This thread is probably a long time coming. While downtown Boise hasn't been going very vertical recently (save for finishing its new "tallest" completed about 2 years ago), much of the activity in the last year has been on infill--mostly residential and hotels, with a smattering of new offices.
Here's a synopsis of recently completed developments along with under construction and proposed infill projects.
St. Luke's Regional Medical Center expansion is underway--first phase (Children's hospital, cycle track, streetscape and roundabout) is under construction. Additional phases to follow soon.
Moshe Safdie's design for the new main Boise library are starting to trickle out.
Design calls for a 4-floor structure with windows facing the river and a dramatic entrance on the north side. Renderings are not yet available, but here's a preview floorplan from the Idaho Press Tribune:
Boise may not be in the running for the new Amazon HQ2 (and rightfully so), but it looks like Nampa, Boise's second-largest suburb, may get a 850,000 sq ft Amazon warehouse that could be a distribution center:
Quote:
Though the applicant has not confirmed that an Amazon distribution center is planned as the project, the bottom of the application lists the project name as “PREDEV — Amazon BTS.” Panattoni Development Company, based in California, has developed several Amazon BTS distribution buildings in the U.S. and Europe. The developer could not be reached for comment.
Panattoni also has several other big-name corporations as its clients, such as FedEx, H&M, PetSmart and The Home Depot, among many others. The application states that Project Bronco has the potential to create thousands of jobs in Nampa.
Phase 2 of the Boise Whitewater Park on the western edge of downtown is due to begin construction. from the Idaho Press:
Quote:
Beginning in August, the city will begin construction on the second phase of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Boise Whitewater Park near Esther Simplot Park that will add three more wave-shaping features for surfers and kayakers.
In addition to the new waves to ride, the project will include a revamped river bank area for those who prefer to stay on dry land.
Phase 1, which was completed in 2012, consists of a single wave-shaping feature near the footbridge that connects Esther Simplot Park with the Garden City side of the greenbelt. The endless wave, which changes in difficulty and shape on a daily basis, has been popular with visitors since it first opened and maintains steady use throughout the day.
After the success of the $3.4 million first phase, the city began talks and plans for an expansion to the park. The new phase will start downriver from the first part of the park with an adjustable wave feature followed by two other waves created by rock formations that will be placed across the entire width of the river.
As far as the hotel/motel chains, I never get my expectations up over their designs, unless they built/designed in a foreign country.
Interestingly, having viewed cities around the world that have our hotel/motel chains, the architecture in many parts of the world is far more exciting than the motels/hotels they build here, and why is that? City council members too afraid to put their foot down and demand a more attractive building, fearful they'll go elsewhere?
I wouldn't stay in any of those places, largely because I love the older motels with wraparound aisle balconies like the older Motel 6's. No balcony, ain't stayin' there even if they offered me a room for free!
My A/C has been out so I've been staying at the Travel Inn, an older 2 story motel with a concrete floor on the 2nd floor, and where I can circle the entire 2nd floor outside using those wide aisle balconies. I'm happy there as a pig rolling in poop!
As far as the hotel/motel chains, I never get my expectations up over their designs, unless they built/designed in a foreign country.
Interestingly, having viewed cities around the world that have our hotel/motel chains, the architecture in many parts of the world is far more exciting than the motels/hotels they build here, and why is that? City council members too afraid to put their foot down and demand a more attractive building, fearful they'll go elsewhere?
I think small cities like Boise are so eager for new development that they don't properly critique some of these hotel designs, especially when they're built in a prominent downtown location. that's why this boring thing was just built and opened last week in downtown Boise:
I mean, I get it--large hotel chains aren't going to spend money custom-designing every hotel, especially for a small town like Boise. these cookie-cutter hotels are fine out by the airport or mall, but I hate when they get build in the CBD. thankfully, most of the newer hotels (save for this one and the new Hyatt) don't follow the typical chain template.
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