[Visualize]

Ok, so here are some happenings updates, I can't wait until later this year when the big projects start.

Boise City National Bank Building aka 805 Idaho Building renovation

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/021-4.jpg


I can't wait to see the LED exterior lighting on this. Or is it already lit and they are just replacing it with LED, can't remember. Either way, I think more buildings should incorporate this simple but very elegant looking element. The Modern Hotel on Grove did a good job of this.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2818561131_908cf31745.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlews/favorites/page28/

[s.p.hansen]

:previous:
Awesome shots Sawtooth!

[SLC Projects]

The Hole which is begging for a tall building to plug it.


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/018-4.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/017-6.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/019-5.jpg


:previous:
Wow is that the base of what would of been the Boise Tower/Place? That's just sad.

[CaliforniaKid]

While everywhere else things are crappy.. Boise is booming.. :haha:

JUMP, Idaho Building renovation, Concordia Law School, Micron COBE, that new water park...

Heck guys.. What's next?? :worship:

[Sawtooth]

:previous:
Wow is that the base of what would of been the Boise Tower/Place? That's just sad.

Yeah, that hole needs some action. It is raining tonight so it is wet.

At least it is hidden from street level by a wall covered in art and surrounded by density and restaurants, so you don't really notice it.

[Sawtooth]

After dinner tonight and some sake I attempted a few night pics without my tripod hence the blurs, and it is raining and foggy which resulted in a few spots on my lens, I was interrupted by a few drag queens and laughing friends, so it was difficult but nonetheless here goes.




http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/069-4.jpg









http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/068-4.jpg










Check out the website for the Lunchbox, the before, during, and after image on the main page is hilarious:haha: riiiiiip, ahhhhhh. It appears you can even get facials on lunch break! And a Betty Beauty Color and Vajazzle. Didn't this location used to be home to the Snake River Alliance?!? This looks like a really nice place. You go Boise.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/051-3.jpg








http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/064-4.jpg













http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/057-4.jpg











http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/060-5.jpg










http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/056-4.jpg









That's all, the rest are too blurred. I am going to have to attempt night shots another time when I have my tripod and it isn't raining.

[SLC Projects]

Yeah, that hole needs some action. It is raining tonight so it is wet.

At least it is hidden from street level by a wall covered in art and surrounded by density and restaurants, so you don't really notice it.

:previous:
Well that's good. I really hope you guys get something there soon. :yes:

[CaliforniaKid]

Thanks for the pics Saw... You are our eyes!! :)

[Boiseguy]

some of the best density in boise is right there at 8th and Idaho 8th and main which happens to be right below the balcony (gay club) so any shots upward will be looking up at drunk homo's leaning over the railing flicking their cigs on you...
it's funny though that block goes from street market/suit and tie by day to drag queens and drunken debauchery by night..:haha:

[Sawtooth]

I think Catacomb is my new favorite club.




http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/062-3.jpg

[Boiseguy]

I think Catacomb is my new favorite club.




http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/062-3.jpg

http://www.catacombclub.com/

I like it too:tup:

[GrandTeton]

:previous: You forgot to mention the cat-calling from the Balcony, which I must admit is quite a self esteem booster. :D

[Boiseguy]

:previous: You forgot to mention the cat-calling from the Balcony, which I must admit is quite a self esteem booster. :D

you must be cute then...:P

[Sawtooth]

I forgot to thank everyone who replied back regarding my photos.

[Boisekid]

Steven W. Hosac: Downtown Boise still an attractive place to live

Did the real estate meltdown change the vision of Downtown Boise as a true neighborhood, or just delay it? Do people really want to live Downtown?
Good questions. They also are questions that real estate developers must try to answer before proceeding with new Downtown condo projects. As for my answers, read on. But first, let’s take a look at some past studies.
In 2003 and 2004, Capital City Development Corp. published two interrelated studies, “Boise Downtown Housing Analysis” and “Downtown Boise Housing Study.” These studies surveyed 609 folks who live in Boise and Ada County, and an additional 832 folks who work Downtown.
Thirty-one percent of those who live in Boise City/Ada County and 61 percent of those who work Downtown said they would “consider moving Downtown in the future.” When asked what the advantages of living Downtown might be:
* 90 percent said “lively mix of restaurants, retail, culture, social spaces.”
* 83 percent said “walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment.”
* 69 percent said “more social interaction.”
* 62 percent said “more interesting than suburbs.”
* 43 percent said “closer to work.”
* 28 percent said “prestige.”
Another report, the “Boise Smart City Initiative Committee Report” in January 2006, said: “The Smart City Initiative envisions Downtown Boise becoming a vibrant urban village — where there is a lively mixture of housing, workplaces, restaurants, retail, cultural and educational activities and social spaces.” It also said: “The vision absolutely requires more people living Downtown.”
Many have questioned the validity of these studies. Nevertheless, they essentially represent a snapshot of public opinion, as expressed at that point in time. Do those sentiments still exist? I think they do.
Last month, I proposed to CCDC a mixed-use residential condo project at River Street between 8th and 9th streets at the current site of an old abandoned warehouse. The River 8 project would consist of:
* A two-level parking garage with 176 parking spaces.
* Three separate five-story residential towers with a total of 130 condominium units.
* Retail/commercial totaling 5,650 square feet.
The project would include a fitness center, a spacious main lobby and a manager’s office.
River 8 is designed to be built in three separate phases, with each phase including about 40 condominiums.
When I completed Phase I of CitySide Lofts, I sold and closed about 25 of the first phase’s 42 units in less than six months. That was just before the housing meltdown. CitySide Lofts Phase II has experienced much slower sales but is still selling.
I heard it once said that there are two types of developers: those who cannot forecast future market demand, and those who don’t know that they cannot forecast future market demand.
I believe the housing recession only delayed the vision of a Downtown Boise that is a true neighborhood and that significant numbers of folks still want to live Downtown. Because of that belief, I’m moving forward with River 8.
Steven W. Hosac is owner and president of The Hosac Co., a Boise commercial and residential real estate developer. Reach him at steve@hosac.net.


Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/12/1484674/lineylineydowntown-boise-still.html#ixzz1BFzMDedb

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/12/1484674/lineylineydowntown-boise-still.html#ixzz1BFytbmvz

[Sawtooth]

I can't wait to see the LED exterior lighting on this. Or is it already lit and they are just replacing it with LED, can't remember. Either way, I think more buildings should incorporate this simple but very elegant looking element. The Modern Hotel on Grove did a good job of this.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2818561131_908cf31745.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlews/favorites/page28/

Hey Visualize,
The LED lights are on the building, the pic I posted from last night isn't the best so I'll have to get another one soon and post it here.

The Modern is looking good with their lights, they really add to the ambiance when you sit in the courtyard on a warm summer night drinking a cocktail from their bar.

[Visualize]

Steven W. Hosac: Downtown Boise still an attractive place to live

Did the real estate meltdown change the vision of Downtown Boise as a true neighborhood, or just delay it? Do people really want to live Downtown?
Good questions. They also are questions that real estate developers must try to answer before proceeding with new Downtown condo projects.

Well if downtown starts to look anything like this 2001 Westside Master Plan, I imagine the amount of people wanting to live downtown will continue to snowball. I think some of the densities shown are very conservative so as to appear realistic, especially for 2001 when the image was made. At least I hope US Bank wouldn't still remain the city's tallest after all the infill lots are developed.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/visualeyez1983/BoiseWestsideMasterPlan.jpg
http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/PDS/PDF/ProjectManagement/DDC_MasterPlan_Westside.pdf

[Visualize]

Hey Visualize,
The LED lights are on the building, the pic I posted from last night isn't the best so I'll have to get another one soon and post it here.

The Modern is looking good with their lights, they really add to the ambiance when you sit in the courtyard on a warm summer night drinking a cocktail from their bar.

I had noticed that you got a pic of 408 Idaho with the lights on in the last pic you posted, very nice. You also highlighted some of the other buildings with great exterior lighting, especially (drawing a blank on its current name) the old Hotel Boise building, probably the best one in all of downtown.

[Reachforthesky]

At least it is hidden from street level by a wall covered in art and surrounded by density and restaurants, so you don't really notice it.



Can I just say how much I love the vibe the Downtown restaurants bring! Whoever thought of putting outside dinning patios along the street was genius. Great way to take it all in! I haven't eaten along there but i sure plan on it next time I roll through! Any suggestions?

[Boisekid]

I would love to see west Downtown become a major residential area, that rendering looks good. I think that is very possible in the next 50 years, but your right about US Bank, that sure as heck better not be the tallest much longer. River 8 is a step in the right direction towards making downtown more liveable.

[Sawtooth]

I would love to see west Downtown become a major residential area, that rendering looks good. I think that is very possible in the next 50 years, but your right about US Bank, that sure as heck better not be the tallest much longer. River 8 is a step in the right direction towards making downtown more liveable.

Downtown is liveable, I live right by it :cool: I know what you mean, just playing. Downtown does need more condos and apartments.

River 8 will be a great addition to the riverside area of downtown, hopefully the new library will become reality sooner.

[Sawtooth]

Can I just say how much I love the vibe the Downtown restaurants bring! Whoever thought of putting outside dinning patios along the street was genius. Great way to take it all in! I haven't eaten along there but i sure plan on it next time I roll through! Any suggestions?

This time of year the alfresco dining is quiet, until the warm weather hits.
8th Street from Bannock through Bodo is the main area of outside dining but that scene is scattered all around downtown from 10th Street to Old Boise and the Basque Block.

A few good suggestions, among many, for 8th Street itself would be Red Feather and Grape Escape.




I had noticed that you got a pic of 408 Idaho with the lights on in the last pic you posted, very nice. You also highlighted some of the other buildings with great exterior lighting, especially (drawing a blank on its current name) the old Hotel Boise building, probably the best one in all of downtown.


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/069-4.jpg

Yeah, The Hoff Building is one of our finest, I have a few history books on Boise that show what it was like when it was the Hotel Boise, the lobby is still beautiful as is the Crystal Ballroom.

[Sawtooth]

double post.

[andyroo]

Downtown is liveable, I live right by it :cool: I know what you mean, just playing. Downtown does need more condos and apartments.

River 8 will be a great addition to the riverside area of downtown, hopefully the new library will become reality sooner.

new library? what is this you speak of ?

[Boisekid]

new library? what is this you speak of ?


A few years back there was a proposed project that would have incorporated a new library for the city as well as condos, it was called Library Blocks/River 8/Bodo South...(i think thats the story). I wanna say that Mark Rivers was the developer as well, but it fell through due to the economy. This new developer, the same guy who built CitySide Lofts, wants to resurrect the Condo aspect of the project. He was actually competing with Rivers for this project a few years back and CCDC went with Rivers instead.

I think that's the short summary, I might have completely butchered it. It's kinda hard to remember the details of every failed project this city has seen over the last 5-10 years :yuck:

[Reachforthesky]

This time of year the alfresco dining is quiet, until the warm weather hits.
8th Street from Bannock through Bodo is the main area of outside dining but that scene is scattered all around downtown from 10th Street to Old Boise and the Basque Block.

A few good suggestions, among many, for 8th Street itself would be Red Feather and Grape Escape.







http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/069-4.jpg

Yeah, The Hoff Building is one of our finest, I have a few history books on Boise that show what it was like when it was the Hotel Boise, the lobby is still beautiful as is the Crystal Ballroom.

Thanks Sawtooth! 8th street seems to be alive and a fun eating environment during the summertime I'll be sure to check those out! :tup:
ps, great photo above

[jard]

How about that new Scentsy campus in Meridian?

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/18/1492220/new-scentsy-hq-going-up.html

Their corporate staff are currently in the 6 story tower in the Portico development

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/2/7/B/xy_27BBF6E4-EC29-4CEC-90D1-91C092DABDC5__.jpg

[Cottonwood]

More Good Economic News.


Micron to build new facility, expand operations in Boise
http://www.ktvb.com/news/Micron-expanding-in-Boise-114164219.html



by Scott Evans
Bio | Email| Follow: @KTVB
KTVB.COM
Posted on January 18, 2011 at 3:23 PM

BOISE -- Micron is expanding its Boise operations.

NewsChannel 7 has learned that Micron will break ground on a new facility sometime next month.

This is good news for the state's second largest employer and the city that surrounds it.

This new building will be for research and development for the 300-millimeter wafers, microchips currently processed at the Boise campus.

Micron spokesman Dan Francisco says this new building will be 50,000 square feet, and 25,000 square feet will be a clean room for the 300-millimenter R & D.

[CaliforniaKid]

Hey Boise people quite down a little, you are getting too loud... All this expansion talk.. We can hear you all the way from California.. ;) :yes: :haha:

[Cottonwood]

The complete article is at the link.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/survey-says/Content?oid=2022079
2011 survey will gauge economic impact of the arts in Boise
by Amy Atkins/Boise Weekly
http://www.boiseweekly.com/imager/b/magnum/2022079/fd33/arts_feature1-1_ArtsSurvey.jpg
In 2000, the arts in Boise had an economic impact of $18 million. By 2005, that number jumped to $38 million.


In the coming year, patrons attending arts events may find a questionnaire sitting on their assigned seats. Or, as they are standing in the lobby during intermission, a representative of Boise City's Department of Arts and History might approach them, paper in hand.

These questionnaires will ask how, what, why and where people who patronize the arts do so and will take about two minutes to complete. The surveys are part of Arts and Economic Prosperity IV, a project by Americans for the Arts, a 50-year-old, Washington, D.C.-based organization that works to "advance the arts in America" and is "dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts."


Those two minutes and those answers will play a role in how Boise is able to portray itself as a vital, growing community where new businesses and creative communities can thrive.

[CaliforniaKid]

And now this.. :cheers:

"Once it’s up and running, which could happen as soon as the end of 2012, 15,000 Boise homes could be getting their power from the sun.

In his State of the City address in June, Boise Mayor Dave Bieter announced plans to partner with Boise company Sunergy World to build a 10-megawatt solar power plant just west of the Boise Airport. The plan also called for turning an airport parking lot into a solar power plant, with cars parking under awnings outfitted with solar collectors.

Now the city has leased 160 acres to the company at 20 Mile South Farm south of Boise, a site near the intersection of South Cloverdale and East Sand Creek roads, said Cece Gassner, assistant for economic development in the mayor’s office."

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/20/1495038/planned-boise-solar-plant-moves.html

http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2011/01/19/22/0120_Local_solarfarm.standalone.prod_affiliate.36.JPG

[BoiseAirport]

WOW! That is massive!

I cannot wait to see it built. I was just reading an article today about how solar companies in California are getting endlessly frustrated at all of the red tape a company has to go through to build a solar power plant.

All I can say to those people is... we got plenty of sun and plenty of space in Boise! :)

[202_Cyclist]

All I can say to those people is... we got plenty of sun and plenty of space in Boise!

I took the bus from Boise to Sun Valley in December and noticed a couple of dozen large wind turbines along the way. Permitting with the Bureau of Land Management and other agencies might be difficult but it looked like there is plenty of open space for such projects. Between wind, hydro, and solar projects like this, there is no reason Idaho can't be a leader in renewable energy.

[Cottonwood]

This solar farm is going to be really good for Boise and Idaho. We can add geothermal energy to the list of renewable energy options in Idaho too.

[s.p.hansen]

The complete article is at the link.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/survey-says/Content?oid=2022079
2011 survey will gauge economic impact of the arts in Boise
by Amy Atkins/Boise Weekly
http://www.boiseweekly.com/imager/b/magnum/2022079/fd33/arts_feature1-1_ArtsSurvey.jpg
In 2000, the arts in Boise had an economic impact of $18 million. By 2005, that number jumped to $38 million.


In the coming year, patrons attending arts events may find a questionnaire sitting on their assigned seats. Or, as they are standing in the lobby during intermission, a representative of Boise City's Department of Arts and History might approach them, paper in hand.

These questionnaires will ask how, what, why and where people who patronize the arts do so and will take about two minutes to complete. The surveys are part of Arts and Economic Prosperity IV, a project by Americans for the Arts, a 50-year-old, Washington, D.C.-based organization that works to "advance the arts in America" and is "dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts."


Those two minutes and those answers will play a role in how Boise is able to portray itself as a vital, growing community where new businesses and creative communities can thrive.

That was a really interesting article. Art as economic stimulus for regions: Brilliant! Raking in 38 million seems very impressive to me.

[CaliforniaKid]

WOW! That is massive!

I cannot wait to see it built. I was just reading an article today about how solar companies in California are getting endlessly frustrated at all of the red tape a company has to go through to build a solar power plant.

