One of the fastest growing regions in the country is making room for more residents.
900 rental units will be developed on a vacant 44-acre site in Boise, according to an article by Margaret Carmel for BoiseDev.
“Boise City Council gave the thumbs up to Ohio-based developer Welltower on its plan to develop the eastern end of the Simunich property along Victory Road, south of the Vista neighborhood near the New York Canal. The plan calls for a five-story apartment building in the dead center of the 44-acre site with buildings stepping down toward single-story buildings on the edges of the project. All of the units will be for rent, not for purchase,” reports Carmel.
The development created concerns about traffic and views among local stakeholders, led by the Vista Neighborhood Association. The project earned unanimous support from the Boise City Council despite the local opposition. City Council President Pro Tem Jimmy Hallyburton is quoted in the article saying the city had to take advantage of an opportunity to develop as much housing as possible.
The Boise real estate market exploded during the pandemic after years of rapid growth, before home prices finally slowed down at the end of 2022. This rental housing development would indicate that the market still has plenty of latent demand.
FULL STORY: Nearly 900 units approved for second half of Simunich site
Boise’s New Zoning Code Cleared for City Council Approval
The Boise Planning Commission gave its approval to a new zoning code for the city of Boise. The City Council is expected to consider the draft zoning code in June.
Boise Using Adaptive Reuse to Convert Offices to Affordable Housing
Under the city's Grow Our Housing program, vacant offices could see a new life as below-market rentals.
Sunday Funday: Game Simulates the Development Experience
Even though it's simplified, Inside the Rent provides a window into the logic of developers trying to get apartments built in New York City. The game's creators emphasize its educational value.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie