[Visualize]

Very classy looking building. I much prefer this to the previous residential proposal that had an overabundance of balconies that cluttered up the building. When this is built can we slap all the naysayers that pushed for a pointless park or dumpy farmers market...

Here are the skyline shots mentioned by Boisebro

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/visualeyez1983/zionsbank2.png
http://www.gardnercompany.net/#/commercial/8thandmain/

[jakor21]

This seems like a very legitimate proposal! Zions Bancorporation is an S&P 500 company and has billions in assets. This is not a 100% private developer like the previous two developers. Glad to see some glass and an overall attractive facade. Hopefully construction can start soon! :)

[BoiseTran]

Just wanted to get my word in on this awesome news and I'll keep it simple. Beautiful building proposal. I am so happy. :)

[Cottonwood]

Zions has really been expanding its presence in Idaho. So, that area of Main will have three large banking headquarters for Idaho within two blocks....Wells Fargo, US Bank, and Zions. I bet they vacate their current location at The Alexander Building at 9th and Main which would open up that historic building for something maybe more exciting than a bank branch.

[boi2socal]

This is a great project for current conditions!:tup:

[s.p.hansen]

http://media.ktvb.com/images/Zions+bank+rendering+09-19-11+.JPG



Congratulations Boise. That is a nice looking piece of infill! :yes:

[boisecynic]

BW has a cool little video about this new building.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2011/09/19/15-story-building-to-rise-from-boise-hole

Off topic:

What the heck Boise Weekly? What's with the tiny little video player that doesn't work with Safari on a fully updated OS X? Had to switch to Firefox to watch it. Why doesn't the Weekly just run a youtube account with comments subject to approval? Youtube allows beautiful full screen hi-res video now.

[Hawk]

Off topic:

What the heck Boise Weekly? What's with the tiny little video player that doesn't work with Safari on a fully updated OS X? Had to switch to Firefox to watch it. Why doesn't the Weekly just run a youtube account with comments subject to approval? Youtube allows beautiful full screen hi-res video now.

I know, the small screen was annoying.

[Cottonwood]

Here are the skyline shots mentioned by Boisebro

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/visualeyez1983/zionsbank2.png
http://www.gardnercompany.net/#/commercial/8thandmain/


The facade on the back side of the building, what will be seen from Idaho Street, has different lines from the rest of the building..interesting. It is easier to see this at the link Visualize posted. Those aerial pictures are nice, downtown is beautiful.

[Boisebro]

here's a larger image of the skyline shot. i couldn't find one of the back side; maybe someone with a twitter account can tweet the 8thandmain folks and ask for one.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/1boisebro/Picture2.png

[GrandTeton]

Congratulations Boise! It looks like it may be pushing to be the second tallest in the city. I'm glad it's commercial building instead of a residential building in the CBD. It'll be nice to see more glass in the skyline.

[eastidaho]

Awesome project. I echo the comments on how well the building meets the street and the glass. IMO both were needed.

Boise is really stepping forward in a tough economy with this project and all of the great infill projects going on right now. Now if someone could convince me on JUMP I would be ecstatic. ;)

[scottharding]

Congrats Boise! I'm pretty sure you can be confident this one will get built without delay. Zions Bank recently redid the whole facade of their Salt Lake Headquarters Building, and just completed their headquarters building in Provo. Both look quite nice.

[CaliforniaKid]

I don't think having a Mormon presence downtown is a good image for Boise. Just my thoughts.. We don't really need it here.

[Sawtooth]

I like the sexy blue shade of the glass. The Boise City Ordinance will require that public art is integrated into the new building, probably at street level. I can't wait to see what it will be.

[eastidaho]

I don't think having a Mormon presence downtown is a good image for Boise. Just my thoughts.. We don't really need it here.I agree...but let's not stop there. We need to eradicate anything that might suggest that Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, walk the streets of downtown Boise. I think a forced removal of St. Johns Cathedral a couple blocks north on 8th street would send the right message.

[Sawtooth]

I don't think having a Mormon presence downtown is a good image for Boise. Just my thoughts.. We don't really need it here.

One of the many great things about Boise is that people here are accepting of anyone no matter their religion. There is an Islamic Center just outside of downtown, do you think it should be forced to move? Should we force the Masonic Temple to vacate 10th Street and move next to the LDS Temple on Cole? The LDS Church has not had a presence in downtown Boise for years which ended when the Tabernacle by Boise High was demolished so I think we can handle a nice new high rise.

I don't think you need to worry, there is plenty of debauchery on 8th Street and all over downtown with the beer and wine and martini's being consumed and tatted people smoking joints. Maybe Zions will become part of the fun and even offer free wine tastings in their lobby during First Thursday's.

[s.p.hansen]

From Wikipedia

Zions Bancorporation

In 1960, Keystone Insurance and Investment Company, which had been founded in 1955, bought a majority stake in Zions from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and changed its name to Zions Utah Bancorporation. It kept that name until 1987, when it became shortened to Zions Bancorporation, its present name, to reflect the growing presence of the company outside of Utah.

Zions went public in January 1966, and has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since.

Throughout the long bear market of the 1970s, its stock performed well, rising from its low, early in that decade, to ten times in value by 1985, with a three-for-two split in 1981. By 1986 the company had a book value of over US$170 million, with steady annual earnings of over US$26 million.

It expanded into Nevada in 1985 and Arizona in 1986.

In 1993, the stock split again, two-for-one, and by then had more than doubled from its 1985 peak high.

By 1996, the company had become a member of the S&P MidCap 400, and the stock was halfway to yet another double from the prior early 1990s peak, with book value of nearly US$420 million, and earnings of over US$80 million.

It expanded into Colorado and New Mexico in 1996, Idaho and California in 1997, Washington in 1998, Oregon and Texas in 2005. Today, Harris H. Simmons is CEO of Zions Bancorporation and A. Scott Anderson serves as CEO of Zions Bank.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zions_Bancorporation

[s.p.hansen]

I don't think having a Mormon presence downtown is a good image for Boise. Just my thoughts.. We don't really need it here.