All I can say to those people is... we got plenty of sun and plenty of space in Boise! :)

California is the last place you would want to go to see expansion. It would literally take years and years to get anything accomplished here. So much overhead. You couldn't even start a burger king here without huge revolts..

No one has a clue how to manage anything here..

[Visualize]

And now this.. :cheers:

"Once it’s up and running, which could happen as soon as the end of 2012, 15,000 Boise homes could be getting their power from the sun.

In his State of the City address in June, Boise Mayor Dave Bieter announced plans to partner with Boise company Sunergy World to build a 10-megawatt solar power plant just west of the Boise Airport. The plan also called for turning an airport parking lot into a solar power plant, with cars parking under awnings outfitted with solar collectors.

Now the city has leased 160 acres to the company at 20 Mile South Farm south of Boise, a site near the intersection of South Cloverdale and East Sand Creek roads, said Cece Gassner, assistant for economic development in the mayor’s office."

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/20/1495038/planned-boise-solar-plant-moves.html

http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2011/01/19/22/0120_Local_solarfarm.standalone.prod_affiliate.36.JPG

Here's a link that shows comparatively how much 10-megawatts really is.
http://depletedcranium.com/what-is-a-megawatt/

[Cottonwood]

Rumors, Rumors!! Strange how the BW article doesn't mention the approved project at 15th and Idaho, the one Henry's Famers Market has possibly backed out of, but per the Stateman Article the developers are looking for another specialty grocer tenant. Spokane is getting a TJ's, so why not Boise in the near future.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2011/01/20/trader-joes-rumors-circulate-again

Trader Joe's Rumors Circulate Again
Posted by Tara Morgan on Thu, Jan 20, 2011 at 7:57 PM






http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/12/10/1451050/henrys-farmers-market-in-downtown.html

Henry's Farmers Market in Downtown Boise may not happen
By Cynthia Sewell - cmsewell@idahostatesman.com
Published: 12/10/10


Plans have stalled for Henry's Farmers Market to move into a new 25,000 square-foot building on Bannock Street between 15th and 16th streets.

"We do not have an executed lease from them which should have been completed over a month ago," said developer Rudy Kadlub with Persimmon II LLC. "In the event they do not proceed with us, we are confident that we can attract another specialty grocer to the site and will focus our efforts on doing so," Kadlub said.

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/12/10/1451050/henrys-farmers-market-in-downtown.html#ixzz1BhFYFZsH

[andyroo]

Sustainable community garden going in somewhere around the "Boise State University neighborhoods" ...sounds interesting!

http://news.boisestate.edu/update/2011/01/20/anthropologist-john-ziker-receives-fulbright-grant-for-sustainable-garden/

[boisechev]

New to posting, but I have been reading the forum since about the time the Boise Place announcement was made. I love the info you guys toss around in here.....

I had a few general questions.

1.) What is the time frame (estimate) on downtown going up in height. By this I mean, at least the height of US Bank or taller? Like what we were expecting with Boise Tower/Place, etc. Any rumors?

2.) What is the time frame on major transportation work. (more freeway/mass transit)

3.) Finally, something I have been wanting to do in this thread for a while...Predict the Boise Metro population. The release is coming up, and I predict 650k for Boise MSA? What do you think.

Thanks and keep the news comin'.

[Boisekid]

New to posting, but I have been reading the forum since about the time the Boise Place announcement was made. I love the info you guys toss around in here.....

I had a few general questions.

1.) What is the time frame (estimate) on downtown going up in height. By this I mean, at least the height of US Bank or taller? Like what we were expecting with Boise Tower/Place, etc. Any rumors?

2.) What is the time frame on major transportation work. (more freeway/mass transit)

3.) Finally, something I have been wanting to do in this thread for a while...Predict the Boise Metro population. The release is coming up, and I predict 650k for Boise MSA? What do you think.

Thanks and keep the news comin'.



WELCOME!!

1) No projects are in the works that will be taller than US Bank. The only iffy high-rise of relative significance would be Boise Capitol Plaza on the corner of Capitol and Front. It is 14 stories. http://www.boisecapitolplaza.com/index.html

2) No immediate time frame for any mass transit in the Boise Area. Unless you count BRT, Bus Rapid Transit, down State St. That should happen soon.

Also, ITD is in the process of connecting Highway 16 to I-84. The first phase will only connect Highway 16/State St with Chinden Blvd. A future phase will connect that to I-84. This will be similar to I-184 the Connector.

3) The Treasure Valley has slowed down in growth quite a bit, i'm guessing 625-630 thousand for the Metro.

Hope this helps. Glad to have you here!!

[Boise Benchman]

This may not be "NEW NEWS" for most of us... HOWEVER:
I am very excited to see a positive spin placed on this news story by the Idaho Statesman regarding 30th Street Expansion.

ENJOY:

Boise to retool 30th Street neighborhood
In the coming weeks and months, you can get involved in shaping the whitewater-park district


http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/23/1498901/boise-to-retool-30th-street-neighborhood.html

[boisecynic]

The story appears to be in regard to ACHD holding an open house on the project at Lowell Elementary this Thursday. Please show up and support it. Don't let the nimby's obstruct this project yet again. Much of the story is not relevant to the road construction. How about one step at a time, and the first step is the road. Then the parks. Then let's see what the real estate market thinks of the area. That part is nearly impossible to predict.

The Statesman article makes is sound like the City of Boise is behind it, don't believe it. Boise City has held this project up for years. It would have been built 5 or 6 years ago but Boise requested a delay so they could do the "charrette" meetings. Then there was another delay to hash out the unnecessary traffic circle.

ACHD's overview, warning PDF
http://www.achdidaho.org/Projects/Media/87/1110_30th_St_Overview_Map5_12-2010.pdf

ACHD 30th St project home page:
http://www.achdidaho.org/Projects/PublicProject.aspx?ProjectID=87

[Visualize]

I think it is important to describe the plan for the area rather than just focusing on the street, because the street is just a means to creating the larger picture. Highlighting the positive elements that will eventually result in the area is critical in gaining support for the most controversial aspect of the plan, the new street.

[boisecynic]

Statesman commenter canoeme linked to this essay on the benefit of white water parks, epsecially the development spurred by Reno's WW park:

http://ryangraff.com/writing/updated_business_comes_in_with_the_surf.html

[Boisekid]

Kohl’s plans Boise Towne Square store


by Brad Carlson
Published: January 25,2011
Time posted: 12:34 pm
Tags: CSI Construction Inc., Idaho Associated General Contractors, Kohl's

Kohl’s plans a department store in the Boise Towne Square mall, according to a contractor bidding announcement.

CSI Construction Inc. is seeking trade and materials bids for the Kohl’s store, Idaho Associated General Contractors reports in a weekly posting of construction project bids. The project includes deconstruction and construction.

Idaho AGC Planroom Manager Kristy Wade said plan documents show the 81,882-square-foot project encompassing the first and second levels of the mall but do not state the location in the mall or the store Kohl’s would replace. CSI is based in Portland.

Kohl’s and Boise Towne Square officials could not be reached immediately.

Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Kohl’s Corp. fields more than 1,050 stores, including stores in Meridian and Nampa.



I'm guessing that's the old Mervyn's space. This is good news. The whole "deconstruction and construction" thing is interesting. Wonder what that means exactly.

[Cottonwood]

:previous: The IBR has updated the story and it looks like it will be at the old Mervyns.

http://idahobusinessreview.com/2011/01/25/kohls-plans-boise-towne-square-store/

[el conquistador]

:previous: The IBR has updated the story and it looks like it will be at the old Mervyns.

http://idahobusinessreview.com/2011/01/25/kohls-plans-boise-towne-square-store/

Cool, I like Kohl's. They carry tall sizes that are actually decent looking. :D

[boi2socal]

Kohl's took over most of the Mervyn's space down here. So this is not surprising. Malls are beginning to mix high end and low end/discount stores. It has proven to be quite successful.

[Boise Benchman]

Well... looks like my source was indeed correct. That will def bring a lot of business to the mall, or at least keep those who shop at the mall staying longer. Also it will finally fill the Boise Towne Square's (HOLE) at that end of the hall!

[Boisebro]

Cool, I like Kohl's. They carry tall sizes that are actually decent looking. :D

yeah, but you're only 5'2", so why do you care?

:cool:

kohl's is great. they're a wisconsin company, dontcha know.

now we just need an ikea and this swedish cheesehead will be a happy boisean.

:D

[Evo5Boise]

My buddy is a huge Kohl's fan too. I'm not really that big on the store. But that's just me.

[CaliforniaKid]

Kohl’s plans Boise Towne Square store


by Brad Carlson
Published: January 25,2011
Time posted: 12:34 pm
Tags: CSI Construction Inc., Idaho Associated General Contractors, Kohl's

Kohl’s plans a department store in the Boise Towne Square mall, according to a contractor bidding announcement.

CSI Construction Inc. is seeking trade and materials bids for the Kohl’s store, Idaho Associated General Contractors reports in a weekly posting of construction project bids. The project includes deconstruction and construction.

Idaho AGC Planroom Manager Kristy Wade said plan documents show the 81,882-square-foot project encompassing the first and second levels of the mall but do not state the location in the mall or the store Kohl’s would replace. CSI is based in Portland.

Kohl’s and Boise Towne Square officials could not be reached immediately.

Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Kohl’s Corp. fields more than 1,050 stores, including stores in Meridian and Nampa.



I'm guessing that's the old Mervyn's space. This is good news. The whole "deconstruction and construction" thing is interesting. Wonder what that means exactly.

Yes it will be the old Mervyn's space. The exact same thing happened at our mall too with our old Mervyn's space. You guys don't have a Kohl's in Boise yet? They are exactly like Mervyn's.

[el conquistador]

yeah, but you're only 5'2", so why do you care?

:cool:

kohl's is great. they're a wisconsin company, dontcha know.

now we just need an ikea and this swedish cheesehead will be a happy boisean.

:D

Me too! I would love an Ikea! Mrs. Conquistador and I are considering a run to the one in Draper in the near future (still a LOT cheaper than their shipping costs!). :D

[el conquistador]

Yes it will be the old Mervyn's space. The exact same thing happened at our mall too with our old Mervyn's space. You guys don't have a Kohl's in Boise yet? They are exactly like Mervyn's.

We have one, I like it better than Mervyn's. It will be a good addition to the mall, Boise can't afford a high-end store right now anyway (read: Nordstom or something of that ilk).

[Sawtooth]

At first I thought boring when I read the story about Kohls, but that store is expanding and seems to me to be the same level as Mervyns so it is like a swap, out with Mervyns in with Kohls. Towne Square is becoming a good mix of high end and budget, reminds me of a mall in Seattle but I cannot remember the name of that one.

Retail in downtown is all pretty high end. It is easy to drop over $200 just for a pair of pants and one shirt at one of the several men's boutiques.

[Boisebro]

It is easy to drop over $200 just for a pair of pants

ironically, dropping your pants downtown costs $200, too.

don't ask me how i know.

:sly:

[el conquistador]

ironically, dropping your pants downtown costs $200, too.

don't ask me how i know.

:sly:

That's too steep just to show it.

Wait, what? :runaway:

[Evo5Boise]

ironically, dropping your pants downtown costs $200, too.

don't ask me how i know.

:sly:

:haha:

Drinking involved possibly?

[Boiseguy]

inappropriate comment

[Sawtooth]

January Sunset

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/999.jpg









http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/075-4.jpg

[Boisekid]

awesome pics as always! beautiful sunset! but man that's a nasty inversion, looks like los angeles :(

[boisecynic]

Awesome pics. Very unusual colors.

I don't know if anyone caught my update to the Veterans Park Neighborhood thread. (West Downtown) The 30th St extension's design is nearing completion. ACHD has detailed drawings superimposed on aerials.

See the entire design: (scroll down)

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146714&page=3

1 of 7 total:

http://i.imgur.com/0Y7Hd.jpg

[boisecynic]

Don't forget to leave your comments:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K7R5MNH

or

email: projects@achdidaho.org

The nimby's were there leaving multiple comments to NOT connect the streets to the new road. They want to leave them as dead ends, citing traffic problems. Dead ended streets at the edge of a boulevard is a monumentally bad idea for several reasons. I simply cannot understand the reasoning behind such an idea.

[Sawtooth]

Is the boulevard proposed to have landscaping similar to Parkcenter Blvd?

[Evo5Boise]

Is the road coming out on the left of the roundabout going to lead into the new whitewater park?

[boisecynic]

Is the road coming out on the left of the roundabout going to lead into the new whitewater park?

Yes, sort of. It's access to future Esther Simplot park. ES Park design is nowhere near complete but current renderings show parking for 150 cars down near the river just downstream of the WW park.

[Visualize]

This doesn't have the detail BoiseCynic's pics have so still click his link but I think it's good to just have a big overview of the entire area on here for easy reference.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/visualeyez1983/30thstreet.png

I can't understand at all why the neighborhood would want all those streets turned into dead ends either. The only people that are going to benefit from having them open is them. I don't imagine too many people wishing to take themselves off an arterial to meander through a neighborhood that has nothing in it but residential.

[boisecynic]

Is the boulevard proposed to have landscaping similar to Parkcenter Blvd?

There'll be a median from State south to Pleasanton then a regular center turn lane to Fairview. Less right of way width. One of the biggest issues now is the east side sidewalk north of Pleasanton. I believe Boise City (Elaine Clegg) prefers a 9' wide sidewalk rather than a sidewalk and planting strip. I don't recall any plans for the median. I think they want to make it desert scape rather than like Harrison. I'd prefer to see trees. But it's a maintenance and safety issue.

Cross sections looking northward:

http://i.imgur.com/kkarp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hxNz5.jpg

[boisecynic]

I can't understand at all why the neighborhood would want all those streets turned into dead ends either. The only people that are going to benefit from having them open is them. I don't imagine too many people wishing to take themselves off an arterial to meander through a neighborhood that has nothing in it but residential.

One of the biggest cross traffic concerns is Jefferson. It does come out of downtown and it goes by Whittier Elementary. But past 16th, Jefferson has lots of stop signs and the big dip at 27th puts a damper on things. I just don't see cross traffic increasing very much at all for years.

ACHD could do things such as banning left turns at rush hour at 27th and 30th.

[City Of Trees]

One of the biggest cross traffic concerns is Jefferson. It does come out of downtown and it goes by Whittier Elementary. But past 16th, Jefferson has lots of stop signs and the big dip at 27th puts a damper on things. I just don't see cross traffic increasing very much at all for years.Jefferson is a thru street between 17th and 23rd, and is a bit of a relic from its old days of feeding cars to 23rd when it was actually part of Highway 44. I don't know why it's still a thru street in that section, to be honest.

The one that I thought was getting more controversy these days is Pleasanton. It's a thru street from 27th to the end, and it's also the primary connection to the Greenbelt path where the new bridge was built going to Garden City. Personally, I'd be fine with making Pleasanton the thru street, perhaps with 4 way stops at 23rd and 27th, if it's needed.

ACHD could do things such as banning left turns at rush hour at 27th and 30th.27th is going to get narrowed to three lanes, which will greatly help with left turning there.

I'm also in complete agreement with the rest of you--I'm very glad they're not going to dead end cross streets. All this will do is make the few connected streets more painful for those who live on them.

[Cottonwood]

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/31/1509598/pkgschedules-ground-breaking-on.html

PKG schedules ground breaking on new facility - Idaho Statesman
Published: 01/31/11


PKG User Interface Solutions will break ground on its new $5 million, 38,000-square-foot corporate/manufacturing facility at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, at the Pine Bridge Business Park at the southeast corner of the roundabout on Pine Street between Eagle and Locust Grove roads in Meridian.

The project will be the first phase of a planned, four-building, 13-acre campus.

Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd will address the crowd. PKG manufactures keyboards, pads and control devices for the health care, avionics and instrumentation industries.

For more information, contact PKG Chief Operating Officer Bill Canon at 208-884-4900 or visit http://www.pkguis.com.


Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/31/1509598/pkgschedules-ground-breaking-on.html#ixzz1CeqBlYRa



AND


http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/31/1509347/meridian-development-corpready.html

Meridian Development Corp. ready to select contractor for downtown project
By Joe Estrella - jestrella@idahostatesman.com
Published: 01/31/11



Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/31/1509347/meridian-development-corpready.html#ixzz1CeqUBhaW

[boisecynic]

Reply to City of Trees' comment above posted over in the Veterans Park Neighborhood thread to reduce clutter.

Single post view:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5147796&postcount=53

[Boise Benchman]

Boise CONSTRUCTION news... HOLY $#!+ haha
projects are really starting to materialize around here...

