Downtown Arts & Culture Plan

A Master Plan for Downtown Boise and the Central Downtown, Westside Downtown and River Myrtle–Old Boise Urban Renewal Districts

Adopted June 11, 2007 by Capital City Development Corp. and September 18, 2007 by Boise City Council

Downtown DOWNTOWN Plan Arts & CulturePLAN

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan Contents DOWN TOWNA&C

About the plan 1. Introduction 3 The Downtown Arts & Culture Plan serves a specific redevelopment function. As Boise’s redevelopment agency Capital 2. Urban Renewal Districts 5 City Development Corporation (CCDC) prepares and adminis- ters urban renewal plans in downtown Boise. CCDC’s Cultural Investments Policy (see p. 44) states that “an arts and culture 3. Opportunities and Recommendations for Investment 8 element shall be developed for downtown as a whole with recommendations for cultural investment in each urban renewal district.” This document is that arts and culture element; it de- 4. Appendix scribes existing unique cultural resources in the districts as well as opportunities for new cultural infrastructure and rec- A. Cultural Infrastructure Inventory, Primary 35 ommendations for achieving them. It also serves as a general guide to the arts and cultural sites existing in downtown Boise, B. Cultural Infrastructure Inventory, Secondary 42 with recommendations for new opportunities. It is hoped that C. Cultural Investments Policy Excerpts 44 artists, audiences, venues, property owners and developers will use the plan to generate ideas about improving the cultural life in Boise, and help to keep it current. Please contact us for further information or to provide input. □

Cover photo: Historical Sight, by Dwaine Carver, allows viewers a glimpse of Boise’s Chinese heritage.

1. Introduction

CDC views its support of arts and culture structured to serve downtown as a as a critical part of making downtown whole, while taking into consid- CBoise attractive, vital and successful. eration the specifics of each urban A thriving art scene is an important economic renewal district. development generator in addition to the intrin- sic benefits the arts provide the community. As No plan can accurately predict the Boise’s redevelopment agency, CCDC makes future. In order to have a long and targeted investments within the public realm in useful life, this plan incorporates its urban renewal districts which serve as catalysts flexibility and anticipates that for private investment to follow. The agency’s revisions will occur over time. It is support of the visual and performing arts is one of designed to be a tool for planners, those catalyst tools. developers, artists and residents interested in integrating the arts Boise Highlanders perform at the Grove Plaza, one of CCDC’s first and CCDC’s investments in art and culture are guided into the fabric of downtown Boise. most important cultural facility investments. by its Policy for Funding Cultural Investments (adopted June 10, 2002). The policy states that an he Downtown Arts & Cul- ture Plan has been prepared by CCDC staff arts and culture element is to be included in each ▪ To nurture the creative spirit of community. in collaboration with staff from the Boise CCDC urban renewal plan “or an arts and culture T ▪ To identify opportunities for the inclusion of City Arts Commission and with input from BCAC element shall be developed for downtown as a artworks, cultural facilities and performance commissioners and committee members, artists whole with recommendations for cultural invest- spaces in the urban design of downtown and the general public. The plan has several goals: ments in each urban renewal district.” This arts Boise. and culture plan addresses all of downtown, and ▪ To acknowledge the unique cultural charac- ▪ To recommend ways in which the cultural serves as a companion document to the existing teristics and resources in the urban renewal infrastructure may be created or enhanced master plans that have been adopted for each districts. through public and private investment. urban renewal district. Its purpose is to identify ▪ To create places of great aesthetic value in ▪ To guide when and how CCDC invests in both the existing cultural resources within the dis- downtown. artistic and cultural activities. □ tricts and opportunities for new investments. It is

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan Boise Smart City Initiative

he Boise Smart City Initiative started in 2000 when CCDC, the Boise mayor’s office Economic Impact of the Arts Tand 50 citizens began a yearlong effort to create a template for “an exceptional urban place,” one that combines high-quality design oise was one of 91 cities around the country with advanced technology, and is attractive to that participated in a comprehensive study the knowledge workers of the new economy. A performed by Americans for the Arts in key component of the initiative’s vision was that B 2000. Boise’s results, like the nation’s, prove Boise City Arts Commission downtown Boise would become “...a vibrant conclusively that the nonprofit art sector, far from urban village [with] he Boise City Arts Commission was estab- being a drain on local resources, are in fact a vital a rich intellectual lished in 1978 as a nonprofit city agency to economic development tool for the community. and cultural environ- advise and assist the City Council in de- Boise’s nonprofit arts sector lagged about 15% T ment...” The Smart velopment, coordination, promotion and support behind other U.S. cities of similar size, neverthe- City committee of the arts. Its mission is to enhance the cultural less the arts here are an $18 million/year industry, members recom- life of the Boise community by providing leader- supporting over 600 full-time equivalent jobs and mended that CCDC ship, advocacy and support for the arts. BCAC generating $1.7 million in local and state govern- take on a key role in works in partnership with CCDC in several ways. ment revenue. Nonprofit arts organizations in the initiative’s implementation, and the initiative CCDC looks to BCAC for expertise and assistance Boise account for $9.8 million in direct annual now informs most of what CCDC does, including in planning, implementing and evaluating its spending, and leverage another $8.2 million in the Cultural Investments Policy itself and many of arts and cultural activities. In addition to direct additional local spending. the recommendations found in this plan. program investments, the agency customarily contributes support for the BCAC downtown ince 1978 CCDC has been one of Boise’s major The Smart City Committee Report and other infor- public and performing arts programs. In effect, Ssupporters of public arts and culture, with mation about the project are available at www. BCAC provides adjunct cultural staff to CCDC annual expenditures in recent years averaging ccdcboise.com or at the CCDC office.□ with advocacy, managerial and curatorial roles. almost $100,000. The agency’s support is only CCDC’s Cultural Investments Policy enumerates one contributing factor to Boise’s $18 million/year many of the ways BCAC is associated with the nonprofit arts industry, but it remains significant. agency’s arts and culture programs. BCAC’s close CCDC is the third largest public contributor to the involvement in preparing this downtown arts and arts in Boise, after the Idaho Commission on the culture plan is one example. Arts and the City of Boise.

For more information contact: Boise City Arts Commission City Hall, 150 N. Capitol Blvd. Results of Boise’s participation in the study–Arts and Boise, ID 83702 Economic Prosperity in Boise–are available at www.ccdc- 208-433-5670 boise.com or at the CCDC office. Boise is participating in an The Smart City Initiative envisioned downtown as a www.cityofboise.org/arts_commission. update of the nationwide study. culturally vibrant center of the “creative economy.”

2. Urban renewal districts

CDC is Boise, Idaho’s urban renewal especially applicable to arts and- agency and has as its mission “the culture in downtown Boise. The Crevitalization of Boise’s downtown and next section—Opportunities and its neighborhoods through urban design and Recommendations—identifies development initiatives in Boise’s urban renewal cultural emphasis areas that are districts. CCDC invests in improving infrastruc- more organic than the somewhat ture, building public facilities, development artificial boundaries of the urban partnerships and arts and culture to create lively, renewal districts. These cultural well-designed and sustainable urban places where emphasis areas are used to orga- “Grove Street Illuminated and Boise Canal” forms a gateway to the businesses and people thrive.” At present, Boise nize the discussion of the existing Westside district. has three urban renewal districts that comprise cultural landscape and future about 500 acres in downtown—see map p. 6. possibilities in downtown Boise. much of the city’s public art collection is found CCDC is responsible for preparing and imple- A complete listing of all the districts’ cultural here. menting city-approved master plans for these infrastructure is found in the appendix beginning districtsplans that have urban vitality as their on p. 35. he Central District is characterized by its mix end goal. This section provides a brief description Tof modern and historic buildings, generally of CCDC’s existing districts since the agency tends with storefronts at ground level and offices or to organize its activities around these geographic residences above. The number of condominiums units. However, the area covered by the districts CENTRAL DISTRICT and apartments is small at present, but more are in the pipeline. The Grove Plaza, constructed by represents the heart of Boise’s downtown and as such is a coherent piece of geography. One of he Central Downtown Urban Renewal Dis- CCDC in 1987, was the catalyst for the downtown CCDC’s primary goals in downtown revitalization trict, formed in 1965, is the oldest district. revival that followed, and it is now viewed as Boi- is to have the districts function as interconnected TThe Central District covers ten blocks of the se’s cultural heart. The Grove Plaza and 8th Street places, where activities in one district complement downtown business core. CCDC’s cultural invest- between Main and Bannock streets are owned and and support those in other districts. This goal is ments in the Central District date from 1978, and maintained by CCDC as a retail, entertainment

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan and cultural centerpiece. This spine provides the numerous historic buildings, the Basque Block in- Railroad beginning in the late 1800s. The four location for a number of regular performance cluding the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, blocks between Front and Myrtle have been trans- events, a weekly farmers market and an active turn-of-the century houses, many of which are formed into BoDo—Boise Downtown—with the sidewalk café zone. Two large institutions front on now being used for businesses, and the Imperial development of retail stores, restaurants, a nine- the plaza: the Qwest Arena and the Boise Centre Plaza condominiums. St. Luke’s Regional Medical screen cinema, a 1000-seat concert house, hotel, on the Grove convention center. Presently, the Center is just outside the eastern edge. offices and two public parking garages. A growing Central District has the largest collection of public number of art and cultural institutions are located art works–15 pieces—and the Boise Centre on the he River Street–Myrtle Planning Area runs south of Myrtle Street and in Julia Davis Park in Grove houses much of the Boise Visual Chronicle Tfrom Americana Street to Broadway Avenue Boise’s Cultural District. collection of visual artwork. and from Grove Street to the Boise River on the west end and from Front Street to Julia Davis n the east end of the planning area, the Highlights Park on the east end. It includes several distinc- OCourthouse Corridor includes government ▪ The Grove Plaza tive subdistricts. At the center is the 8th Street offices, Civic Plaza Apartments and the Idaho -Wa ▪ 8th Street Café Zone warehouse district situated between 9th Street and ter Center. South of Front Street is a remnant resi- ▪ City Hall Capitol Boulevard, which served the Union Pacific dential neighborhood and office corridor adjacent ▪ Egyptian Theatre ▪ Boise Centre on the Grove ▪ Qwest Arena.

RIVER MYRTLE–OLD BOISE

he River Myrtle–Old Boise Urban Renewal District covers a large area southwest and Tsoutheast of the downtown core, stretching between Americana and Broadway boulevards. The district was originally formed in 1994 and in 2004 the Old Boise area east of downtown was added, along with other parcels.

he River Myrtle–Old Boise district includes Ttwo separate planning areas, each with its own master plan: River Street–Myrtle Street and Old Boise–Eastside (see map). The Old Boi- se–Eastside planning area lies south of the State Capitol Mall and is more or less bounded by Capi- tol Boulevard, Jefferson Street, Front Street and 2nd and 3rd streets. It includes the most intact portion of Boise’s original commercial district, Boise’s urban renewal districts.

to Julia Davis Park. On the west end of the planning area is the River Street neighborhood and the Pioneer Corridor that traverses it, connecting downtown to the Boise River. The neighborhood is a collection of turn-of-the-century houses, many WESTSIDE DISTRICT of which have become rental units or are occupied by businesses, and medium-sized apartment and estside Downtown is Boise’s newest office buildings. There are signs of new activ- urban renewal district, formed in 2001, ity with construction of CitySide Lofts, a 77-unit consisting of about 143 acres to the condominium project; the 11th & Myrtle medical W west of the downtown core. The district is essen- office building; and the Grand Avenue Homes tially delineated by 8th and 9th streets on the east, townhouse project underway at Grand and 15th Grove Street on the south, 16th and 18th streets on streets. North of the River Street neighborhood is the west and Washington Street on the north. Gen- the Myrtle Street/Front Street Connector—major erally, the area east of 13th Street resembles the arterial streets that carry significant automo- downtown core, with old and new high-rise office bile traffic from the west, and that border large buildings predominating. West of 13th Street undeveloped remnants of the city’s rail yards. is more varied, with auto-oriented businesses, Lastly, a new commercial area is emerging called smaller offices, light industrial uses, churches and the Linen District along the district boundary some multifamily residential buildings. Westside at Grove Street. It is home to several motels and has a variety of architecturally interesting build- automobile-oriented businesses and recently has ings, including the Idanha, Empire and Jefferson been attracting new restaurants and creative firms buildings, the Owyhee Plaza Hotel, Boise Plaza like architects, interior designers and advertising and the largely intact block of historic buildings agencies. on Main Street between 10th and 11th streets. The Idanha Building is a Westside icon. The former schoolhouse known as the American Highlights: Linen Building, at 14th and Grove streets, gives ▪ Cultural District the Linen District its name. Two blocks north the ▪ Idanha Building ▪ Borah Building/Capitol Park Tourtellotte and Hummel-designed warehouse ▪ Empire Building ▪ Old Boise Historic District known as the Boise Heating and Air Condition- ▪ Jefferson Building ▪ Basque Block, Basque Museum and Cultural ing Building is expected to serve as a cornerstone ▪ Owyhee Plaza Hotel Center for the 14th Street Plaza. The long-term Westside ▪ Main Street galleries. □ ▪ South Eighth Street Historic District/BoDo District plan for west of 13th Street is to create a ▪ Old Assay Office lively in-town urban neighborhood with the 14th ▪ CW Moore Park Street Plaza as its centerpiece. ▪ Julia Davis Park ▪ Pioneer Corridor Highlights: ▪ Linen District. ▪ Linen District ▪ Ninth & Grove Plaza ▪ Spring Run Plaza

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 3. Opportunities and recommendations

oise’s cultural landscape has improved developments anticipated by the significantly in the past two decades master plans for Boise’s urban Band the concentration of public art and renewal districts. cultural amenities in the downtown core rivals much larger cities. As redevelopment begins to CDC’s work generally is ripple outward from the center, opportunities for organized around urban investment in arts and culture increase. The Arts Crenewal districts that are & Culture Plan has been developed to gain an created independently, are finan- understanding of the extent of these possibilities cially distinct and have somewhat and to engage citizens, business people, the arts different characters and goals. community, public agencies and others in turning Some cultural activities fall within them into realities. It is the goal of this plan to as- a specific urban renewal district; sure that as downtown Boise grows and matures, others bridge between districts or Eighth Street is the axis of art and cultural activity in downtown Boise. arts and culture will continue to be an integral could be desirable in any geo- part of its fabric and downtown will continue graphic area. The downtown cul- and recommendations for a specific geographic to be the cultural heart of the community. The tural opportunities listed here have been loosely location or area without having to search through plan includes an analysis of downtown in light organized into six general geographic areas with the entire document. Even though some of the of the historical, ethnic and physical features that distinct cultural characteristics and possibili- cultural emphasis areas share names with urban might suggest area or neighborhood cultural ties. These cultural emphasis areas are defined renewal districts or subdistricts, for the purposes identities. It identifies existing artworks, perfor- partly by past land uses and current conditions, of this plan they do not necessarily share bound- mance venues and events, cultural institutions but also by the types of cultural opportunities aries. Some of Boise’s most important cultural op- and notable architecture that are contributing to they present. The map on p. 9 shows the six areas portunities are not connected to a specific physical Boise’s cultural richness now, and makes recom- informally drawn—in reality the borders are location area and could appear almost anywhere, mendations on how these contributions could be somewhat flexible. The main intent in establish- or in multiple locations. These are listed in the All enhanced. It describes new possibilities that need ing cultural emphasis areas is to make it easier for Areas category beginning on p. 10. to be explored based on future public and private people using the plan to identify opportunities

DOWN TOWNA&C Cultural Emphasis Areas

State Capitol

Boise Cascade St. Luke’s Westside Old Boise/Eastside Grove Plaza 8th Ada County Street Courthouse West Connector Cultural East Connector District

Americana Blvd River Street Julia Davis Park Public Library

US Post Office

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan and condominium project. 3a. CULTURAL EMPHASIS - Promote art and cultural programs in all downtown learning environments. AREAS - Encourage day-care and preschool facilities in downtown developments. - Encourage all Idaho universities to locate new 1. ALL AREAS programs in downtown as appropriate. - Promote community college offerings in down- Arts and Culture Center town. Boise, unlike many cities its size, does not have - Assist ANSER and Foothills schools in finding a central center for the performing arts. A few permanent downtown locations. smaller theaters serve downtown: the Egyptian Theatre does limited double duty as a midsized hall; and the Morrison Center at Boise State Cultural Tourism University and the Qwest Arena provide larger Cultural tourism is the subset of tourism con- performance venues. A dedicated community cerned with a region’s culture, especially its arts. It includes heritage, visual and performing arts, multipurpose arts and culture facility—in the Learning occurs in a variety of forms and places. downtown, preferably in the Cultural District—is cultural industries, traditions and leisure pur- a long-overdue need. The facility would support suits of the local population and host community. both performing and visual arts with space for Learning Centers Cultural tourism may be attendance at cultural performance, gallery, classroom and rehearsal The Boise Smart City Initiative emphasized the events or festivals, visits to museums and heritage uses, along with an onsite local food restaurant. connection between education and economic sites, and mixing with local people. Recently Boise History: The 1992 Boise Visions plan, 1998 Cul- development, and the importance of integrat- has received national press focusing on the city tural District plan and the 2004 River Myrtle–Old ing learning, creativity and business centers into as a cultural as well as outdoors sports destina- Boise plan identified the need. downtown. tion. The potential for economic development Existing Features: Performance spaces of varying History: The University Place project that was and strengthening of the cultural fabric through sizes (see appendix) currently in CCDC redevel- to collocate downtown programs of UI, ISU and the joint promotion of the city’s cultural assets is opment districts include Fulton Street Theater, BSU failed for financial reasons, but the need for significant. Partnerships should be strengthened Boise Centre on the Grove, Qwest Arena, Egyp- graduate and professional programs still exists. among cultural organizations, hotels and groups tian Theatre, the VaC arts center, Esther Simplot Area voters recently approved a community such as the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau Performing Arts Center and the Rose Room. Other college district, and the state of Idaho, Albertson (BCVB) to bring more cultural tourists to Boise. performance venues include various bars. Foundation, BSU, Treasure Valley Community Existing Features: Opportunities: College and others are contributing to this effort. BCVB at 312 South 9th Street. Phone: 800-635- - Possible sites include the area around south 8th Existing Features: Boise Library, ANSER Charter 5240; 208-344-7777. www.boise.org. Street, e.g. Table Rock parking lot, Library parking School and Foothills School, UI and ISU Boise pro- BCVB Visitor Information Centers: lot, Idaho Linen, Shaver’s lot; the Simplot Parcel C grams, Discovery Center, Giraffe Laugh, Cultural Downtown: On the Grove Plaza. Phone: (208) 344- or D; Grove Street east of the Basque Block; as part District; BSU nearby. 5338. Interstate Visitor Center: 1222 S. Vista Avenue. of the convention center expansion; Julia Davis Opportunities: Phone: 208-385-0362. Park. - Integrate existing and new educational programs Opportunities: into new development, e.g. a combined library - Partner with BCVB to promote cultural assets to

10 travelers through brochures, Web sites, hotels and to four different private streetcar companies. Freak Alley Gallery between 8th and 9th streets conference material. Existing Features: Recent plans like the Down- and Bannock and Idaho streets gives a voice to - Create and promote festivals and events to cul- town Boise Mobility Study and Communities alternative artists. Phantom galleries that move tural tourists. in Motion suggest the creation of a downtown location every month such as the current “Gypsy - Promote the Winther Visitor Center project (see circulator, and the Treasure Valley High-Capacity Gallery” enliven otherwise empty storefronts. The p. 16). Transit Study is currently working on feasibility common threads in all these examples are suc- - Create partnerships among arts organizations, and location studies. hotels and other businesses to create tourism Opportunities: packages around existing festivals, events and -Make each transit stop unique; celebrate neigh- exhibitions. borhood or historical features. -Integrate visual art or performances at transit City Geothermal Heating System stops and in the circulator itself. -Integrate with the Valley Regional Transit’s Art in Boise has both the nation’s oldest and the largest Motion bus-wrap project. geothermal heating districts. The City of Boise op- erates the nation’s largest system, providing clean and efficient heat to the city’s downtown area. The Artist Live/Work Space system currently serves fifty buildings, heating Establish artist live/work spaces in redevelopment over two million square feet of floor space. The district areas. system has the potential to be a defining identity History: In 1993 CCDC was one of the sponsors cessful partnerships between property or business element for Boise, yet few are even aware of it. of a feasibility study for artist live/work spaces. owners and artistic individuals or organizations. CCDC commissioned a study of the Boise City BCAC conducted the study, and copies are avail- Existing Features: Freak Alley Gallery and Gypsy geothermal system, available online at www. able from the commission office. Gallery; some property managers allow galleries ccdcboise.com. Opportunities: to show artwork in empty storefronts. Increased Opportunities: The opportunity exists to make - Redevelop existing structures or develop new alternative locations are activated with cultural more people aware of the system and to extend its clusters of mixed-use live/work units. activities during “First Thursdays Art Under the use. The resource could be promoted through a - Find incentives for developers to create live/ Stars.” building identity program, celebrated with public work spaces. Opportunities: art, educational displays and water features at - Combine with the following: - Re-engage small open spaces in downtown such high-visibility locations. as Angell’s lawn, Spring Run Plaza, C.W. Moore Alternative Performing Arts Spaces Plaza, Capitol Park, the Borah Building plaza and Downtown Circulator and Galleries open storefronts for outdoor theater, music and The Circulator is a downtown public transit con- Establish alternative performing arts spaces and exhibitions. cept that grew out of the Downtown Boise Mobil- galleries in redevelopment district areas. - Combine with artist live/work spaces. ity Study and other planning discussions. It is History: Ad-hoc locations where the arts contrib- envisioned as extending pedestrian access within ute to the urban fabric have been critical to the the center of downtown, like a streetcar. Blank Walls for Murals development of Boise culture. Idaho Shakespeare Identify appropriate blank walls as sites for mu- Location: Downtown Boise; routes and locations Festival’s first performance space in the 1970s was rals to be funded by private or public sources. under consideration. the lawn on 9th Street between Main and Grove. History: Since 1980 downtown Boise has been History: In its early days Boise was served by up

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 11 infused with murals of varying size and type rium District. Since then CCDC and the city have that features two performing arts stages and an funded by both the public and private sector. The purchased or commissioned new works by Idaho expanded Capital City Public Market. Record Exchange owners were some of the first artists each year. Eighty works by thirty-three art- - Worldfest, a celebration of Boise’s diversity that private business owners in Boise to use murals to ists are represented in the collection as of 2006. features 15 different ethnic performance groups creatively identify their building, located at 11th Opportunities: As the collection grows the city performing free on the Grove Plaza. and Main streets. They have recently completely will continue to seek public indoor locations to - Collaborations Project, a program that brings replaced their original mural with a new, distinc- share the collection with citizens. Potential loca- together artists from different disciplines to create tive motif. In the early ‘90s CCDC sponsored a tions include the walls of a new convention center, something new, artistically important and a little competition to design artwork for public spaces community arts and culture or learning centers edgy each October. resulting in the ceramic mural “Alley History” and entrance lobbies of other public facilities. - Fall for Boise, a two-month celebration of arts and and “Sydney’s Niche.” In 2000 The Letterheads, community, takes place in September and October an international sign painters group, created three and is facilitated through a partnership of the significant murals as gifts to the city—Stearns Performing Arts Office of the Mayor, Downtown Boise Association, The performing arts create vitality, enrich the Motorcar on the Adelmann Building, the Basque Boise Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, CCDC, citizen experience and foster understanding and Mural on Capitol Boulevard, and Hannifans sign BCAC and others. All of these events create over community pride. From professional companies on 11th and Main streets. Classic Design Studio such as the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and the recently completed a mural on Broad facing 5th Boise Philharmonic to community companies Street celebrating the Treasure Valley’s commer- such as Boise Little Theater and Drop Dance Col- cial birth via the railroad. Numerous other murals lective, to individual artists, Boise has a strong mark businesses, create building identity and add performing arts presence. to the distinctive character of the city. Existing Features: There are over 90 nonprofit arts Existing Features: See listings in appendix at end. and culture organizations in the Boise Valley. The Opportunities: Numerous blank walls exist that city has a variety of performing arts spaces includ- would be ideal sites for murals. Business own- ing the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts ers could sponsor artworks; public entities could at BSU, a 2000-seat house; the BSU Special Events continue to promote mural projects; artists could Center, a 450-seat house; Stage Two, a small black apply for grants to do projects. box theater on the BSU campus and the Fulton Street Theater, a 250-seat theater in the Cultural Boise Visual Chronicle District. Downtown performing arts and special History: A BCAC public art project; this city- events that are free to the public, partially funded Schoolchildren investigate the stained glass window at owned collection of paintings, drawings, prints, by CCDC and facilitated by BCAC include: the 9th & Idaho Building. photographs and other artworks depicts life in - Performing Arts at the Market, a program that 250 paid performing opportunities for local artists. Boise and its changing landscape, people and provides three performing artists/groups each Opportunities: Boise is ripe for creating win-win perspectives. The collection is exhibited in public Saturday during the 29-week Capital City Public partnerships such as a gallery hosting a musician buildings such as the Boise Centre on the Grove, Market. or creating a tourism package from events that Boise City Hall, CCDC offices and the Boise - Arts for Kids, a program that provides free 45- are ongoing in the city. New venues that offer Airport. minute hands-on arts workshops for kids ages 3 to interesting performing spaces, such as the Visual Existing Features: The collection originated in 12 for ten Saturdays in a row during the summer. Arts Collective are creating new places for artistic 1996 with support from the Greater Boise Audito- - City Harvest, a celebration of local arts and food expression. The Grove Plaza is an underutilized

12 space that could be promoted as a low-cost out- Greenbelt and Pioneer Corridor, primary entrance door event location. The Gene Harris Band Shell is locations such as the East and West Connector another location where the performing arts could areas, public gathering places, historical sites, be used to draw people to the park for a cultural site-specific places to celebrate features such as Case Study: experience. The city needs an arts and culture geothermal water or the Boise River and public Public Art with Function center that would support smaller organizations buildings such as convention centers and libraries. with cost-effective rehearsal, classroom, exhibit - Create partnerships among BCAC, artists, devel- and performance spaces. opers and business owners to include public art in existing and new developments. Idanha Building - Involve artists early in the design of public facili- Public Art ties. Canopies Permanent and temporary visual artworks in - Commission art works through Percent for Art public spaces enliven street life and add character programs. Public art can to neighborhoods. Artwork may be freestanding - Create wireless and downloadable art and archi- serve both an or integrated with architecture or landscape. The tecture tours. aesthetic and a scale of public artworks ranges from the intimate surprise to the monumental statement. Materi- practical func- als may vary from murals on walls; sculptures Architecture tion. The newly in bronze, steel, stone, cast concrete or found Architecture, along with landscape architecture, redeveloped materials; sound works; banners on poles; artis the art of the built environment and the art Idanha Building in ist-designed graphics in bus-stops; fountains; form CCDC is most often associated with. CCDC downtown Boise streetscape design; or glass-inlaid planters. should use all its tools—review, financial assis- demonstrates History: The statue of former Governor Frank tance, advocacy and collaboration—to promote how a functional Steunenberg on Capitol Boulevard was the city’s excellence in design. architectural element like the building’s entrance first public art piece, installed in 1927. The next History: A number of books on Boise’s architec- canopies can also serve as art in its own right. work was not installed until 1978, when Point tural history are available in bookstores and the The canopies were designed by New York art- of Origin was commissioned for City Hall Plaza library. ists Nina Yankovics and Barry Holden for local (now relocated to Julia Davis Park). Between 1978 Opportunities: developer Parklane Inc. The artwork was selected and 2006 public and private sponsors commis- - Promote design excellence. sioned over forty-three permanent artworks in - Increase “arch-walks” and design awards. through a public process administered by the and around downtown, making it the densest - Collaborate with the AIA and ASLA. Boise City Arts Commission, and funded by the concentration of public art in the state. Projects are - Collaborate with Boise City Design Review developer and CCDC. The artists were selected facilitated and maintained by BCAC staff. Committee, Historic Preservation Commission and engaged early in the design process so Existing Features: BCAC public art and cultural and Planning and Development Services staff. they could work with the architects and builders district maps identify the locations of 43 works in - Collaborate with UI Architecture program. to integrate the art seamlessly into the overall and around downtown. - Create wireless and downloadable art and archi- redevelopment. The result provides beauty in the Opportunities: tectural tours. □ streetscape and weather protection at the building - Primary locations for permanent and temporary entrance. It also gives an iconic new identity to public art include newly constructed buildings, this important historic building. sidewalks, pedestrian and bike paths such as the

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 13 the Cultural District will grow stronger and the 2. 8th Street Cultural level of cultural activity will intensify. The library Idaho State and its neighbor The Cabin, a literary center, will Capitol District Q expand and other cultural and educational insti- JEFFERSON ST tutional uses will appear in this area. This is an Q Capitol Encompasses Capitol Boulevard to 9th Street from the Park excellent location for the much-needed commu- Borah State Capitol Building to the Boise River and expands nity arts and culture center. Boise’s once-thriving Substation BANNOCK ST eastward south of Front Street to include the cultural Chinese population will be celebrated here, as will institutions in Julia Davis Park. At the literal center the remaining buildings from Boise’s Chinatown Q Q Q of this discussion is the 8th Street Cultural Dis- on Front Street between Capitol Boulevard and Q Q trict. Eighth Street is the organizing axis for arts IDAHO ST 6th Street. The Grove Plaza, the district’s epicen- Q Q and culture in downtown Boise, from the Anne ter, should see further investment and promotion, Q 8th Street Q Q Frank Human Rights Memorial at the Boise River and will boast a growing range of arts activities. Q north to the Idaho State Capitol Building. The largest area for expansion, however, will be MAIN ST Egyptian Theatre in the private sector. A cluster of arts production Q oise City’s 1993 Downtown Boise Plan recom- Grove PlazaQ Q businesses exists around 6th and Broad streets, Q Q mended concentrating cultural and entertain- Q B and all of downtown’s movie theaters are nearby. Q QBasque Block GROVE ment uses in the central business district. CCDC’s Entertainment venues currently range from the Boise Qwest Q Centre on Arena 1994 River/Myrtle district master plan called for Q Q tiny Opa bar to midsized venues like the Egyptian Grove Q expanding the cultural district south in the 8th Theatre and the Big Easy on up to the spacious FRONT ST Street area. In 1998, BCAC, CCDC and others Qwest Arena. The number of dining and en- Aspen Lofts site Q created the Cultural District Plan, which was fol- tertainment businesses will continue to grow, Foster lowed by promoting the Cultural District with a Warehouse especially in the area south of the BoDo retail BROAD ST Edwards Winther Broad Street logo, signage, maps and other advocacy efforts. Visitors and office development and as new residential BoDo Industrial Center Arts District This area is now the first place that comes to mind projects all along 8th Street come on line. More art for arts institutions and cultural activities in Boise. galleries will join the wide variety of retail shops MYRTLE ST F.A.C.E.S. Many nonprofit arts organizations and creative moving into the district. Artists and arts patrons Q businesses currently operate in the Cultural Dis- will merge into a vibrant throng animating this Esther Simplot trict. The Esther Simplot Performing Arts Acad- Fulton Performing Arts Flicks area at all hours. Academy Capitol Boulevard emy and Fulton Street Theater each house several Street FULTON ST Theater performing arts groups in addition to serving as Idaho State performance venues. The area is home to many QHistorical Museum of Boise’s oldest cultural institutions including Boise City Q Boise Art Museum, Boise Public Library and the Public Library Boise Art Museum Q Q Q Idaho State Historical Museum. (See appendix for complete listing.) Julia Davis The Cabin Park Anne Frank Human Q any opportunities exist for further invest- Rights Memorial Q = Public Artwork Mment in the 8th Street Cultural District. The Arts & Culture Plan envisions that the identity of

14 Boise River. and booked by Boise Centre on the Grove. Cultural District (C, RMOB) History: CCDC owns the segment of 8th from Existing Features: The Grove Plaza is a 200’ Location: Approximately parallels 8th Street from Bannock to Main streets, including sidewalks, and diameter brick plaza bordered by trees and the en- the Boise River north to the downtown core, and through the Grove Plaza to Front Street. trances to the Centre on the Grove and Qwest Are- from Julia Davis Park to 9th Street. Existing Features: Grove Plaza, where many na. Four pieces of public art and a public fountain History: The city’s 1993 Downtown Boise Plan events are held and where four public artworks are located on the Grove. Events currently held on recommended concentrating cultural and enter- are located; Capital City Public Market is held the Grove include Alive After Five, Capital City tainment uses in the Central Business District. every Saturday from May through October on 8th Public Market, Arts for Kids, City Harvest, the CCDC’s 1994 River/Myrtle district master plan between Bannock and Main streets and into the annual tree-lighting ceremony and others. Nearby called for expanding the cultural district south in Grove Plaza. The street may also be closed and businesses and facilities include the Grove Hotel, the Eighth Street Area. In 1998, BCAC, CCDC and used for events. Brick Oven Bistro, Taters Specialty Store and a others created the Cultural District Plan, further Opportunities: Boise Visitor’s Center. promoting the Cultural District with signage and - Program more events on 8th Street and in Grove Opportunities: As Boise’s first major investment other advocacy efforts. Plaza. in downtown public open space, the Grove Plaza Existing Features: Numerous nonprofit arts - Add public art south of Front Street and north of has been a huge success. There is a chance to do organizations and creative businesses currently Bannock. more, however. operate in the Cultural District. The Esther Sim- - Use art to help identify 8th Street as a designated - Promote the plaza as a location for public cul- plot Performing Arts Academy and Fulton Street bicycle route. tural events, with a wide range of rental options. Theater house several performing arts groups in - Use special crosswalk designs at more intersec- - Improve the “spokes.” addition to serving as performance venues. The tions on 8th Street. - Add outdoor benches, tables and chairs. area is home to many of Boise’s oldest cultural in- -Consider building a permanent multipurpose stitutions including Boise Art Museum, Boise Pub- stage. lic Library, Idaho State Historical Museum and - Consider amphitheater-type seating as part of many more. (See appendix for complete listing.) any redevelopment of the Unico parking lot. Opportunities: -Improve technical services offered to renters, - More private and nonprofit “creative commu- including wireless Internet connectivity. nity” organizations. - Arts and culture center with midsized theater. - Temporary public art. Capitol Boulevard (RMOB, C) - Artist live/work space. Location: Capitol Boulevard from the Boise River - More galleries. to the Idaho Statehouse. - Better promotion of the cultural district logo and History: Ceremonial entrance to downtown. identity by businesses, nonprofit organizations Audience members relax at Alive After Five in the Existing Features: Cultural facilities (BAM, Idaho and others in district. Grove Plaza. Historical Museum, Log Cabin, Boise Public Library, Egyptian Theater, Flicks) Cultural District Grove Plaza (C) signage on posts, City Hall Plaza, Capitol Park, 8th Street (C, RMOB) Location: The circular plaza marking the former BoDo, bike lanes, new streetscape designs in ini- Location: Eighth Street between State Street and intersection of Grove and 8th streets. tial stages of implementation. the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial at the History: Built by CCDC in 1987, owned by CCDC

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 15 Opportunities: includes a nine-screen movie theater, restaurants, have been restored to their original condition. - Implement Capitol Boulevard Master Design a hotel, offices and retail stores. Located in the - Movie screen, 700-seat theater. Plans. heart of the cultural district, this private develop- - Original restored organ. - Add traffic signal at Grove Street; use in-pavement also includes warehouses converted into Opportunities: ment special crosswalk treatment. shops, offices, performance spaces and restau- - Use more for live performances of varying kinds - Increase awareness of bike lanes/routes. rants. (musicians, opera, dance). Identify alterations Existing Features: Funny Bone, Big Easy, restau- needed to make performances more feasible. rants, clothing and specialty shops, movie theater, Foster’s Warehouse Building, Cole Maar Photog- raphy gallery. Winther Visitors Center (C) Opportunities: Location: Northeast corner of Capitol Boulevard - Permanent public art. and Myrtle Street. - Temporary visual and performing art events on History: Originally a gas station, then home to the street. Winther Music until 2004; currently used as public - Art galleries. parking. - Theater space. Existing Features: High-visibility corner, curb cuts on both roads. The Winther family has a design to create a mixed-use office building with Egyptian Theatre (C) visitors’ center, cafe, museum and offices geared Location: Northwest Corner of Main and Capitol to arts, culture and tourism. “Sidney’s Niche” at the Capitol Terrace building. Boulevard. Opportunities: History: Leo Falk, owner of a nearby department - ”Front desk” for arts and culture in Boise. - Parades, marches. store, built the theater in 1927. Falk hired promi- - Prime public art location. - Pedestrian-friendly public art. nent Boise architect Frederick “Fritz” Hummel to - “Cheap tickets” location. - Increase awareness of linkage from Cultural design a “Movie Palace” in downtown Boise, in - Gallery space. District to Downtown. the new Egyptian style that followed the discov- - Possible performing space. - Develop community arts and culture center with ery of King Tut’s tomb in 1920. Hummel preferred midsized theater. a formal Spanish style and put in some Spanish - Make City Hall plaza more active, usable space design elements. Earl Hardy purchased the build- Julia Davis Park (RMOB) for arts activities. ing in the 1970s and worked to preserve the struc- Location: Julia Davis Drive and Capitol Boule- - Increase arts and culture uses in Capitol Park. ture. After his death the Hardy Foundation did a vard. complete restoration of the theater and continues History: This regional public park features public to manage it as a first-run movie house and venue artworks and cultural facilities including the Boise BoDo (RMOB) for concert performances, opera performances, Art Museum, Idaho State Historical Museum, Location: Capitol Boulevard to 9th Street, Myrtle speakers, plays and other activities. Black History Museum, Zoo Boise and the Gene to Front Street. Existing Features: Two windows facing Main Harris Bandshell. History: Eighth Street Marketplace underwent re- Street are historical photos back-painted by Clas- Existing Features: An archway with the park’s development in January 2003, renamed BoDo, and sic Design Studios. name was added to the main entrance in 2001 and opened in the fall of 2005. The new development - Building interior and exterior historic designs in 2006 the streetscape was updated with a de-