Your disposition is analogous to white trash Mericans who fear Muslims. Congratulations on becoming such a cultivated human being.

Zion's Bank is a private company with Mormon roots. You basically fear a name.

[GrandTeton]

Personal beliefs about another group of people should be kept to yourself.

[GrandTeton]

I don't think you need to worry, there is plenty of debauchery on 8th Street and all over downtown with the beer and wine and martini's being consumed and tatted people smoking joints. Maybe Zions will become part of the fun and even offer free wine tastings in their lobby during First Thursday's.

I agree. The Balcony is literally across the street.

[Boiseguy]

beautiful building!! how cool is it to finally have the hole filled?
as for it having mormon roots... who the hell cares.. there's a gay bar across the damn street...it's not like it's a "presence" it's a building where a whole has sit for WAY too long! YAY for boise!

downtown is really going to be dense with these types of infills... the blocks are small, and intimate which makes for a very unique vibe and sense of place.. I just love it!

[Wasatch_One]

Found this with additional info on 8th & Main...

http://www.gardnercompany.net/public/uploads/1/2011/9/Brochure_Cutsheet_Floorplans.pdf

[boisecynic]

Personal beliefs about another group of people should be kept to yourself.

In the context of SSP and this thread which is titled "Boise Development Thread" you're correct. Id est, never discuss religion or politics at the dinner table or on SSP. However, Mormonism is fair game for free speech, just like anything else in our country. I think there's little argument that Mormons use their organizational power and money to influence politics. This is why there are those critical of Mormons. I and many others believe strongly in separation of Church and State. While there is scant evidence of religious persecution these days, nevertheless, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Trying to tie this in to the topic:

I think this project will be a good thing. It's very important that lot be developed. It'll be a psychological shot in the arm. Now maybe the focus can move on to other distressed properties in the greater downtown area.

[Dale]

In the context of SSP and this thread which is titled "Boise Development Thread" you're correct. Id est, never discuss religion or politics at the dinner table or on SSP. However, Mormonism is fair game for free speech, just like anything else in our country. I think there's little argument that Mormons use their organizational power and money to influence politics. This is why there are those critical of Mormons. I and many others believe strongly in separation of Church and State. While there is scant evidence of religious persecution these days, nevertheless, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Trying to tie this in to the topic:

I think this project will be a good thing. It's very important that lot be developed. It'll be a psychological shot in the arm. Now maybe the focus can move on to other distressed properties in the greater downtown area.

Wait, someone uses their power and money to influence politics ?! Good God! WHY WASN'T I TOLD ???

[Hawk]

The diversity of people, and their religious beliefs here in Boise is what makes it such a great place to live. There is no reason to show your hate, or dislike of anyone here on SSP. Especially just because of a the occupants of a building going up downtown.

[Cottonwood]

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zions-bank-maintains-role-as-idahos-top-lender-to-small-businesses-for-ninth-consecutive-year-105250543.html

Zions Bank Maintains Role as Idaho's Top Lender to Small Businesses for Ninth Consecutive Year


BOISE, Idaho, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping infuse small businesses with the capital they need to grow and create jobs, Zions First National Bank today announced its rank as the top provider of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans in Idaho for 2010. Zions Bank has ranked as Idaho's No.1 SBA lender for the past nine consecutive years. It has also ranked as the top SBA lender in Utah for the past 17 consecutive years.

Zions Bank is Idaho's third largest bank ranked by deposits (Source: FDIC). Zions Bank approved 149 SBA 7(a) loans in the SBA's Boise District totaling more than $18.8 million and representing more than 29 percent of the 503 SBA-backed loans approved in the district during fiscal year ended 2010. Zions Bank also approved another 19 loans totaling more than $2.7 million in Northern Idaho out of the SBA's Spokane District.

[eastidaho]

:previous:
I bet they would write even more SBA loans if their employees were housed in a beautiful 15-story building. :)

So once built and the media loses their doom and gloom 8th and main story. Will they choose another downtown topic to whip to death? Or, will they discuss downtown as the healthy, vibrant place I experienced a few weeks ago?

When I walked out of the Hampton Inn, down 8th, around the Capital building and back, the amount of people, music, art, tree and shrub planters was insane. Many building facades have been updated and enhanced. This wasn't shocking to me as I visit Boise a couple times a year and I always leave impressed. Although, when compared to ten years ago when I moved away from Boise the difference is substantial.

[Evo5Boise]

I am just curious on the height. Seems like there is no information available on it at all currently.

[Boizean]

A simple formula for figuring out the "approximate" height of a building is;

commercial/office floor 15'
residential/garage floor 10'
mechanical 10'-15'


2 - commercial = 30'
3 - garage = 30'
10 - office = 150'
1 - mechanical = 15'

Total = 225'

[City Of Trees]

The diversity of people, and their religious beliefs here in Boise is what makes it such a great place to live. There is no reason to show your hate, or dislike of anyone here on SSP. Especially just because of a the occupants of a building going up downtown.I just want to briefly emphasize this point by pointing out that Idaho is actually one of the most religiously diverse states in the nation:

http://www.usatoday.com/graphics/news/gra/gnoreligion/flash.htm

No religion: 19%
Catholic: 15%
Mormon: 14%
Baptist, Methodist, Christian: 9%

[Boisebro]

A simple formula for figuring out the "approximate" height of a building is;

commercial/office floor 15'
residential/garage floor 10'
mechanical 10'-15'


2 - commercial = 30'
3 - garage = 30'
10 - office = 150'
1 - mechanical = 15'

Total = 225'

don't forget the spire!

1 - spire = 3'
Total = 228'

hrm. i think the spire needs to be taller.

:D

[Cottonwood]

In time we will find out if the crane will be on 8th Street resulting in street closures and possibly the Saturday Market not being able to use that block of 8th during construction. I am trying to visualize the Boise Tower crane, I remember it was erected in the hole;) but was 8th street closed to auto traffic between Idaho and Main while that crane was up? That was so long ago, years ago. I got a good laugh watching KTVB the night this announcement was made. Mark Johnson (sitting next to Holly) called it a "gaping hole" downtown lol.

[Boisebro]

i believe 8th street was wide open when the crane was fully erect.

:sly:

[Visualize]

I remember a lane on Main St was closed, so it was either a tight squeeze or you had to take the back way.

[Hawk]

It has been forever since I've looked back on where the crane was, or if there were any lane closures... I was in my early teens when they first dug the hole...but I can tell you this I can vaguely remember it when it was just a bare lot full of tan like rocks.
------------

I'm pretty sure they're going to tear out the concrete and rebar left over from what was the very start of the Boise Tower. It just makes sense to do so because it's all rusted, and has weakened over the years...What do you guys think?

[Boizean]

don't forget the spire!

1 - spire = 3'
Total = 228'

hrm. i think the spire needs to be taller.

:D
:sly:...I would agree. :P

[Boizean]

It has been forever since I've looked back on where the crane was, or if there were any lane closures... I was in my early teens when they first dug the hole...but I can tell you this I can vaguely remember it when it was just a bare lot full of tan like rocks.
------------

I'm pretty sure they're going to tear out the concrete and rebar left over from what was the very start of the Boise Tower. It just makes sense to do so because it's all rusted, and has weakened over the years...What do you guys think?

I remember the crane being located next to the parking garage. It sat on the raised concrete pad you see in the photos taken of the :censor:.

Hard to say about the rebar and concrete. Rebar could be sand blasted if needed but rust can also work as a protective coating (steel girder bridges for example).

[BoiseTran]

Not that I'm complaining about the design, but a 20-foot, lighted spire would be pretty awesome.

[boisecynic]

Oddly, I can't find any pics of the Boise Tower tower crane. It's like the world before 2001 or so doesn't exist.

[boisecynic]

This sign new this morning and speaks for itself:

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

Another--- you saw it first on SSP!

[Cottonwood]

http://www.cnbc.com/id/43896943/?slide=10

4. Boise, Idaho
Coffee Shops: 143*

Sure, Idaho is known for potatoes, but coffee? Yep. Boise is the Pacific Northwest's third-most populous metropolitan area, and it’s a coffee lover’s paradise, which puts it at No. 4 on our list. At left, Dawson's Downtown, owned by Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters, a local coffee roaster and retailer.


Boise is buzzed: CNBC calls it the 4th-most caffeinated city in America
Statesman staff - Idaho Statesman


Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/09/23/1811032/boise-is-buzzed-cncbc-calls-it.html#ixzz1Yo6rBOQz

Who is more caffeinated? We’re just behind Portland, Ore., Anchorage and, of course, Seattle, home of Starbucks and Tully’s. We’re ahead of Spokane, Denver and Eugene. The seven top caffeine cities are in the Northwest and West.

[BoiseAirport]

http://www.cnbc.com/id/43896943/?slide=10

4. Boise, Idaho
Coffee Shops: 143*

Sure, Idaho is known for potatoes, but coffee? Yep. Boise is the Pacific Northwest's third-most populous metropolitan area, and it’s a coffee lover’s paradise, which puts it at No. 4 on our list. At left, Dawson's Downtown, owned by Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters, a local coffee roaster and retailer.


Boise is buzzed: CNBC calls it the 4th-most caffeinated city in America
Statesman staff - Idaho Statesman


Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/09/23/1811032/boise-is-buzzed-cncbc-calls-it.html#ixzz1Yo6rBOQz

Who is more caffeinated? We’re just behind Portland, Ore., Anchorage and, of course, Seattle, home of Starbucks and Tully’s. We’re ahead of Spokane, Denver and Eugene. The seven top caffeine cities are in the Northwest and West.

What?? Caffiene?? No way! That's ridiculous! I hate coffee!! I don't drink!! I don't drink caffiene!! I hate caffiene!! Coffee tastes gross!! Maybe if it didn't taste gross I'd drink it more. Then maybe I'd like caffiene!! What are you accusing me of anyway? *taps foot* Coooooofffeeeee!! Coffee Coffee Coffee Coffee Coooofffffeeeeee!!!! Cappucino!! Coffee!!! AHH!!! Caffiene!!! :ahhh:

:D

[Cottonwood]

:haha:
Did you just have a quadruple shot latte? Oh, you hate coffee :)


Thanks for the photo Boisecynic!!

[City Of Trees]

This sign new this morning and speaks for itself:

Another--- you saw it first on SSP!36th St Bridge? I'd call it the Pleasantion Bridge.

[Hawk]

What?? Caffiene?? No way! That's ridiculous! I hate coffee!! I don't drink!! I don't drink caffiene!! I hate caffiene!! Coffee tastes gross!! Maybe if it didn't taste gross I'd drink it more. Then maybe I'd like caffiene!! What are you accusing me of anyway? *taps foot* Coooooofffeeeee!! Coffee Coffee Coffee Coffee Coooofffffeeeeee!!!! Cappucino!! Coffee!!! AHH!!! Caffiene!!! :ahhh:

:D

:D Omg BoiseAirport rofl you're just like me when I drink caffiene. :banana: :dancing: :awesome:

[Hawk]

http://www.ccdcboise.com/uploads/InsideScoopDocuments/cat%20Brochure_Cutsheet_Floorplans.pdf

-------------------------------

on another note i seriously wish they would have put a larger spire at the top.

[Hawk]

Um... why are we still debating about religion? Just Wondering...

[Hawk]

Ignore my last post. You guys have the right to discuss whatever you want. I was just a lil annoyed about religion. I don't have a problem with it, it's just that two freakin' Jehovah witnesses came to my door this evening. they started talking about this charity, and then I knew I was stupid for answering the door when she pulled out a bible :(. I seriously literally was about to pull out my hair when she wouldn't let me tell her i wasn't interested.. she just kept talking about bleeping 2012 and how God was punishing people over in japan with the tsunami and s***. So..I finally just said F*** it (to myself) and just closed the door on them.