Looks like Whole Foods is now officially ready to go and could break ground in the next couple months, complete in about a year. (Phase One that is) =)

Also... the ground is now broken for the new Lincoln Ave BSU housing for upper-classmen.

[Cottonwood]

:previous: Good News.



http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/something-in-the-air/Content?oid=2035042
Something in the Air
Boise may see momentum on anti-idling campaign
by George Prentice
Boise Weekly

[Evo5Boise]

So is there going to be a Walgreens on Myrtle and Broadway now? I saw a sign there today. Seems like kind of an odd place for a Walgreens.

[Boisekid]

Scentsy to add office tower, distribution center and 175 jobs at new Meridian campus


Scentsy Inc. said Wednesday it’s adding another 35 acres to its planned Meridian campus to accommodate a new six-story 157,000-square foot office tower and a three-story 159,000-square foot distribution center.
A spokeswoman for the Meridian manufacturer of wickless candles said the two additional structures are part of expansion plans that will add another 175 jobs by the time the project is complete in mid-2014. When complete, the total footprint of Scentsy’s new campus will cover almost 50 acres.
The campus will be located on Commercial Street south of the intersection of North Eagle Road and East Pine Avenue.
The company currently has 629 employees scattered over three locations in Meridian.
Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd praised Scentsy’s plans Wednesday during her State of the City Address at Meridian Middle School.
“Scentsy continues to be an exciting success story,” de Weerd said. “Their newest plans for a corporate campus in Meridian is part of the next step in their transformation as one of Idaho’s most promising businesses, if not the nation’s.”
The company’s new distribution center, which is expected to be completed next summer, will double the company’s current manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facilities in Idaho.
Construction of the office tower will take next two and a half years. For now, more than 200 corporate employees will continue to be housed in 65,000 square feet on the top three floors in the Portico Building at Franklin and Eagle roads.
The tower will include corporate offices, a cafeteria to serve all employees and extensive landscaping.
“The new campus will be a beautiful and inviting place to work, and that’s a dream we’ve had for our employees for a long time,” Scentsy President Heidi Thompson said in a statement.
At its 14-acre campus, Scentsy has:
* A new 105,000-square-foot warehouse on the west end of the property.
* An existing 56,414-square-foot building that is being remodeled into office and manufacturing space and will have a 23,500-square-foot dock added to it.
* An existing 20,267-square-foot building that will be used for facilities and maintenance operations.
* Another existing 6,000-square-foot structure will be used for wax storage.
One of Idaho’s fastest growing companies, Scentsy ranked first among consumer products and services companies and 19th overall on Inc. Magazine's 2010 list of the fastest-growing private companies in A

http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2011/02/02/17/Distribution_Perspective_Round_About_-_Logos.standalone.prod_affiliate.36.jpg

http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2011/02/02/17/Office_Tower_Perspective_Final_-_Logos.standalone.prod_affiliate.36.jpg

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/02/1512264/scentsy-to-add-office-tower-distribution.html#ixzz1Cr6KA1pJ

[Boisekid]

The amount of construction in the area over the next year or two will be unbelievable. I think we are witnessing the start of another boom. Just need one signature downtown project and we'll be rollin

[Visualize]

St. Lukes is looking to expand with this 89' building. They are requesting approval to construct a 3 story subterranean parking garage with 5 floors of medical office building above grade. The grade floor would have both parking and enclosed building space. A proposed sky bridge at the third level would connect the new building to the existing east tower of St Lukes across North Avenue B (Broadway).

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/visualeyez1983/stlukes.png
http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/details.aspx?id=CUP11-00003&type=doc

[City Of Trees]

Interesting! That's on the southeast corner, which would mean that the pediatrician's office that I went to as a little kid will be torn down. Memories....

[Visualize]

Interesting! That's on the southeast corner, which would mean that the pediatrician's office that I went to as a little kid will be torn down. Memories....

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/visualeyez1983/stlukes.png

HA! I went there too. It will be worth its destruction for this building. And I was only there when I was sick so the memories aren't that good. The fish tank was pretty mesmerizing though.

[Boisekid]

Any details on when St Lukes wants to break ground?

[Evo5Boise]

Damn that Scentsy campus looks amazing. What an amazing business story.

[ianjt]

I wonder how long it will take before Meridian will develop a skyline of its own--if ever. It seems to get more construction than Nampa. Does anyone else see Meridian building up a bit in the future?

[BoiseAirport]

Is there any way we could do a recap of all the significant construction projects? :)

So far I have:

JUMP - Jack's Urban Meeting Place
Whole Foods Development
Solar Power Plant
Micron Campus Expansion
St. Lukes Expansion
Whitewater Park
Scentsy Office Tower
Bronco Stadium Expansion
Micron College of Business & Economics Building
Lincoln Housing Development

Absolutely awesome to see so much forward development in Boise/Meridian/Nampa!

[Visualize]

Any details on when St Lukes wants to break ground?

It is going before the planning and zoning commission on March 7th because they are asking for a height exception and parking reduction, so it isn't even approved yet, but I'm sure it will be. How long after that I don't know.

[City Of Trees]

It is going before the planning and zoning commission on March 7th because they are asking for a height exception and parking reduction, so it isn't even approved yet, but I'm sure it will be. How long after that I don't know.Interesting that developing on that block would necessitate a height exception, considering that there's a nine story apartment building on the same block. I wonder if EENA will complain about this building as loud as they did on the doomed Park building, even though this one would be closer to actual residences.

[Cottonwood]

:previous: I haven't heard a lot of news about St. Lukes.. does anyone know how tall this will be?


First Thursday is tonight downtown so I'm linking to the BW info mainly because there will be tours of the vaults in the basement of the newly renovated Boise Nat.Bank Bldg/805 Idaho Building plus it will be open for tours of the renovations, along with wine tastings---- after scotch tastings at Solid.:tup: First Thursday is great because you can get a good buzz off of wine tastings at all of the galleries and businesses participating.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/downtown-news-bws-first-thursday-picks/Content?oid=2048973

Downtown News: BW's First Thursday Picks
Jack London, Egyptian Gawds and Scotch tasting
by Kat Thornton and Tara Morgan

http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/EventSearch?eventSection=942620
First Thursday Map
and
Preservation Idaho
When: Thu., Feb. 3
Tour the historic building and get a sneak peak of Fork's menu before the new restaurant open later this month.
The 805 Idaho Building

http://www.preservationidaho.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=55
First Thursday at the 805 Idaho Building- 5:00-9:00 p.m.
http://www.preservationidaho.org/sites/default/files/images/tours-events/annual-meeting/2011/boise-national-bank.jpg

[Visualize]

Interesting that developing on that block would necessitate a height exception, considering that there's a nine story apartment building on the same block. I wonder if EENA will complain about this building as loud as they did on the doomed Park building, even though this one would be closer to actual residences.

According to the letter to the Commissioners and Planning Staff, "the current height allowed is 78', and the proposed height is 89'. Paying attention to the residential neighborhood to the east, the building design steps down to only 4 floors above grade and a height allowable within the current zone. It is anticipated an outdoor seating area with planters for trees and bushes will occupy the east half of the 4th floor roof, creating a roof top green space."

[Boisekid]

I wonder how long it will take before Meridian will develop a skyline of its own--if ever. It seems to get more construction than Nampa. Does anyone else see Meridian building up a bit in the future?


Driving south down eagle road you can see a mini-skyline with the Portico Office Towers and St Lukes Meridian. Also, if the 12-story hotel Portico EVER gets built, that will add to the "skyline." Eagle road will have some impressive developments when it gets built out.

[BoiseAirport]

Driving south down eagle road you can see a mini-skyline with the Portico Office Towers and St Lukes Meridian. Also, if the 12-story hotel Portico EVER gets built, that will add to the "skyline." Eagle road will have some impressive developments when it gets built out.

I would think it's a bit more likely that we won't see a concentrated "skyline" in Meridian, but rather like in Denver where you'll have office parks with 6-15 story towers and hotels just sort of scattered all over the place. I just don't see the long-term planning encouraging concentrated development, and people living in Meridian are far more likely relying on their cars to get to places, unlike people living in downtown Boise, meaning that they're much more willing to drive and have little need to walk. That's just my intuitive guess though, nothing substantial to back it up.

I'm working on an Excel sheet like the one on Page 1 posted by Boizean. He hasn't updated in a while (where did he go, anyway? :( ), so I thought I would do an update with all the existing projects and proposals.

[Cottonwood]

I'm working on an Excel sheet like the one on Page 1 posted by Boizean. He hasn't updated in a while (where did he go, anyway? :( ), so I thought I would do an update with all the existing projects and proposals.

He is still around, but lemme know when you have the update and I can add it to his original post (the first post of this thread) if he isn't able to.

[greenbearcub]

Thought I would finally start saying a bit about the goings on in Boise since I read the forum almost every day (better than just creeping and reading :D). I'm glad to see all of these new projects getting approved/started/proposed. I moved here from SF in 2008 and I miss my high rises so to see things moving makes me happy. Plus Boise has some great potential, even if certain people from a certain city scoff at it.

I just wish the hole in downtown would get filled but hey every city has their "hole".

Also I have a question my friend told me that Boise has a height restriction on buildings in Boise so not to obstruct the view of the mountains, is that true? Or is there just a restriction outside of the core?

[Boisekid]

I don't know of any height restrictions, but i'm not too brushed up on city code. I know the hole you speak of has no height restrictions, so i'm still holding out for our city's first 400 footer:tup:

[Cottonwood]

Welcome greenbearcub.



I agree about the potential, this little city is pretty impressive for its size and will only get more impressive as it continues growing, and those certain people from a certain city are just silly when they attempt to degrade or belittle Boise - they really have no foundation or room to belittle, it may just boil down to envy at the end of the day. In the past I have heard about that height restriction topic too, but it may just be an old wives tale because buildings are only going to obstruct views depending on where you are in town and looking towards the mountains. Maybe someone else has more info on the height thing.

[Boisebro]

when boise place was announced, the idaho statesman -- who is never, ever wrong about anything, ever -- confirmed that there is no height restriction in boise.

in theory, we could have 1,000 foot towers in the heart of downtown, though it's HIGHLY unlikely that the local design re-noob committee would approve it.

i would be thrilled just to have a few 300-500 footers that aren't ugly and brown with tiny windows. boise deserves better architecture.

but in a city that refers to 5-story buildings as "highrises", i'm not holding my breath and turning blue like this guy ----> :sly:

[CaliforniaKid]

I told you guys a long time ago that Boise would be thriving.. Many more people are coming from California as they are fed up with it all here..

[andyroo]

Does anyone know when the census information will be released?

[BoiseAirport]

Here is a building I built with Google Sketchup that I included as a part of my portfolio while searching for an internship in Seattle. I placed it on the lot where the Boise Convention Center currently is. I think architecturally and scale-wise, something like this would be perfect for Boise. :)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_5obVob2VSpE/TUuN-FsZ2jI/AAAAAAAAARs/zgBR3z8VklY/s800/TowerRendering.jpg

Now imagine that with the Boise Place, Capitol Plaza, the old Mission SCI and SCII, JUMP, and a new Convention Center. :)

[CaliforniaKid]

SWEEEEEEEET.... :banana: :cheers: