening) but now we need a good Dim Sum restaurant or a new Korean restaurant.

I agree with that, we lost something special when Korea House had to close (health issues with the owner). And we really lost good downtown Italian when Giacinto retired, that was hands-down the best Italian in the area. To Gino Vuolo's credit, he made a wise move because the Meridian location has been booming and his overhead went waaay down I would suspect.

I hope the Italian deli becomes a reality, perfect lunch stop for me! :D

[Boysee Boi]

:previous: The deli is Eli's Italian Deli out of Nampa, which apparently is joining forces with Boise Cafe/Cafe Bellisima. I've never been there, but it appears to be well reviewed. This was in the Boise Weekly about a month ago:

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/elis-italian-deli-moves-to-boise/Content?oid=1099349

[Cottonwood]

:previous: The deli is Eli's Italian Deli out of Nampa, which apparently is joining forces with Boise Cafe/Cafe Bellisima. I've never been there, but it appears to be well reviewed. This was in the Boise Weekly about a month ago:

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/elis-italian-deli-moves-to-boise/Content?oid=1099349

I did some research and the deli is already open at the location you mentioned, so I am going to try it out.
Since we are talking about restaurants, has anyone here been to Emilios in the Grove Hotel? any thoughts? Anyone excited that Ruths Chris Steakhouse is opening downtown? There is a new French restaurant in West Boise that sounds good.

[el conquistador]

I did some research and the deli is already open at the location you mentioned, so I am going to try it out.
Since we are talking about restaurants, has anyone here been to Emilios in the Grove Hotel? any thoughts? Anyone excited that Ruths Chris Steakhouse is opening downtown? There is a new French restaurant in West Boise that sounds good.

I've heard a mixed bag on Emilio's, mostly due to the price for the quality. That new French restaurant was opened by the owner of Baquet's specialty shop in the mall, so I am really geeked to try it out. They import some excellent wine and deli-type foods, so I would imagine the restaurant is great quality. Prices are supposed to be good as well.

Kind of hit-or-miss on Ruth's Chris. While it's a good sign of the business health and image of the Boise area,it's still a chain (albeit a very good chain). As long as they don't hurt Chandler's business, more power to them.

And I know where the Deli is, I walk by it all the time, it just never connected that it might be something different. Will definitely stop in soon to check it out!

[alphawolf]

Kind of hit-or-miss on Ruth's Chris. While it's a good sign of the business health and image of the Boise area,it's still a chain (albeit a very good chain). As long as they don't hurt Chandler's business, more power to them.

I can't remember where I read this recently, but Chandler's liquor sales have been pretty robust. Ah, found part of the article http://www.idahostatesman.com/deeds/story/850814.html. I think the list is in their weekly paper.

[Cottonwood]

Chandlers shouldn't have to worry about Ruths Chris. Chandlers has Sun Valley fame and from what I have seen has a loyal following and always seems to be busy and they have live jazz every night of the week. Ruths Chris will probably attract all of the California transplants from Eagle. I would be more worried about Ruths taking away business from Lock Stock & Barrel.
On another note, The Gamekeeper is supposed to re-open later this summer or fall with a new fresher concept. I only ate there once and liked it, the food was excellent but spendy, but my issue was the decor seemed dated, tired, worn, kind of 80's, kind of has been, and reminded me of a restaurant that Gov Otter would frequent. Has anyone heard any news of the "new" restaurant to re open there?

[el conquistador]

Mrs. Conquistador and I went to Sweetwater's for lunch today, and aside from someone pulling the fire alarm somewhere in the Empire building right after we ordered, the food was very good! I hope they can keep that one going, it will be a nice local addition to downtown!

[Sawtooth]

Mrs. Conquistador and I went to Sweetwater's for lunch today, and aside from someone pulling the fire alarm somewhere in the Empire building right after we ordered, the food was very good! I hope they can keep that one going, it will be a nice local addition to downtown!

