Changes on the Horizon

Boise's iconic mountainous skyline is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with dynamic developments reshaping the city's silhouette. It is hard to get through downtown Boise now without going through some sort of construction zone or under towering cranes. An influx of new residents seeking better quality of life, lower cost of living, and access to the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic placed Boise at the top of many ‘Best Places to Live’ lists. This increase in demand has led to dozens of high-profile (literally) projects to break ground and go up, up, up in the City of Trees. It all began in 2012 with the infamous ‘8th St Hole’ being filled with a 327’ tall, 17-story skyscraper, the Zions Bank Building. With its protruding spire, it stands as the tallest building in Idaho. Alongside this, the rise of upscale hotels like The Inn at 500 Capitol and luxury apartments like the Lucy have not only redefined the skyline but also elevated the city's hospitality standards, attracting visitors seeking refined accommodations amidst Boise's charm. Recent zoning changes allow for more density and removal of certain height restrictions, making the sky the limit for some developers. Below we explore a handful of underway and proposed projects that will shape the future of Boise's iconic skyline. Under Construction: 12th and Idaho Apartments: Rendering, SCB Now the second tallest building in Idaho, just a few feet short of the tip of the spire of the Zions Bank Building), this $140 million project is being developed by Oppenheimer Companies and White Oak Realty Partners. It is a striking glass 27-story skyscraper comprising 297 residential units spanning 18 floors, main level retail space and 7 levels of parking. Designed as a luxury residential offering, the sculpted jagged edge rooftop will include a host of amenities, including a pool. What a view that will be! Status: Under Construction Developer: White Oak Realty Partners and Oppenheimer Companies Property Owner: Oppenheimer Companies Architect: SCB Stories: 27 Residential units: 297 Use: Mixed Use, Residential and Retail   Idaho Central Credit Union Building (4th and Idaho): Rendering, Cushing Terrell Replacing the current ICCU branch located on 5th and Grove, the new building will tower above the skyline and have a mix of office space and residential, with an ICCU branch operating on the ground floor. Status: Under Construction Developer: Ball Ventures Ahlquist Property Owner: Idaho Central Credit Union Architect: Cushing Terrell Stories: 13 Residential units: 100 Use: Mixed Use, Office and Residential   The Sparrow (11th and Grove): Rendering, CSHQA A redevelopment of the Safari Inn, this project includes renovation of the existing rooms, converting the parking lot to add units, and a redesign of the lobby. There will be a public space for gathering and food truck. Status: Under Construction Developer: Nest Partners and Oppenheimer Companies Property Owner: Idaho Central Credit Union Architect: CSHQA Stories: 3 Residential units: 68 Use: Hotel   Hotel Renegade (11th and Grove): Rendering, CSHQA Status: Under Construction Developer: Hendricks Commercial Properties Architect: CSHQA Stories: 7 Residential units: 122 Use: Mixed Use, Boutique Hotel, Restaurant, and Retail   Broadstone Saratoga Apartments (Grove St): Rendering, CCDC Status: Under Construction Developer: Alliance Residential Property Owner: Broadstone Saratoga LP Architect: Urbal Architecture Stories: 7 Residential units: 330 Use: Mixed Use, Residential and Retail   Approved/Permitting/Not Started Yet: St. Luke’s Downtown Expansion: Rendering, Via Arch Nexus/Hummel Architects Status: Approved, not yet started Developer: St. Luke’s Health System Upgrades: Infrastructure upgrades, central plant, parking structure, 9-story hospital tower, cancer center expansion, remodel of existing hospital tower and new children's health pavilion.   Ovation (6th and Front): Rendering, EUA Status: Approved, not yet started Developer: Hovde Group Architect: EUA Stories: 23 Residential units: 209 Use: Mixed Use, Residential and Retail   16th and State: Rendering, GGLO Status: Permitting Developer: Johnson & Carr, Inc. Property Owner:  Architect: GGLO Stories: 7 Residential units: 110 Use: Mixed Use, Residential and Commercial   AC Hotel Element by Westin (10th and Grove): Rendering, Erstad Status: Permitting Developer: Pennbridge Lodging Architect: Erstad/SERA Stories: 14 Residential units: 271 Use: Dual Hotel Concept   8th and State St: Rendering, Hummel Status: Permitting Developer: Swanby Investment Group Architect: Hummel Stories: 6 Residential Units: 21 Use: Mixed Use Retail and Residential Vision/Proposal: Boise YMCA Redevelopment/ Block 68 (10th and State): Rendering, Edlen & Co., deChase Miksis and Treasure Valley YMCA Status: Proposal Developer: Edlen & Co, deChase Miksis Property Owner: CCDC, YMCA Architect: TBD Stories: TBD Residential units: TBD Use: Mixed-Use, Multi-Building    College of Western Idaho Boise Campus: Rendering, Hummel Status: Proposal Developer: State of Idaho, Ball Ventures Ahlquist Property Owner: College of Western Idaho Architect: Hummel Residential units: 300 Use: Mixed-Use, College Campus   London (5th and Front): Rendering, Hummel Architects Status: Proposal Developer: TBD Developer: Scot Ludwig Architect: TBD (rendering from Hummel Architects) Stories: 19 Residential units: 44 Use: Mixed Use, Residential and Retail   Saltbox (5th, Myrtle and Broad): Rendering, GGLO Status: Proposal Developer: Roundhouse Group Architect: TBD Stories: 12 Residential units: TBD Use: Mixed Use, Hotel, Residential and Commercial While these modern developments bring a new vibrancy to Boise's skyline, they also prompt reflection on the city's rich history. Downtown Boise has long been characterized by its blend of historical landmarks and contemporary urban development. Structures like the Idaho State Capitol, with its majestic dome, stand as proud reminders of the city's heritage. As Boise continues to grow and evolve, it's crucial to cherish and preserve its historical identity while embracing the positive changes that contribute to a more vibrant and cosmopolitan cityscape. The infusion of modern architecture complements Boise's historical fabric, offering residents and visitors an exciting blend of past and present while ushering in a new era of progress and growth for the capital city of Idaho. We  love the revitalization of the historic Tiner Building on Main Street into The Avery Hotel and Brasserie and construction of The Lively on Bannock St. These additions pay homage to the roots of Boise's long history, while elevating the dining and hospitality scene in Idaho's thriving capital city.

View more