[BoiseTran]

I'm not religious, and I do have my own personal views and frustrations. However, Boise would be so much less interesting without its diversity. Anyway, about that new tower... :D

[BrianInBoise]

New article on the Zion tower in the Statesman this AM:

Interesting quote from the developer:

"“I’m worried we are not going to have enough space,” he said. More floors may be added to the proposed building." :banana:

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/09/25/1814660/developers-aware-of-the-skepticism.html#storylink=twt#ixzz1YyejZIRl

[jakor21]

Yeah I read about the possible new floors too. Hopefully that doesn't halt the construction start date. I wonder how many floors they are considering?

[Cottonwood]

Boise City News....


http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/News/2011/page66976.aspx


http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/PDF/PlanningDesign/JdDetourMap.pdf

Greenbelt will get overhaul in Julia Davis Park



The Greenbelt through Julia Davis Park will be rebuilt this fall from Capitol Boulevard to Broadway Avenue. The 10-day project, which was slated to begin Sept. 12, has been delayed until late September.

During construction, the park river road will be closed from the Boise Art Museum past the tennis courts. The cul-de-sac on the east end of Julia Davis Park also will be closed.

C and A Paving was awarded the $114,500 project, which will include rotomilling the existing path and installation of a new 2-inch layer of asphalt. The paths connecting to the Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge and Boise State University will be widened to 12 feet to better accommodate pedestrian traffic in the area.

Signs will mark a pedestrian detour.

Two sections of pathway in Southeast Boise also will be improved this fall. One of the projects will repair tree root damage near Barber Park; the other replaces a section of pathway in a traffic circle on Parkriver.

This is the second major Greenbelt improvement project this year. A section of pathway from Baggley Park to Bown Crossing in Southeast Boise was completed earlier this summer. Boise Parks & Recreation budgets more than $250,000 annually to maintain the 23-mile Greenbelt within the city limits.

[JO.boise17]

hey everyone im kinda new to the forum. I've actually been following it for a while but finally decided to man up and get an account. Anyway i'd like to state my opinion on the Zions Building going downtown. Quite frankly its a great looking building, with one exception. ITS NOT BIG ENOUGH... You know even three or four more floors would be awesome. I know the us bank building is an icon here but why??? Why cant the city of Boise have something unique that matches the rest of the city. Have something that stands out, i love the glass look I just wish that nasty brown that is the US Bank Building wasnt the only big thing you notice as you come in from the east on I-84 or the connector as you see the skyline! like i said im new here so dont chew me up and spit me out just stating an opinion! only reason y i say it is cus i love the city of Boise. :tup:

[Hawk]

hey everyone im kinda new to the forum. I've actually been following it for a while but finally decided to man up and get an account. Anyway i'd like to state my opinion on the Zions Building going downtown. Quite frankly its a great looking building, with one exception. ITS NOT BIG ENOUGH... You know even three or four more floors would be awesome. I know the us bank building is an icon here but why??? Why cant the city of Boise have something unique that matches the rest of the city. Have something that stands out, i love the glass look I just wish that nasty brown that is the US Bank Building wasnt the only big thing you notice as you come in from the east on I-84 or the connector as you see the skyline! like i said im new here so dont chew me up and spit me out just stating an opinion! only reason y i say it is cus i love the city of Boise. :tup:

Welcome to SSP JO.boise17, I'm glad that you've finally decided to join. The more the merrier... Anyways, your right about the US Bank building. at least from my point of view. it's great that it's the second tallest building in Idaho, but the brown plain square edges are just boring. and once again your right that we need something unique to Boise, even to the state of Idaho. What I've thought would be something special, would be a structure somewhat like the Space Needle to be put up downtown.

[Cottonwood]

Welcome to the forum JO.boise17

[boisecynic]

If anyone's interested here's the detailed drawings of the new diversion dam and wave shaper units going in at the Thurman Mill Diversion. (Boise River Recreation Park) Contractors are already staging boulders near the new Pleasanton St footbridge.

Huge PDF, drawings at bottom:

http://www.cityofboise.org/city_clerk/121610/r-383-10.pdf

[Visualize]

If anyone's interested here's the detailed drawings of the new diversion dam and wave shaper units going in at the Thurman Mill Diversion. (Boise River Recreation Park) Contractors are already staging boulders near the new Pleasanton St footbridge.

Huge PDF, drawings at bottom:

http://www.cityofboise.org/city_clerk/121610/r-383-10.pdf

That is one hell of a project. I still want to know whether it is designed so that tubers and cheap walmart rafters will be able to safely go through, because I guarantee they are going to start trying in increasing numbers once it opens. I think they should have made a smooth side section separated from the kayakers whitewater that floaters could have used so they don't get in the way, but would still be able to get through and enjoy floating a larger section of the river.

[boisecynic]

Yup, it's a big and complex project. I'm pretty sure the new diversion will be safe at reasonable flows for nearly anyone. The problem I foresee is people in cheap vinyl rafts continuing down to the next rapid which is a jagged concrete rubble field. That next rapid, the Farmer's Union Canal one is part of phase 2, if I'm not mistaken.

[Cottonwood]

Yup, it's a big and complex project. I'm pretty sure the new diversion will be safe at reasonable flows for nearly anyone. The problem I foresee is people in cheap vinyl rafts continuing down to the next rapid which is a jagged concrete rubble field. That next rapid, the Farmer's Union Canal one is part of phase 2, if I'm not mistaken.

It is possible to continue floating the river safely beyond that jagged rapid and beyond Glenwood?

[boisecynic]

It is possible to continue floating the river safely beyond that jagged rapid and beyond Glenwood?

I've floated from Americana to Glenwood quite a few times at flows 1200 cfs or less. Never at high flow. Thurman Mill is a must portage. The rubble pile is floatable but you almost always hit bottom and most definitely not a place to fall in or go wading. Beyond Farmer's Union canal rubble pile, it's safe but not as safe as the Barber Park float. Americana to Glenwood is more technical, narrower with less water and sharper bends.

Edit: new page, reposting the link to the Boise River Recreation Park architectural drawings: (huge PDF) http://www.cityofboise.org/city_clerk/121610/r-383-10.pdf

I'm not sure but I think this may be one of Boise Parks and Rec's most expensive public works projects ever. (Note: much of the expense is being covered by donations) It's certainly more complex than grading land for a park and installing sprinkler lines. It's hard to figure the total cost, depending on your accounting method, the price tag is around $4 million. Years from now this project should be a whole chapter in a history book of BP&R.

[Cottonwood]

:previous:Thanks for always updating us on the Whitewater Park boisecynic.
Have you ever floated the Boise River from Eagle to where it meets the Snake River, or is that even possible?



p.s.....on a side note, today while driving on 9th Street between BoDo and where JUMP will be, I saw a few people unlocking the doors to The Emerald Club and the building adjacent. This might be a sign...remember a few weeks ago in the news the spokesman for JUMP said they hope to demolish those buildings later this fall and begin site work/construction. I bet if walls and stalls could talk that there would be some interesting stories of The Emerald Club throughout its history:frog:

[Cottonwood]

Presevation Idaho's Orchards and Onions for 2011. The Boise VA Medical Center is an onion, possibly organic.


http://www.preservationidaho.org/programs/orchids-onions


http://www.preservationidaho.org/sites/default/files/images/programs/orchids-onions/2011/2011oopressrelease.pdf






Edit:
Tonight is the Northwest Winter Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre. The after party will offer samples of Idaho 44 North Vodka.

http://www.egyptiantheatre.net/


http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/northwest-winter-film-festival-and-after-party/Content?oid=2523031

[boisecynic]

Rendering of the project at Americana Terrace:

http://riverviewrehabilitation.com/

[Cottonwood]

:previous: Is this part of the new residential development planned for that area off Americana Blvd?



http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2011/10/01/bieter-proposes-whitewater-park-boulevard-for-30th-street-extension

Bieter Proposes "Whitewater Park Boulevard" for 30th Street Extension
Posted by George Prentice on Sat, Oct 1, 2011 at 10:36 AM

What's in a name? Plenty, especially when it comes to naming Boise's newest street. This coming Tuesday, the Boise City Council will be asked for direction in naming the new throroughfare known only as the 30th Street Extension.

The street will connect 30th Street near the Shilo Inn on Fairview Avenue to Rose Street near the Idaho Department of Transportation headquarters on State Street. The street will have four lanes of traffic, two bike lanes, sidewalks on each side and tree landscaping in a center median. The street will pass next to the city's new whitewater park, expected to open in 2012.

Initial community surveys preferred a proposal to name the street "Whitewater Parkway," but an Ada County Street Name Committee recommended against the name, citing possible confusion with the existing "Whitewater Way." But Mayor Dave Bieter is proposing that the street be dubbed "Whitewater Park Boulevard."

The council will take up the issue during its Tuesday afternoon work session.

[boisecynic]

:previous: Is this part of the new residential development planned for that area off Americana Blvd?

It's in where the Trapper's Island Condos were proposed but it appears to be just a stand alone project. I didn't know that area is subdivided, but apparently it is. I'll look into that later.



http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2011/10/01/bieter-proposes-whitewater-park-boulevard-for-30th-street-extension


Good find. But Whitewater Park Blvd is a mouthful. How about just Whitewater Blvd?

It's a shame that Whitewater Way is taken by a 100 yard long street in West Boise: Google maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=whitewater+way&hl=en&ll=43.624038,-116.333477&spn=0.010656,0.02178&sll=43.612631,-116.211076&sspn=0.341041,0.696945&vpsrc=6&hnear=Whitewater+Ave,+Boise,+Ada,+Idaho+83713&t=h&z=16

[City Of Trees]

Yeah, waaaay too long of a name. I still wish Veterans Memorial Parkway was just called Curtis Road.

My nominee was Quinn St, after Bernadine Quinn and the pond named after her. Nice and short, and as far as I can tell, hasn't been used yet in Ada County.

[boiseaninexile]

Well, I'm not sure if this is good news or bad. JUMP is going to try to get the project started in the spring; however, they are only going to build an underground parking garage initially. They say this is to get it going faster and give themselves a little more time to iron out design details. I hope so but I am not excited about the iffy statements in the Statesman's report. I hope this iconic piece of architecture will get done - we don't need another stalled project! :whip:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/10/04/1825611/jump-may-take-a-big-leap-this.html

[Cottonwood]

Dale of Orlando, are you trying to "mormon" bait the thread with your comment left Today, 12:25 PM ?





Edit: any further discussion, mainly softly baited posts or negative discussion, about the LDS Church will be deleted from this thread. The LDS Church is not involved with any current development in downtown Boise...including Zions Bank and the new tower. If the Church was headquarted here or owned most of downtown then yes, it is a given their business dealings would and should be discussed, but their influence in downtown is only the tiny Seminary building at Boise High. So unless you want to talk about the design of that Seminary building then please keep discussion, which will result in arguments about this religion, out of this thread.

[Sawtooth]

:previous::previous::previous: The old Basque Catholic church at 420 Idaho is a beauty and at the time it was built was the first Basque church in the USA. http://boisebasquetour.wordpress.com/block-site-14/



It's in where the Trapper's Island Condos were proposed but it appears to be just a stand alone project. I didn't know that area is subdivided, but apparently it is. I'll look into that later.




Good find. But Whitewater Park Blvd is a mouthful. How about just Whitewater Blvd?

It's a shame that Whitewater Way is taken by a 100 yard long street in West Boise: Google maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=whitewater+way&hl=en&ll=43.624038,-116.333477&spn=0.010656,0.02178&sll=43.612631,-116.211076&sspn=0.341041,0.696945&vpsrc=6&hnear=Whitewater+Ave,+Boise,+Ada,+Idaho+83713&t=h&z=16

I like Boise River Boulevard.

[Hawk]

I took these pictures a day or so ago while walking my dog along 13th street of the New addition to the White Savage Apartments. It's coming along nicely.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l595/Shrapnel2012/2011-10-02181958.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l595/Shrapnel2012/2011-09-30192030.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l595/Shrapnel2012/2011-10-02182022.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l595/Shrapnel2012/2011-09-30192118.jpg

I'm guessing there is going to be a balcony or stairs on the south side where what looks like a whole cut out for a door on the second floor.

[Cottonwood]

Snow!!!!!





http://www.boiseweekly.com/Cobweb/archives/2011/10/06/snow-seriously
Snow, Seriously
Posted by Deanna Darr on Thu, Oct 6, 2011 at 11:43 AM

Holy bejesus, there's snow in them thar hills!

Yup, it was 90 just a week ago and now ski resorts across the area are reporting a dusting of snow, including our own Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area.

Brundage Mountain Resort got a little more than a dusting by the looks of it, while Sun Valley saw some of the white stuff, too.





Source of pictures:
http://www.brundage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/oct5.1.jpg

http://www.brundage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/061011017.jpg









http://www.brundage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/oct5.1.jpg










Source: http://www.sunvalley.com/assets/images/cams/snowstake_med.jpg

http://www.sunvalley.com/assets/images/cams/snowstake_med.jpg








KTVB has a nice little slide show of the snow.

http://www.ktvb.com/home/Snow-falls-in-the-Idaho-mountains-131228774.html?gallery=y&c=y

[Hawk]

i wonder if Bogus will open early this year :D

[jakor21]

So I remember reading in the Statesman Whole Foods was apparently going to start construction Oct. 1st. I haven't seen any sign of construction or read anything in the media. I wonder when that is supposed to happen??

Also the recent JUMP news didn't sound very promising. It will probably take 4 years to build something relatively small. Most of the parcel will be park setting. It also sounded like funding was a potential issue, hmmm. It shouldn't be taking years for this project to go through design and review.

[Cottonwood]

jakor21, I remember reading that too about Whole Foods, but we have 24 days left in the month so hopefully:fingerscrossed: Regarding, JUMP, I didn't really get the impression funding is an issue because their foundation is paying for it, but they are going to begin the underground garage soon which is a start (hopefully). There is a thread dedicated to JUMP and includes a lot of discussion of Boise's SSP'rs opinions on the new design and park.








http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2011/09/25/car-share-program-to-launch-in-downtown-boise
Car-Share Program to Launch in Downtown Boise


A downtown car-sharing initiative could be launched as early as Oct. 1 through the Downtown Boise Association, in cooperation with Capital City Development Corporation and the city of Boise. The pilot program is a partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car's WeCar program.

"We will start with two cars, and as membership grows, the service will grow," Karen Sander, DBA executive director, told Citydesk. "It could be the entire city of Boise; it could be 100 people."

The service will begin with a Nissan Cube and a Jeep Compass, but DBA may consider more vehicles in the future.

[boisecynic]

Whole Foods permit info here: http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/details.aspx?id=DRH11-00202&type=doc

Tip: Conduct searches using 401 S Broadway.

Latest dated document I could find: http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=201109281204162990

[boisecynic]

Monday evening 10-10:

P & Z Commission gave the final go ahead to complete phase I of the River Recreation Park by unanimously approving Parks & Rec's request for a Boise River System Permit. Work will begin right away.

Apparently the wave shaper mechanical components have already been delivered to the Parks Department.

Edit: that was Monday evening 10-10--- pre-coffee post

[Sawtooth]

Monday evening 10-17:

P & Z Commission gave the finally go ahead to complete phase I of the River Recreation Park by unanimously approving Parks & Rec's request for a Boise River System Permit. Work will begin right away.

Apparently the wave shaper mechanical components have already been delivered to the Parks Department.

This is going to be so awesome. I read in the news some boulders were coming to the river from up at Bogus and that is pretty cool. It makes sense that the Whitewater State will have a whitewater park in its capitol city.

[boisecynic]

So quiet in here. Ok, as long as no one complains I'll keep blathering about the whitewater park. The only problem I see with this technology is given the dam's location, we have to worry about someone shooting the air bladders.:uhh:

Obermeyer Hydro of Fort Collins appears to be the mechanical sub contractor. Here's the pic from their front page of an inflatable wave shaper.

http://www.obermeyerhydro.com/sites/default/files/images/demo_graphic.jpg

Obermeyer Hydro: http://www.obermeyerhydro.com/

3rd party info about Obermeyer's work:

Waverly, Iowa just built a flood control inflatable damn using Obermeyer as the sub. Note: Video below is incredibly boring, but the first seconds shows a good closeup of the deflector panel. The Cedar River through Waverly is very roughly similar in streamflow to the Boise River, but being uncontrolled upstream it's subject to wild swings in flow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKgEFPS-TYM

More good info: http://www.iowawhitewater.org/lhd/LHDwaverly.html

And more great info: http://city.waverlyia.com/docs/Obermeyer%20Hydro%20Brochure.pdf

A better pic from the above PDF:

http://i.imgur.com/O7GYK.jpg

[Cottonwood]

:previous: keep the updates coming.



Downtown Cultural District news, the entire article is at the link.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/the-new-culture-club/Content?oid=2531213

The New Culture Club
Defining Boise's cultural district
by George Prentice




Construction on JUMP's underground garage is expected to begin in spring, with above-ground building to follow. JUMP officials are hopeful for a spring 2014 completion.

Two well-known projects--Eighth and Main and JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place, named for the late J.R. Simplot)--have grand designs to change the face of downtown Boise. But a lesser-known initiative is concurrently seeking to better define the heart, and perhaps soul, of the city.

"The signs around here say we're in Boise's Cultural District," said Paul Kaine, executive director of Ballet Idaho, referring to signs that the city has installed outside of his Eighth Street office. "But what makes this a cultural district? Minimally, it could be kept much the way it is now, but there's really nothing defined or strategic. By the time JUMP gets built, we could have something more formal in place."

[BoiseAirport]

I'm so thrilled to hear the whitewater project is a go, it's going to be such a wonderful boost to the Boise River. :banana: :cheers:

Boise explores creating an indoor public market
It would complement, not replace, the Saturday vendors

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/10/13/1837573/boise-explores-creatingan-indoor.html


BY AUDREY DUTTON - adutton@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2011 Idaho Statesman
BY AUDREY DUTTON
Published: 10/13/11
Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011

With an early boost from the mayor’s office, Downtown Boise could get a new indoor, year-round public market. The woman behind the idea likens it to Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market.

The market is the vision of Karen Ellis, executive director of the nonprofit
Capital City Public Market, which has more than 150 vendors.

[Hawk]

Since Eighth & Main is now taken, I wonder where the market would be located?

[Visualize]

Ada County Highway District

Excavation Work Near 31st Street

You may have noticed initial excavation work underway on the west side of 31st Street between Regan Avenue and Hester Street. ACHD is performing the work in preparation for construction of the 30th Street Extension.

About the Excavation Work

A segment of the new roadway will be built on land that was once the site of a gravel pit (see attached map of general work area). The existing material includes large sized rocks and miscellaneous debris unsuitable as a base for the new road. Crews will dig approximately six feet deep to remove the unsuitable material and will replace it with dirt and fill that will provide a stable base for the roadway.

Construction on the 30th Street Extension is planned for fiscal year 2013, but could begin as early as fall 2012. For more information on the 30th Street Extension, visit www.achdidaho.org. If you have questions, please contact ACHD Project Manager, Dyan Bevins at 387-6260 or e-mail projects@achdidaho.org.

[Visualize]

So quiet in here. Ok, as long as no one complains I'll keep blathering about the whitewater park. The only problem I see with this technology is given the dam's location, we have to worry about someone shooting the air bladders.:uhh:

Obermeyer Hydro of Fort Collins appears to be the mechanical sub contractor. Here's the pic from their front page of an inflatable wave shaper.

http://www.obermeyerhydro.com/sites/default/files/images/demo_graphic.jpg

Obermeyer Hydro: http://www.obermeyerhydro.com/

3rd party info about Obermeyer's work:

Waverly, Iowa just built a flood control inflatable damn using Obermeyer as the sub. Note: Video below is incredibly boring, but the first seconds shows a good closeup of the deflector panel. The Cedar River through Waverly is very roughly similar in streamflow to the Boise River, but being uncontrolled upstream it's subject to wild swings in flow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKgEFPS-TYM

More good info: http://www.iowawhitewater.org/lhd/LHDwaverly.html

And more great info: http://city.waverlyia.com/docs/Obermeyer%20Hydro%20Brochure.pdf

A better pic from the above PDF:

http://i.imgur.com/O7GYK.jpg

I have always been suspicious of this set-up as well. According to mythbusters, the bladders might be safe from bullets while there is a steady flow of water over them. source: http://youtu.be/yvSTuLIjRm8 A .50 cal might reach it, but handguns probably wouldn't. A meth kid with a tangled rat-tail and a large stick I'm not so sure about. :D

[boisecynic]

Ada County Highway District

Excavation Work Near 31st Street...

...A segment of the new roadway will be built on land that was once the site of a gravel pit (see attached map of general work area). The existing material includes large sized rocks and miscellaneous debris unsuitable as a base for the new road...

Very diplomatic statement from ACHD. The miscellaneous debris they mention was decades of abuse from the previous owners who dumped their excess concrete and asphalt on site.

P&Z and and a couple of nimbys were micro-managing Monday's River Park hearing over a handful of mink and garbage trees. Yet back in the day the gravel miners and concrete plant operators did whatever the hell they wanted with no oversight or regulation at all. OMG, what about the crawdads? Keep in mind the construction work is affecting only a 200 or 300 foot long section of river. Only a few really nice trees had to be removed.

How times have changed.

BTW, I was over there late yesterday and ACHD has already removed most of that debris (in their right of way) and rough graded about a 200 yard section. It looks much better and gives a better preview of how Whitewater Parkway is going to look. There's still a metric monkey load of debris scattered throughout Esther Simplot area.

[eastidaho]

Hey boisecynic,

I have a conference every March in the Doubletree across the river from all this activity you are reporting. What is your best guess right now of where construction will be at that time? I know its probably a shot in the dark, but still curious. I always take a long walk through that area and take in spring, since eastern Idaho will still be white with snow.

[boisecynic]

Hey boisecynic,

I have a conference every March in the Doubletree across the river from all this activity you are reporting. What is your best guess right now of where construction will be at that time? I know its probably a shot in the dark, but still curious. I always take a long walk through that area and take in spring, since eastern Idaho will still be white with snow.

By March the River Rec Park dam should be finished and operational. On the Boise side is proposed a bunch of flatwork and landscaping which probably won't be done until weather dries out. New tree planting may be done in spring but fall is a better time.

Can't remember but P&Z laid some timeline contingencies on Parks & Rec for replanting, I think they have until Oct 2012. The problem is irrigation. Not sure how they're going to get sprinkler water in that area. The mitigation trees planted for the footbridge are being irrigated by Gator bags.

Edit: Obviously irrigation by Gator bag is not a viable long term application.

For those who don't know here's a Gator bag (hotlinked):

http://www.megagro.com/images/treegator20_sm.jpg

[Cottonwood]

boisecynic, is Esther Simplot Park being worked on too? I am trying to remember if Simplots gave money to the city to begin construction of that park, or if this is still a future project?

[boisecynic]

boisecynic, is Esther Simplot Park being worked on too? I am trying to remember if Simplots gave money to the city to begin construction of that park, or if this is still a future project?

Who knows? Supposedly they're working on a plan. From what little I know there's a snafu regrading the FEMA flood plain map. It was drawn up wrong showing a dike where there was none. You would think that was all taken care of during the planning for the WW Park, but maybe not.

Anyway, it makes sense to wait for the WW Park phase 1 to be completed and probably for the Whitewater Parkway to be completed too. With the road in place it would be a lot easier for trucks to move in and out of there.

Regarding tree mitigation and P&Z's micro-managing, P&Z wanted Parks to have a full detailed mitigation plan in place. But this is impossible without the plan for Esther Simplot park being finalized. It would be totally futile to plant trees without irrigation in place before hand. Tree for tree replacement is impossible directly around the new dam due to all the new flat work and grouted boulder work taking up former growing space. This only leaves Esther Simplot park for mitigation planting. But no one has any idea how that park will lay out.

Look at Marianne Williams park. Sprinkler lines were fully installed and operational and THEN they planted.

[boisecynic]

http://vimeo.com/30101181

Here's the most comprehensive discussion I've yet found regarding the River Rec Park. It's an hour long video on Vimeo. You won't find this kind of info on KTVB or in the Statesman. This was the 6th of 8 weekly lectures titled "From Vision to Reality: Enhancing the Lower Boise River."

This particular lecture was held Sept 29, 2011. I'll try to summarize so those who are interested can skip to certain parts if they choose.

Start to 19:00 City Planning Director Hal Simmons speaks about the 1993 Boise River System Ordinance.

19:05 Gets more interesting. Tom Governale, Boise Parks Superintendent, talks about Boise Parks Dept. and the Boise River.

25:30 - 36:20 Governale gets into the nuts and bolts of the river park.

37:00 - 43:20 Mike Matzdorf, Manager of Thurman Mill irrigation District, brings the all important canal company perspective.

43:40 - 54:20 Q&A session

[Cottonwood]

http://www.boiseweekly.com/Cobweb/archives/2011/10/18/concordia-law-school-to-hold-open-house-mock-class

Concordia Law School to Hold Open House, Mock Class
Posted by Josh Gross on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 11:10 AM


For most of the last year, anyone trying to get to BWHQ or The Venue had to deal with a giant construction mess on Broad Street. Well, that mess is gone now, and in its place is a shiny new law school.

If you think you might have what it takes to become a top-notch lawyer, or you're just a curious rubbernecker—or you really liked To Kill A Mockingbird—you can stop by this weekend to check out the new digs, get some info on the application process and even take a mock law-school class. Bust out the leather briefcases kids, cause this preview is going to be law-tastic!

The preview will be taking place on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the freshly built Concordia Law School campus at 501 S. Front St. It will run from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and it is free. RSVP at concordialaw.com.

[Boysee Boi]

Whole Foods is finally breaking ground this Friday. I'd been noticing a trailer and big backhoe sitting there for the last few days...


http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/10/19/1845184/whole-foods-market-to-break-ground.html

[Sawtooth]

Taking its dear sweet time as usual.


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/025-17.jpg







http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/005-17.jpg








The Aspen is always shy in this view.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/013-13.jpg

[Hawk]

Whole Foods is finally breaking ground this Friday. I'd been noticing a trailer and big backhoe sitting there for the last few days...


http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/10/19/1845184/whole-foods-market-to-break-ground.html

I noticed that as as well going by there yesterday, and I also noticed a backhoe digging at the future site of the dona larson park. But, I'm not sure if that was them starting on it or some maintenance work on pipes or the start of it?

[ianjt]

Nice skyline shots, Sawtooth. You should get back up there in a few weeks when the trees are very fall-looking (struggling with a better adjective).

[boisecynic]

Great pics again Sawman.

So, did Boise Weekly steal the pic that I stole from Obermeyer Hydro?

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/river-shifters/Content?oid=2535093

[trekkerguy]

Just wanted to pop in and say I'm a HUGE fan of the new Zions Bank Tower and once they break ground I plan to go take a photo of the site every day till completion and create an online album of it.


What I've thought would be something special, would be a structure somewhat like the Space Needle to be put up downtown.

YES. I've been daydreaming the same thing. Something that could possibly represent the fact this is The City of Trees somehow, "Boise Tree Tower" or "The Boise Tree" I dunno... something that could be iconic for our city and region.

Also wouldn't mind having it do different light configurations, you know... blue and orange when the Broncos win, red white and blue on 4th of July etc :tup:

[Sawtooth]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/073-6.jpg








http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/020-13.jpg









http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/074-4.jpg









http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/085-6.jpg

[Hawk]

I'm so excited for 8th and main... just walked by the hole and there on the wall was 3 yellow pieces of paper from planning & zoning. They listed the building as 20 floors instead of 15. :D

-----------------------------------------------

trekkerguy, i seriously thought that i was the only one who thought something like the Space Needle to be built in Boise was a good idea. Glad to hear that you agree. and yes something with blue and orange lighting would be awesome!

-----------------------------------------------

it's hilarious that everyone bitches and moans in the so called neverending mountain west region college football thread. especially those crappy utah and colorado guys who think they're college is totally way better then boise state just because we have a better quarterback, etc....

[trekkerguy]

Yeah, I think we need an iconic landmark like that to take pride in and put on postcards, yah know? The blue turf is great as are pics of the hills and the river, but to have a structure that towers over town that could say... be visible from the highway coming from the east? That would be ideal in my opinion. And like the Empire State Building have it do seasonal or special event lighting patterns and such :cool:


Also, if anyone's interested, here's a public link to my facebook album of pics from Boise, there's 125 and I add more all the time. Most are taken from a 2.0MP camera on my Blackberry so they are decent quality but nothing pro. I do courier type work so am all over and love snapping pics of town while out :D

http://on.fb.me/n32vcD

Eventually I'll work on adding them to another online hosting service but that'll take a lot of effort.