Did you eat the Idaho raised alligator appetizer? I am curious to try it.

[el conquistador]

Did you eat the Idaho raised alligator appetizer? I am curious to try it.


I didn't see it on the lunch menu, but I wasn't really looking at the appetizers too hard.

[Cottonwood]

http://www.idahostatesman.com/entertainment/story/857993.html



Three new murals will grace the walls about 8th Street
By Dana Oland - doland@idahostatesman.com
The colorful Italian murals that welcomed customers to Gino's Ristorante on the balcony level of the Capital Terrace Garage are gone. They were painted over to make way for new restaurants that have taken over the atrium: Shige's Japanese Steakhouse and Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine.
Artist Fred Choate painted the Gino's Ristorante murals more than 10 years ago; the ones over Gino's Grill more recently. And like many of Choate's murals, including work at several Moxie Javas and the Hitchcock Building at 11th and Idaho, they had become a cultural landmark of sorts.

However, with the change of culinary culture, the lush trip to Italy had to go.

A few weeks ago, artist Elyse Rouse, 23, took a brush saturated in white paint and obliterated the murals to lay the base for her Indian- and Japanese-themed murals that are in progress.

[alphawolf]

Sen. Crapo to visit Boise Depot to talk about Amtrak service
- Idaho Statesman
Published: 08/07/09

Sen. Mike Crapo will join Boise Mayor David Bieter, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Connors and local train enthusiasts at noon on Monday on the platform at the Boise Depot, 2603 W. Eastover Terrace, for a press conference about the potential return of Amtrak's Pioneer passenger rail service.

Boise locomotive manufacturer MotivePower will bring a locomotive to the Depot to mark the event.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/859102.html

[boisecynic]

I just don't see it. Amtrak that is. Taxpayers already subsidize air travel with runways, control towers and an elaborate air traffic control system and it's a damn efficient way to move people between cities. Intra-city travel, well we have the paved road and the automobile.

What good would a subsidy for superfluous passenger rail do? It's like building a new set of power lines to compete with the ones we already have. There are many other worthy investments we can make other than Amtrak in the rural west. It would be interesting to follow the donation trails of Motive Power and URS, the 2 local companies which would benefit from any legislation to subsidize Amtrak in the west. Otherwise, why would Crapo care? Hey Crapo, I thought you were busy trying to seize control of the CTFC, you know, the regulation body most responsible for the great economic meltdown of 2008.

[Boiseguy]

happy beerfest! :cheers:

[Cottonwood]

:previous: Did you go to the Beerfest? I was out of town this weekend but would have gone if I was here.

[el conquistador]

:previous: Did you go to the Beerfest? I was out of town this weekend but would have gone if I was here.

I was there Saturday, along with an estimated 14,999. The estimate for Sunday was 10K. I think it went better than expected. :cheers:

[alphawolf]

Full mug for one chip consistently.

[Cottonwood]

http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2009/08/11/12/757-New_geothermal.embedded.prod_affiliate.36.jpg




http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/08/11/New-plaques-designate-hot-Boise-buildings






New plaques designate “hot” Boise buildings

Posted: Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The city of Boise and Capital City Development Corporation today unveiled a new plaque to celebrate the use of geothermal heat by downtown buildings.
“Boise has the largest geothermal system in the United States,” Mayor David Bieter said in a release. “This beautiful plaque is one way we can recognize the buildings that have taken advantage of this clean and natural source of energy. I encourage all downtown building owners that aren’t on the system to contact our Public Works department to see if they are eligible to upgrade to this green and efficient heating source.”
Boise artist Ward Hooper designed the cast-bronze, shield shaped artwork. Plaques will be installed in August and September on nearly 30 downtown buildings.
Property owners, CCDC and Boise City are sharing the $495 total cost of the permanent plaques.
Boise’s geothermal heating system is the largest direct-use system in the United States, supplying energy-efficient, carbon-neutral heat to more than 55 businesses in the downtown core area. The city of Boise injects 100% of used water back into the aquifer.
Use of this renewable resource can contribute to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a building and helps owners save energy and money.
Buildings that use geothermal heat include the Union Block and Hoff Building as well as new structures like the Banner Bank Building and Ada County Courthouse.
The city recently announced full funding for a project to extend its geothermal system to Boise State University, where it will provide heat for a number of university buildings.
The city is also expected to use a portion of the $2 million in federal stimulus Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grants to link the city’s geothermal system to the state system that currently provides heat to the Capitol and other state buildings. Linking the two systems will make them more stable by creating redundancies, providing mutual support for the two systems.


© 2009 Idaho Business Review

[Boiseguy]

:previous: Did you go to the Beerfest? I was out of town this weekend but would have gone if I was here.

sure did.. got my buzz on.. and got a sunburn too... owwie

[IFtowner]

So I have been neglecting this site far too long. I demand to know more about One Capitol Center II.

P.S. JUMP looks atrocious.

[Boiseguy]

So I have been neglecting this site far too long. I demand to know more about One Capitol Center II.

P.S. JUMP looks atrocious.

you know as much as we do... supposedly it is one of those projects happening behind closed doors...
many developements are in the pipeline and dependent upon market conditions..I would imagine capitol center II is one of them...

and I also agree that JUMP looks horrid...

[Cottonwood]

A lot of the nations commuter trains are built here in Boise. We need some built for Boise! Bring on the tracks.



http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/08/18/MotivePower-receives-73M-order-for-commuter-locomotives-from-Va-railway


Boise-based MotivePower, a subsidiary Wabtec Corporation, has received an order for 12 MPXpress commuter locomotives for about $44 million from Virginia Railway Express (VRE), a commuter railroad that serves the suburban communities of Northern and Central Virginia.

[boisecynic]

Tour de Fat Saturday! Giant crazy costumed bike parade starts at 9AM, Ann Morrison Pk. Sure it's a bit off topic but this is one of the bigger events that make downtown Boise so much fun. I would have linked to my picture thread of 2 years ago but tinypic deleted all the pics.

[boisecynic]

Foster's Building roof on fire, 7:30 am Saturday. According to some witnesses with whom I spoke, it was the AC units on the roof. Sorry for the poor quality, cell phone pics.

http://imgur.com/LUIiE.jpg

http://imgur.com/5wXE1.jpg

http://imgur.com/Hynir.jpg

[alphawolf]

It was a A/C unit.

[Sawtooth]

One of the main reasons that sets Boise apart in my opinion is our easy access to places like this and the endless wilderness at our back door. I love Boise, you can take off in the morning and see all that there is to behold in our mountain playground, take a drive along the greatest kayaking river in the world, and then be back in the city by late afternoon and get ready for a night on the town and eat at a great restaurant that has an appetizer of local cheese and local honeycomb.

Here are a few pics that I thought I would share.



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/031-4.jpg





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[CaliforniaKid]

Breathtaking... Is that McCall?

[Strayone]

Just looking at those photos has a calming affect, the weather looks fairly cool but every where up North looks cool compared to what we have been having! I imagine there are bears in those areas...scary but it is beautiful!

[Evo5Boise]

Excellent, excellent pictures! I LOVE McCall. Always have. I was just up there about a month ago. I took my girlfriend on a walk in the city park there by downtown. I waited for the sunset and proposed to her. Couldn't have asked for a better setting.

BTW - Father's Place has an outstanding burger!

[Northernlad]

Lovely scenery and pictures. I have always been jealous of the rivers in Idaho and also of your lush and green forests. That lake is amazing.

[Sawtooth]

Excellent, excellent pictures! I LOVE McCall. Always have. I was just up there about a month ago. I took my girlfriend on a walk in the city park there by downtown. I waited for the sunset and proposed to her. Couldn't have asked for a better setting.

BTW - Father's Place has an outstanding burger!

Congrats on your proposal!!

I love McCall too for the thick forests, rugged mountains, all of the glacial lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls. It is classic alpine mountain scenery at its best as is alot of Idaho I guess. McCall is changing and the new buildings are all looking pretty nice with a mix of logger rustic meets Sun Valley. I didn't have the time to walk around the town and take pictures of buildings but I wish I had because there are some really attractive new bldgs.

[Cottonwood]

Is there a large new development being built in McCall?

[Boiseguy]

I'm not looking forward to winter.. summer flew by too fast

[Cottonwood]

Sawtooth, where is and what is the name of that waterfall?

[Boisebro]

been an awfully quiet year for new construction downtown.

hope we hear some exciting news soon... especially about the new convention center and hotel. i believe they were supposed to start construction by end of this year, and the recent JUMP pictures still include the center and hotel in the model.

[DrT]

Awe inspiring pics. Many thanks for posting those. Calming effect indeed.

[BOI-IDA]

been an awfully quiet year for new construction downtown.

hope we hear some exciting news soon... especially about the new convention center and hotel. i believe they were supposed to start construction by end of this year, and the recent JUMP pictures still include the center and hotel in the model.

I remember reading somewhere that the convention center/hotel project was on hold indefinitely. In that same story, I remember reading that the hotel developer, John Q. Hammons, had backed out of the project.

Now if I could just remember where I read that...:shrug:...I would provide the link.

[Boysee Boi]

I also remember reading that Hammons was out due to health problems, and that the Auditorium District is now shopping for a new developer/financier for a similar project. I think the addition of JUMP next year should help speed the convention center along.

[Cottonwood]

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/high-tech-low-key/Content?oid=1159698


High-Tech Still Thrives in Low-Key Boise
Why Boise still tops the list of places innovators do—and should—live
by Amy Atkins

It's no accident that publications such as Forbes, Money and The New York Times continue to look at the Treasure Valley when postulating where tech companies advance and thrive.

In May of this year, NYT talked to Peter Gombert, chief executive of Balihoo, a web-based Boise company that provides technology and services to national companies looking to market themselves locally.

Forbes.com recently listed Boise as one example of out-of-the-way places where the tech sector continues to grow in spite of staggering job losses.

A report from the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings Institute, written by Heike Mayer, associate professor of urban affairs and planning at Virginia Tech, showed Boise, Portland, Ore., and Kansas City as emerging high-tech metropolitan areas.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/high-tech-low-key/Content?oid=1159698

[Sawtooth]

Sawtooth, where is and what is the name of that waterfall?

It's a secret.




;)




Goose Creek out of Last Chance.

[Carpenter]

There have not been any Boise construction pictures for a while. So I thought that I would contribute these pictures that I took last Saturday

Work has resumed on the 6 story office building in the Portico development (yes, I know that technically it is in Meridian but given the current economy it's close enough)

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1891.jpg

Its nice to see that the contractor is environmentally conscious. The third dumpster is for electrical recycle.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1893.jpg

The new control tower for the Boise Airport

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1901.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1900.jpg

Winco's just completed distribution center

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1903.jpg

We are spending a ton of money to rebuild I84 through Boise and though it is not as spectacular as a new tower downtown, it is probably just as important.

The new Orchard interchange.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1896.jpg

The new Vista interchange. The new structure is being built on both sides of the old structure
This is the east side

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1904.jpg

and this is the west side

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1906.jpg

And does anyone have a clue what these will be used for?

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1905.jpg

The BSU campus has been and still is busy in terms of new construction The Student Union expansion has just been completed and we have two major buildings under construction.

The Norco Nursing Building which is about three months behind schedule

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1910.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1913.jpg

The Center for Eviromental Science and Economic Development or CESED for short. This building really change the look of the Broadway side of Campus when it is completed

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1914.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1915.jpg

If I have missed anything of significance let me know and I will get some pictures to post

[CaliforniaKid]

Way to go IDAHO!!!!! And GO BSU Broncos!!!!

[Visualize]

Thanks for the pictures!! :cheers: There is a lot going on when you include more of the valley than just downtown.

I'm really happy to see that BSU has started to build in a similar style. It's not the most exciting style but still looks good. Brick is classic and will work well at an educational institution.

[Evo5Boise]

Great pictures. 1-84 is a MUCH needed project.

And HOW ABOUT THOSE BRONCOS!!!!! WOOOOO

[boisecynic]

Thanks for the pics Carpenter.

[VelvetElvis]

And does anyone have a clue what these will be used for?

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv354/rstclair52/100_1905.jpg

They look just like the interlocking systems they use for leach fields in septic systems. -Thanks for the pictures.

[Cottonwood]

Think of the $$ Idaho could make if this was legalized. I remember reading once that mary jane is Idaho's #1 cash crop.



http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/892931.html

Pot growers like Idaho wilds
Authorities are busting an increasing number of marijuana plots in remote areas.
BY KATY MOELLER - kmoeller@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2009 Idaho Statesman
Published: 09/09/09

Police busts of large outdoor marijuana operations are on pace to set a four-year high - even before including several large grows eradicated over the past few weeks in Valley, Boise, Gem and Owyhee counties.

The 36,000 plants seized through July of this year have already at least tied the numbers for the past three summers, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"It's happening throughout the Northwest," said William Lutz, the DEA's Boise-based resident agent in charge.

[el conquistador]

Think of the $$ Idaho could make if this was legalized. I remember reading once that mary jane is Idaho's #1 cash crop.



http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/892931.html

Pot growers like Idaho wilds
Authorities are busting an increasing number of marijuana plots in remote areas.
BY KATY MOELLER - kmoeller@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2009 Idaho Statesman
Published: 09/09/09

Police busts of large outdoor marijuana operations are on pace to set a four-year high - even before including several large grows eradicated over the past few weeks in Valley, Boise, Gem and Owyhee counties.

The 36,000 plants seized through July of this year have already at least tied the numbers for the past three summers, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"It's happening throughout the Northwest," said William Lutz, the DEA's Boise-based resident agent in charge.

Idaho, hell, the U.S. You want to pull out of this economic funk, this would be a big boost! And not just m.j., but all the things that can be made from hemp plant...

[Sawtooth]

I also remember reading that Hammons was out due to health problems, and that the Auditorium District is now shopping for a new developer/financier for a similar project. I think the addition of JUMP next year should help speed the convention center along.

I want to see a new larger convention center in Boise but I am glad that John Hammons backed out because of whatever reasons. The designs of his buildings are hideous and dated and it is better if Boise waits a little longer to replace the Centre On The Grove when a developer comes forward with a better design.

[Boiseguy]

I agree, I would like to see a convention center larger than just the 200K sqft proposed by hammons...
Certain people like to object to it.. but for a regional center like boise not having grand convention space is a serious disservice to the business local business community. Large conventions bring in large amounts of money to the city and it's businesses. Seeing as how boise is the largest city from the coast to salt lake and denver.. that's a huge regional base...

[Sawtooth]

I hear through the grapevine that a lot of the ganja grown in the forests is comparable to mexican dirt weed. BC buds are where it's at:frog:
It is also silly that our government has outlawed the harvesting of hemp when it would provide so many new American jobs. The Decleration of Independence was written on hemp paper. Hemp would thrive in Idaho and become a whole new industry for paper, clothes, but our government is more focused on making money from liqour sales and brainwashing the general uninformed public that hemp, not marijuana, is evil. Hemp is harmless.

[Cottonwood]

I agree, I would like to see a convention center larger than just the 200K sqft proposed by hammons...
Certain people like to object to it.. but for a regional center like boise not having grand convention space is a serious disservice to the business local business community. Large conventions bring in large amounts of money to the city and it's businesses. Seeing as how boise is the largest city from the coast to salt lake and denver.. that's a huge regional base...

I think alot of those objectors have serious personal issues, they are so hateful and down trodden and negative, everything is horrible in their opinion.

[Boiseguy]

I think alot of those objectors have serious personal issues, they are so hateful and down trodden and negative, everything is horrible in their opinion.

its the guy that owns the ameritel inn on overland that has been publicly outspoken about it... He's all pissed off that the appeal of downtown does not help his hotel at all. Which is fair.. but common sense would tell you.. if you want to see benefits of downtown.. you should have built your hotel downtown instead of out in buttFegypt...
Little does he realize though that when a convention is in town and all the hotels downtown are full.. the excess that would normally stay downtown has to go somewhere right?
He's just one of many loud mouth self centered people when it comes to civic issues...rather than see the opportunities.. they seek to keep the status quo...

[boisecynic]

its the guy that owns the ameritel inn on overland that has been publicly outspoken about it... He's all pissed off that the appeal of downtown does not help his hotel at all. Which is fair.. but common sense would tell you.. if you want to see benefits of downtown.. you should have built your hotel downtown instead of out in buttFegypt...
Little does he realize though that when a convention is in town and all the hotels downtown are full.. the excess that would normally stay downtown has to go somewhere right?
He's just one of many loud mouth self centered people when it comes to civic issues...rather than see the opportunities.. they seek to keep the status quo...

As I remember there's a bit more too it. There's a special gov't agency, Greater Boise Auditorium District, I'm too lazy to look up the boundaries. They've tried to fund a new convention center twice via bond elections, as per Idaho law for any taking on of long term debt (over 1 year). Each of the 2 bond elections got well over 50% majority in favor, however, a 66% super-majority is required for passage of said bond, a flaw in the ID constitution if you ask me. But that's a whole 'nother can of worms.

The funds to repay the bond to build the cc would have come from an extra room tax. Ameritel guy, name escapes me, doesn't want his guests to pay that tax seeing how his hotel is a whopping 5 WHOLE miles via freeway from downtown and would never see the benefits...apparently he doesn't have a car, nor do his guests...

Someone should write a wikipedia piece on this issue...

[el conquistador]

its the guy that owns the ameritel inn on overland that has been publicly outspoken about it... He's all pissed off that the appeal of downtown does not help his hotel at all. Which is fair.. but common sense would tell you.. if you want to see benefits of downtown.. you should have built your hotel downtown instead of out in buttFegypt...
Little does he realize though that when a convention is in town and all the hotels downtown are full.. the excess that would normally stay downtown has to go somewhere right?
He's just one of many loud mouth self centered people when it comes to civic issues...rather than see the opportunities.. they seek to keep the status quo...


Plus he funds all sorts of ultra-con politicians and groups (the swift boat douchebags, Bill Sali's campaign, etc...)

Politics aside, the guy is not very civic-minded IMO.

[Evo5Boise]

I hear through the grapevine that a lot of the ganja grown in the forests is comparable to mexican dirt weed. BC buds are where it's at:frog:
It is also silly that our government has outlawed the harvesting of hemp when it would provide so many new American jobs. The Decleration of Independence was written on hemp paper. Hemp would thrive in Idaho and become a whole new industry for paper, clothes, but our government is more focused on making money from liqour sales and brainwashing the general uninformed public that hemp, not marijuana, is evil. Hemp is harmless.

Yes it would create tons of jobs and revenue, not to mention cut very deeply into the black market. Which in turn could free up a lot of space in jail for people sitting on silly marijuana charges. The debate to me is funny. Alcohol is proven to be so much worst for you.

[Sawtooth]

Here are a few Capitol pics I took today. The grounds and building obviously are still fenced off for the renovations so I couldn't get too close.
I felt bad when some of the grand old trees on the immediate grounds were cut down for the new underground wings, but this is Boise, there are plenty of trees and greenery all around the Statehouse to make up for the old timers that are long gone to the chainsaw.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/cap2-1.jpg






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