Building a Brighter Future: Revolutionary New Downtown YMCA Breaking Ground Soon

Photo courtesy of Lysi Bishop Real Estate The Treasure Valley YMCA (The Y) is preparing to break ground this fall on a landmark project in downtown Boise. As Boise’s population continues to grow, the 54-year old current facility can no longer meet the community’s needs and is costly to maintain and upgrade. This initiative is designed to create a more inclusive environment (watch member stories here), providing vital services to those who need them most, particularly underserved populations. Photo courtesy of The Y (YMCA) The CapEd Downtown Boise YMCA facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities aimed at enhancing community health, wellness, and connection. Some of the key features include: Aquatic Center: A comprehensive space for swimming and water-based activities. Healthy Living Center: Focused on promoting fitness and well-being. THRIVE Center: Tailored support for individuals with diverse abilities. Child Development Center: Early learning and care services for young children. These additions are set to make the YMCA a cornerstone of community support, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.  Photo courtesy of The Y (YMCA) Read more about the project here or watch the video. This once-in-a-lifetime project takes an entire community to come together. Consider making a donation, and no donation is too small, to support the Y’s vision for a Brighter Future for Boise. Your contribution will help fund this vital project, ensuring that the YMCA remains a cornerstone of health and connection in Boise for generations to come. Make a Donation      

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Historical Boise: Heritage Landmarks in Boise's History

Boise has come a long way since its “wild west” days, transforming from a rugged frontier town into a thriving city. Not one to forget its roots, Boise and the Idaho Preservation Society have worked diligently over the past few decades to preserve the historical landmarks that connect us to our past. From Fort Boise, a fur trading post, to the infamous Idaho Penitentiary, the history of Boise is all around us in these heritage landmarks.     Harrison Boulevard: Established in 1891, the one-mile-long Harrison Boulevard is an iconic symbol of the city's history and architectural elegance. Originally named 17th Street, this street got its name from President Benjamin Harrison, who signed the act that gave Idaho statehood and visited Boise in 1891. Over 3,000 elms and maple trees were planted in the North End (including along this street) in 1910, which have grown into beautiful, tall oaks that embrace Harrison Blvd and come alive in the fall. Over the years, this street has been home to many moguls and important figures, from Jack Simplot, founder of the J.R. Simplot Company, to three Boise mayors and two Idaho governors. The homes on these tree-lined streets are a mix of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Tudor homes. Designated as a local historic district and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Boulevard preserves its unique character, inviting visitors to explore its historic charm.   Warm Springs Avenue: Photo credit: City of Boise Warm Springs Avenue traces its roots to the 1890s, soon after Kelly Hot Springs (the street namesake) was tapped. With origins as a stagecoach route in the late 19th century, Warm Springs Avenue has since evolved into a sought-after residential area. The street is lined with distinctive and grand historic mansions, with diverse architectural styles including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Mission Revival, Tudor Revival, and Bungalow. Lined with mature trees and featuring geothermal springs, it earned the name "Warm Springs" for its natural hot water sources. Along with Harrison Boulevard, it is part of the National Register of Historic Places.   Capitol Building: Photo Credit: Daniel OlsonThe Boise capitol building stands tall in the heart of downtown. Built in 1912 by J.E. Tourtelotte and Co., this neoclassical structure features a stately design with a large dome at the center. On top of the dome is a 5 foot 7 inch golden eagle, symbolizing Idaho’s aspirations as a state. The Idaho Capitol building is the only capital building in the country that uses geothermal energy to heat the building. The interior is filled with marble flooring, and while the building only cost $2.1 million to build at the time, replacement costs today would be over $100 million, with many materials seen as irreplaceable.   Boise Train Depot: The Boise Train Depot, a historic landmark that sits perched overlooking downtown, stands as a testament to the city's railroading past. Constructed in 1925, this mission-style structure served as a bustling transportation hub for decades, witnessing the comings and goings of travelers and goods. Although it is no longer a functioning train station, the Boise Depot has been preserved and now functions as a venue for events, weddings, and community gatherings.    Old Fort Boise: Photo credit: Intermountain Histories  Established in 1834 as a direct competitor to nearby Fort Hall, Fort Boise served as an essential outpost for fur trading. This fort survived for a few decades until it was abandoned in 1855 due to conflicts between settlers and native Americans and the great flood. The new Fort Boise was rebuilt as a military post and provided a protective buffer between settlers and a rush of gold miners. Today, remnants of the fort are preserved at the Old Fort Boise Park, which features reconstructed buildings and interpretive displays allowing visitors to imagine the lives of early settlers in the Idaho Territory.    Old Idaho Penitentiary: Built in 1870, the Idaho Penitentiary is a territorial prison that is now open to the public. This prison was in operation for 101 years, saw daring escapes and notorious inmates, and watched Boise transform from the “Wild West” into the city it is today. The iconic structure features gothic architecture and sandstone walls, and perhaps most notably the gallows, where several executions took place. Today, the Penitentiary is a museum, with preserved cell blocks, gallows, and historical exhibits providing visitors with a chilling glimpse into the harsh realities of prison life in the past.

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Love is in the Heir...Loom Properties We Love

It's February and romance is in the heir...loom properties that is. These estates and residences embody depth, drama, and dreamy settings fit for a fairytale. Romance isn't just between two people, it's the feeling of joy, sadness, contentment, and reverie in our everyday spectacular life. Enjoy this collection of extraordinary properties that inspire the hopeful romantics in us. Le Petite Palais - The Woods at Riverside Village This iconic riverfront estate feels like a posh Beverly Hills hotel, but the real romance lies beyond in the gardens.  Caressed by unfurling trees and a vibrant botanical display, the grounds are an enchanting paradise.   Eagle's Perch - The Island at River Run Elegantly sprawled on one of SE Boise's most serene riverfront estates, Eagle's Perch is a magnificent display of opulence and ultra-luxury. 20' coffered ceilings cap this extraordinary set of windows, only rivaled by a custom artpiece permanently affixed to the wall. The grounds extend over 4 acres, completing this English-inspired manor along the water.   Beauty on the Bench - Depot Bench Although seemingly placed on a spacious wooded lot for decades, this newer-built home perfectly encapsulates a lovely air of French inspiration. Gold accents and crystalline marble surfaces soften the home's features, threading elegance into each room throughout the interior.   Georgian on the River - The Island at River Run One of Boise's most proud displays of architectural design, this distinguished property seduces with an irreplaceable placement on the Boise River and meticulous craftsmanship. Grand proportions and exquisite ornamentation craft a residence without peer. Reclaimed features and antique fixtures honor the era of classical beauty, although this home was built centuries beyond.   French Country Manor - NW Boise Foothills A signature property in Boise, this palatial homestead extends over 10 acres, blending the romance of the French aesthetic within Idaho's rustic majesty.   Mediterranean Marvel - The Island at River Run This blissful creekside retreat feels otherworldly, with verdant landscapes cradling an extraordinary villa. A series of elegant wood and glass doors blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors, allowing the crisp breeze to flow freely.   Serene Solitude - Star Indulging in vast vistas of rolling land and ever-changing skies, this countryside wrap-around porch alone is a sweet reprieve to let love silently radiate.   Walden's Wonder Pond - The Woods at Riverside Village Set among the reflections of a private pond, this beauty invites its tranquil surroundings through a mass of windows. The music room clad in rich woods adds a velvety depth and the perfect space to serenade a lover.   Whispering Waterfront Delight - Wood Duck Island An impeccable feat of design and craftsmanship, this modern prairie along the Wildernest Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area is a gorgeous backdrop and muse for the romantic at heart. This enclosed sun porch beckons for lazy afternoons, catnapping with the sounds of nature's orchestra echoing in the trees.   Love on the Grapevine - Terra Nativa Reminescent of a romantic Tuscan movie scene, this crisp white villa lives the al fresco lifestyle along with a private vineyard.   All the above properties were listed and sold by Lysi Bishop Real Estate. As specialists in the extraordinary for 30 years, our firm knows the nuances of luxury properties and Boise's most prized locations. If you're interested in selling a legacy property or purchasing one, contact us for a personalized consultation: (208) 870-8292 or click here.

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