16 tached sidewalk, additional trees and grass strip workshops should be encouraged as Classic approachable for clients. to match the Capitol Boulevard Design standard. Design supports interest in high-quality design, Opportunities: Opportunities: unusual creative approaches, and experimenta- - Create murals on the interior and exterior of the - Improve signage about the Cultural District such tion with media. building. as a kiosk. - Integrate public art sculptures into the landscap- - Add more public art. Borah Substation (Old Federal ing. - Add mosaic artworks to the base of the main - Use themes suggested by the FACES acronym. archway. Building) (RMOB) Location: 304 North 8th Street between Bannock Foster Warehouse (RMOB) and Jefferson streets. Location: 9th Street between Broad and Myrtle Broad Street Industrial District History: Built in 1904, Borah Substation was de- streets. signed in the Renaissance Revival style by the U.S. (RMOB) History: Four-story brick warehouse built in 1910 Location: Centers on 6th and Broad streets. Treasury Department while James Knox Taylor to accommodate the curve of the rail line that History: Current redevelopment began when was supervising architect. It was Boise’s main post served the area. Threatened with demolition in Noel Weber founded Classic Design Studio. office and federal office building for many years, 1996 to make room for new development. City Existing Features: Classic Design Studio houses but now is the Borah branch post office and has Centre Garage and the BoDo built around the a custom sign shop and other creative tenants: some federal and state offices. It is owned by the warehouse, now converted by BoDo into office Rocket Neon fabrication studio, Noble Hardesty state and is expected to be used for legislative of- condominiums. art studio and a glass studio. The Boise Weekly fices during the Capitol Building remodeling. Existing Features: Historic façade and unusual bought and renovated the building at the south- Existing Features: A generous exterior plaza. curved shape. east corner of 6th and Broad. Just east on Broad Opportunities: Opportunities: Street is the Venue, an under-age night club. - Interior or exterior public art. - Preserve historic character as a contributing fac- Across 6th Street is the North by Northwest film - Office space for arts organizations. tor in the 8th Street Historic District. and video production office and studio. Classic - Program events and public art in the plaza. - Encourage arts and culture related uses. Design Studio hosts art exhibitions, rents space - Historic displays. and equipment to various artists working on pub- - Architectural tours. lic art projects and offers workshops in various Family Advocacy Center and Educa- techniques such as glass casting, porcelain enamel tion Services (“FACES”) (RMOB) on steel and gold leafing. Noel Weber brought the Location: Myrtle between 6th Street and Capitol O.W. Smith Lofts (RMOB) Letterheads, an international group of sign paint- Boulevard. Location: Corner of Myrtle and 8th streets. ers, to Boise in 2000. During their conference they History: Founded in 2006 through collaboration History: A mixed-use development with residen- created three landmark murals that were gifted to among law enforcement, prosecution, health tial condominiums on the south side of BoDo; the city—the Basque Mural on Capitol Boulevard, care providers and social service agencies in Ada a renovation of the O.W. Smith warehouse and Stearns Motor Car on Idaho Street, and Hannifins County to improve the criminal justice, health newly named R. Grey buildings. The developers Cigar Shop sign. care and social service responses to victims of are Gary Christensen and Robert Kaylor. Comple- Opportunities: child abuse, domestic violence and adult sexual tion planned for summer of 2007. - Other industrial arts studios would be ideal to assault crimes. Existing Features: In construction. locate in the area, to increase the clustering of Existing Features: Ada County has worked with Opportunities: Art-related businesses and public creative industries in this area. artists to create murals on the interior of the art. - More public activities such as exhibitions and facility to make the environment feel warm and - Integration of public art into lobby or exterior. □

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 17 Basque Block: (RMOB) Opportunities: 3. OLD BOISE/EASTSIDE Location: Grove Street between Capitol Boulevard - Outdoor market and festival site. and 6th Street. -Extend Basque Block street design and identity Generally bordered by Capitol Boulevard, Jefferson History: In the early 1900s, in a district of markets east another block. Street, Broadway and Grove Street. Built in close and pool halls, single Basque men on furlough -Install pedestrian traffic signal on Capitol Boule- proximity to the U.S. Army’s Fort Boise in the from the Idaho sheep camps found handball, vard at Grove Street to connect the Basque Block 1860s, Old Boise is the oldest part of town, and home cooking, accordion music and a Basque- to the Grove Plaza and West Grove Street. contains remnant buildings of all types: com- speaking priest from Spain. The 1911 city direc- mercial, institutional and residential. Many of the tory listed six Basque-language boarding houses Capitol Park (RMOB) section’s grand older homes have been converted west of Third between Front and Idaho Streets. Location: Primarily bordered by Capitol Boule- to office uses. The Eastside section is dominated Existing Features: vard, Bannock, 6th and Jefferson streets. by St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center and as- Public Artwork “Laiak” at the street entrance on History: Capitol Park occupies about two acres sociated businesses. The Old Boise-Eastside Capitol Boulevard; granite insets with Basque in downtown Boise directly in front of the Idaho area’s mature trees, well-kept landscaping and family names, crests of the provinces and songs in State Capitol. The park features several picnic ar- pedestrian-friendly scale make it a great location the Basque language; raised street with green and eas and pathways amid a variety of mature trees. for offices serving arts and cultural institutions. red pavement and a Basque symbol in the center; This park is used as a staging area for events such Wherever possible, the area’s historic buildings infrastructure for installation of tents and electri- as fun runs, bicycle races and demonstrations at should be retained or adapted to contemporary cal outlets for vendors; Basque Museum, Basque the Capitol. A senior citizen craft fair is held in the use, and signage or other historical displays Center, Bar Gernika, Basque Market, Leku Ona park annually. installed to memorialize Boise’s early history. restaurant and hotel and two other non-Basque Existing Features: Picnic tables, pedestrian paths, This will be where much of Boise’s early ethnic restaurants. former governor Steunenberg public monument. heritage will be recognized, including Basque, Mexican and German influences. The Old Boise commercial district along Main Street can be promoted with street-level improvements, public art Public Artwork and historical displays. The retail entertainment and performing arts venues can be enhanced, and art galleries will be encouraged to locate here. Old Boise-Eastside is an excellent location for learning centers, university expansion and other educational programs. Old Boise-Eastside has a number of attractive public open spaces, like Capitol Park, the Assay Office and C.W. Moore Park, that offer great options for public art and small-scale performing arts venues. The area has been targeted for new housing development and artist live/work options should be encouraged as part of the mix.

18 Property is owned by the city; a renovation was mances, events, and activities that attract people recently completed by the parks department and a to the area and increase pedestrian traffic in Old local garden club. Boise. Case Study: Opportunities: Active Partnerships - Lunchtime performance series for downtown Leku Ona (former Johnson-Nixon workers. - Public artworks. Law Office) (RMOB) Basque Block Location: 112 6th Street. History: Built in 1885 for R.Z. Johnson while he C.W. Moore Park: (RMOB) was Attorney of Idaho Territory, this structure was Location: 5th and Grove streets south of the Bel- originally roofed with iron shipped from Chicago. gravia Building on Main Street. The mahogany front door and office vault were History: C. W. (Christopher Wilkinson) Moore salvaged from the old statehouse. It was convert- (1835-1916), pioneer, merchant and founder ed into a boutique hotel in 2005, and is connected of Idaho First National Bank, was active in all to the Leku Ona Basque restaurant and bar on the aspects of Idaho life. He got his start in Silver City corner at Grove Street. founding the C. W. Moore and Company. C.W. Opportunities: Integration of public art into lobby Moore built a new house on Warm Springs Av- Downtown Boise’s Basque Block is a huge or exterior. □ enue in 1892 and piped in water from nearby hot success story made possible by a wide array of springs to make it the first geothermally heated partners. The redevelopment of Grove Street be- home in the United States. His daughter, Laura tween Capitol Boulevard and 6th Street originated Moore Cunningham, also left a legacy of conser- among the businesses and cultural institutions vation and benevolence to the people of the city of Boise’s sizable Basque population. The idea and state through her charitable foundation. led to a feasibility study a decade before the Existing Features: C.W. Moore Park contains partnership began forming. Implementation began many building and architectural elements from with a BCAC-sponsored competition for public great buildings from Boise’s history. The park artwork. CCDC contributed design assistance contains arches, cornerstones, stone work and to assist community leaders create a vision for engraved stone and steel columns and edifices of the streetscape design and public uses. The historic buildings, as well as one of the original Ada County Highway District, the City of Boise, Boise Canal irrigation water wheels. The park is BCAC, CCDC and the community all contributed on bus routes, has drinking water, bike racks and time, funds and expertise toward the $450,000 provides a quiet place for meditation. Opportunities: project. The project ultimately involved funding Currently the Parks and Recreation Department and collaboration by many private donors, busi- does not identify the park as available for sched- nesses and public agencies. These public/private uled events. BCAC has held a well-attended Arts Arts for Kids at C.W. Moore Park. partnerships remain in place in the operation of for Kids event there on First Thursday with the the Basque Block. This is now one of the most ac- cooperation of Old Boise Merchants. tive places in town, home to festivals, street fairs - Schedule public use of the park including perfor- and everyday vitality.

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 19 Opportunities: 4. EAST CONNECTOR - welcome point to downtown Boise. - informational/cultural “wayfinding” kiosk. - Bordered by Broadway Avenue, Julia Davis Park, 5th “Share the road” bicycle-awareness signage. Street and the utility corridor behind the Ada County Courthouse. Like the West Connector area, this Front Street Gateway (RMOB) area is largely defined by former railroad activ- Location: Front Street at Broadway. ity and currently by the Front-Myrtle couplet. Existing Features: The point at which westbound Broad Street between the couplet serves as a quiet traffic from Park Center and Warm Springs enters people-oriented interior street and a place for downtown. Intersection currently has Idaho Water neighborhood-scale public art and open spaces “Railroad” houses in Myrtle Street Neighborhood. Center at NW corner, fast food restaurant at the that can be used for cultural venues. The area’s NE corner, MK Plaza office park at SE corner and proximity to Julia Davis Park make the park and Broadway Gateway (RMOB) major development opportunity at SW corner. the cultural institutions located there an increas- Location: Broadway at Park Avenue. Opportunities: ingly important neighborhood amenity. The Existing Features: Broadway is the entry to down- - See Broadway Gateway. entrance to the park at 3rd Street provides an town Boise from the south. Intersection currently - Welcome point to downtown Boise. excellent location for public art and a celebration has park open space at SW corner, small shopping - beginning of downtown view corridor of the cultural institutions located there. strip at SE corner, MK Plaza office park at NE cor- - informational/cultural “wayfinding” kiosk. ner and major development opportunity at NW - “Share the road” bicycle-awareness signage. corner—the true gateway corner, currently under

consideration by Whole Foods Corp. for mixed- Myrtle Street Neighborhood (RMOB) use development. Location: Myrtle to Front, 6th to 2nd streets, the center of the neighborhood is Broad St. Existing Features: One of two remnant early residential areas in downtown, old Victorian frame houses, front yard “open space.” Opportunities: - maintain residential areas. - architecture “showcase” area. - artist live/work studios. - Arts and culture center. - Promote Broad Street as quiet, internal, walkable area.

20 Entrance to Julia Davis Park (RMOB) Location: Third Street south of Myrtle Street. History: This regional public park features public artworks and cultural facilities including the Boise Case Study: Art Museum, Idaho State Historical Museum, Walls to Landmark Murals Black History Museum, Zoo Boise and the Gene Harris Bandshell. Existing Features: The 3rd Street entrance is cur- Adelmann Building rently undeveloped and poorly marked. Opportunities: - Improve 3rd Street entrance, add traffic signal, integrate the park into the neighborhood. An empty - Improve signage. wall can - Add public art. be a blank canvas awaiting Front 5 (RMOB) the next Location: Front and 5th streets. great History: Oaas Laney, LLC is the developer and Pe- artistic statement. Murals found throughout down- tra Inc. is the contractor for the renovation of the 1970s-era red brick warehouse that once served town Boise originated with businesses, public the railroad line to downtown Boise. Cole + Poe Mural at Front 5 Building. agencies or the artists themselves, and each Architects designed the project, which received lends a distinct sense of identity and character the state’s first LEED-NC certification for its green to its surroundings. In 2000 the “Letterheads,” building features. a 25-year-old international association of sign Existing Features: Oaas Laney commissioned painters and craftspeople, held a conference in Classic Design Studios to create a mural facing the town and left behind three murals created in their parking lot on Broad Street. It is a pictorial narra- members’ workshop sessions. The Basque Mural, tive of the growth of Boise’s commercial district Hannifan’s Sign, and the Stearns Motor Car during the railroad boom. murals are lasting legacies dedicated to the city Opportunities: Additional public art on Front by the group. The Stearns Motor Car (pictured) is Street side. □ based on the remnants of a similar “ghost” sign on this same wall, advertising a long-gone automobile dealership. Noel Weber, of Classic Design Studios, is one of the Letterheads founders and organizers, and is responsible for many of the murals and other public artworks and furnishings around downtown.

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 21 area, and new residential development would 5. RIVER STREET bring opportunities for neighborhood public art and entertainment. The River Street-Myrtle Street Bisected by River Street and generally bordered by master plan anticipates that the mature trees and the Boise River, Americana Boulevard, Myrtle and public open spaces–and especially the quieter 9th streets. This area is influenced at its edges neighborhood character along the interior Grand by Americana and Myrtle streets, which act as and Miller streets–will be retained and enhanced. gateways to downtown, the Cultural District and The Pioneer Corridor is a bold project to turn especially by the Boise River. Historically the the historic path at the center of the area into a area was affected by seasonal flooding patterns bicycle/pedestrian byway and catalyst for signifi- of the river when much of the southern part was cant new residential and neighborhood develop- farms and orchards. Originally there was a thriv- ment. The corridor will have a special identity Draft of possible redevelopment of the Pioneer Corridor. ing middle class neighborhood around Grand expressed in the landscape and furnishings, and Avenue and the area remains largely residential it will celebrate the area’s vibrant past through today. South of Miller Street between 10th and public art and historical display. The contributions Pioneer Corridor/Street (RMOB) 11th streets was Riverside Park, the city’s major of Boise’s early black community will be recog- Location: Walkway currently running northeast- entertainment district in the early 1900s, includ- nized here. The area’s eastern section, now mostly erly from the Ann Morrison Bridge to the corner ing a baseball field with covered seating for 1,000 large warehouses, could lend itself to film/media of 11th and Myrtle streets. spectators, a 700-seat covered outdoor theater production shops and other arts-industrial uses. History: The Pioneer Corridor is a project to use and a dance hall with dining on the second floor. It is also an excellent location for learning centers improvements to the Pioneer Walkway, a pedes- Today’s Pioneer Walkway traces the former Lovers of all kinds. The edge along 9th Street, currently trian link from the Boise River to the downtown Lane/Pioneer Street that from the 1920s until after home to several performing arts and entertain- core, to trigger significant urban-style, mixed-use WWII boasted a lively night life of juke joints, ment venues, will remain an expansion area for development in the western half of the River Myr- gambling halls and more. The River Street area the vitality of the Cultural District. tle–Old Boise District. The area has a rich up-and- became Boise’s first racially integrated neighbor- down social history that included farms, orchards, hood, and it remains one of the city’s most ethni- upscale homes, Boise’s first Basque handball court, cally diverse. he River Street area will be the main place integrated rental housing, wartime “juke joints”

Twhere Boise celebrates the Boise River. Resi- and other features. his diverse history carries over to current dents, office workers and visitors will interact Existing Features: Neighborhood is “in transi- uses, and the area presents a wide variety of T with the river at the Pioneer Corridor terminus, tion” from small rental houses to a variety of cultural opportunities. At the west end Americana at the footbridge to Ann Morrison Park and at the multifamily residential buildings. It remains an Boulevard and River Street each carry over 15,000 proposed whitewater park near Americana Bou- affordable residential neighborhood within easy cars a day. This volume suggests possibilities for levard. The riparian corridor and the Boise River walking distance of downtown and the Boise street and sidewalk improvements to beautify the Greenbelt provide opportunities for recreation River Greenbelt and parks. route as well as opportunities to capture some of and commuting as well as reflection, observation Opportunities: the car traffic for retail and restaurant-entertain- and learning about the city’s greatest natural and - Maintain, improve variety of residential options. ment businesses, particularly at the outer car-ori- public resource. - Develop dramatic public open space. ented edges. Current plans call for maintaining - Improve community center and other public and augmenting the residential character of the

22 spaces. Erma Hayman, this is one of the few owner-occu- - Add neighborhood retail uses; coffee houses. pied houses in the area. - Develop destination retail/restaurants near the Opportunities: Case Study: river. - Future use of house could help celebrate area’s - Celebrate the old Pioneer Street juke joints and black heritage. Funding Methods other black history through festivals, facilities and - Consider relocation of house in connection with partnerships with the Idaho Black History Mu- redeveloped Pioneer Street. Private and Public seum and longtime residents in the community. - Celebrate earlier pioneer and Basque roots. CitySide Lofts (RMOB) - Preserve, relocate historic buildings as appropri- Art and culture invest- Location: Southeast corner of 13th and Myrtle ate. ments are funded in streets; primary gateway location to downtown. - Demonstrate innovative storm water manage- three ways. Private History: CitySide Lofts LLC is the developer for ment; celebrate Boise’s geothermal system. entities can directly residential condominiums for “the middle market.” First phase completed in spring ’07. commission artwork Erma Hayman’s House – Ash Street Opportunities: for their properties. An example is Jefferson (RMOB) - Integration of public art into building lobby, exterior or plaza at building entrance. Mack’s pounded-steel Location: Ash Street at River Street. - Celebrate gateway location into downtown on door handles and wall Existing Features: Owned by longtime resident Myrtle Street. □ sculptures that the Christensen Corporation commissioned for its Banner Bank Building. Private and public entities can join together to fund art in partnership. One example is Kerry Moosman’s ceramic tile mural on the Idanha Building, funded jointly by Parklane, Inc. and CCDC. Public entities can fund artworks on their own. The City of Boise funds art works directly and through its Percent-for-Art ordinance. An example is “Greetings from Boise,” a relief sculpture on the side of City Hall, designed by Mark Baltes as part of the building expansion. CCDC also supports the arts directly and through its policy that the budget for major capital projects include one percent for performing or visual arts. An example is “Homage to the Pedestrian,” an interactive sculpture designed by Patrick Zentz and part of the City Centre Garage project. Other public entities support the arts downtown, including Ada County and state agencies.

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 23 History: Partially overlays former Borah Street. 6. WEST CONNECTOR Railroad Parcels/Discovery District Existing Features: The point at which the I-184 (RMOB) Connector “lands” in downtown Boise; offers Bordered by the the Front/Myrtle Connector from 15th Location: Three large pacels between Myrtle and impressive first view of downtown skyline. to 9th streets. The area was defined by railroad Front, from 15th to 9th streets. Opportunities: activity in the late 1800s and currently by auto- History: Former site of Union Pacific railyards, - Enhance welcome point to downtown, views. mobile traffic: over 30,000 cars enter and leave currently owned by the heirs of J.R. Simplot and - Artwork celebrating gateway. downtown on the Front and Myrtle couplet each Greater Boise Auditorium District. - informational/cultural “wayfinding” kiosk. day. The area’s empty superblocks and its gateway Existing Features: Mostly empty or surface park- - “Share the road” bicycle-awareness signage. nature offer tremendous opportunity for cultural ing; redevelopment proposals have included con- investment and in fact several redevelopment vention center expansion, Discovery Center/mu- Metro Car Wash (RMOB) plans are currently under discussion. These in- seum construction, hotel and office development. Location: 1300 Front Street, NW corner 13th and clude a new convention center and hotel, a science Opportunities: Main streets. and agriculture museum and expanded office and - arts and culture center, including midsized History: Opened in 2000, Metro Express was retail development. These large civic projects will theater. designed by Cole + Poe Architects. serve as attractions both for residents and new - celebrate agriculture and the local food econo- Existing Features: Two LED reader-boards on the visitors from out of town. The River Street-Myrtle my with an urban farm or museum. top of the buildings feature ads for the business Street master plan envisions the re-establishment - artwork about historical uses such as the rail- but also community service announcements and of Broad Street between 11th and 9th streets, and road (Capital Station) and streetcars. graphics. the continuation of the Pioneer Corridor from - geothermal water educational/interpretive/artis- Opportunities: The business owner is interested the River Street neighborhood along the Broad tic feature. in working with the film and animation commu- Street alignment to the 8th Street Cultural District. - Accommodate Pioneer Corridor route from 11th nity to show short pieces on the LED screen. The This new combined walkway and street, which is and Myrtle into downtown. landscaped grounds is an ideal location for public expected to be rich with artwork and the celebra- sculpture, on a highly visible corner that receives tion of Boise’s railroad history, will complete the some pedestrian traffic due to the nearby skate connection from the river to downtown, and Myrtle Street Gateway (RMOB) Location: Myrtle Street at 13th and possibly 11th park. provide a cultural journey for bicyclists and □ streets. pedestrians. This section of the West Connector area also is frequently suggested as a location for a major new community arts and cultural center. These developments have the potential to turn this area into Boise’s most important cultural tourism center. Large cultural and tourism-related uses provide excellent opportunities for public art. The size of these developments and the gateway streets around them suggest artworks of a larger scale than normally seen elsewhere downtown, yet within the blocks—especially along the Pio- neer Walkway/Broad Street—public art on a more intimate scale could occur.

24 Corporation is redeveloping this area as the “Lin- 7. WESTSIDE en District,” orienting it to “creative professionals 14th Street Plaza (WS) who are looking for both an urban workplace and Location: Fourteenth Street between Idaho and Generally bordered by Front, 18th and 16th, Washing- lifestyle.” ton and State, and 9th streets. The master plan for Main streets. Westside envisions the development of two dis- History: The 14th Street plaza is described in tinct areas: expansion of the central business dis- Westside Downtown Urban Design Plan of 2001 trict (CBD) westward to 13th Street and creation as “a major new urban open space” including of a lively, in-town urban neighborhood between wide sidewalks, plaza space and retail and restau- 13th and 16th streets, where low-scale, automo- rant uses. bile-oriented businesses predominate now. Much Existing Features: Boise Heating and Air Con- of the east end already resembles the CBD with ditioning Building, currently owned by CCDC; a successful mix of retail, restaurants and offices, pawn shop, office buildings, auto-related busi- and a limited number of residences, which occupy nesses and parking lots. modern and restored historic buildings. Further Opportunities: west, pioneering urban uses like the new Linen - Active open space, a pedestrian-friendly gather- District development have emerged, which has ing place with year-round interest and retail and brought about the conversion of an auto repair entertainment uses. shop and feed store into restaurants, the Visual - Increase residential opportunities in the area. - Public art: sculpture, murals, art integrated into When renovated, the American Linen Building will be Arts Collective and offices of architects, designers the anchor for the Linen District project. and filmmakers. buildings. - “Hyde Park”-like development; restaurants, coffee shops and urban housing. estside is the largest cultural emphasis area, Existing Features: Visual Arts Collective (VaC) - Media arts and production spaces; sound studio. and has the most untapped potential. The gallery/performance space; historic American W - Conversion of industrial buildings to artist live/ area already is home to the city’s largest concen- Linen Building, built as a school in the early 1900s. work spaces. tration of art galleries, picture-framing businesses, Opportunities: - Outdoor performance spaces. a major art-supply store and other arts-related - Public art: sculpture, murals, art integrated into - “Black box” theater space. businesses. This plan anticipates that these uses buildings. will continue to cluster in this area. More resident - Restaurants, coffee shops. artists will be attracted to the area, both in the Linen District (WS) - Large creative industry uses, like film/media new residential developments under way and in Location: Generally bordered by 13th, Front, 16th production, artisan manufacturing. the more modest houses and apartments on the and Main streets. - Artist live/work spaces. western edge. The most exciting cultural oppor- History: Once a shaded neighborhood of expen- - See 14th Street Plaza entry. tunity in Westside will be the 14th Street Plaza, sive Victorian homes along the streetcar route and - Celebrate historic Chinese presence. called for in the Westside urban renewal plan as the open Boise Canal. Later the homes became - ”Daylight” Boise Canal where possible. “a major new urban open space.” In addition to boarding houses when the wealthy moved to - Local food activities: market, mill, shops, sup- the shops and residences nearby, the space will Warm Springs Avenue. Boise Canal now runs un- plies. feature public art and a variety of performing art derground. After the 1960s this was primarily an opportunities. industrial district with a dry cleaner, farm supply, car dealers and tire stores. The Hale Development

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 25 Boise Canal: (RMOB, WS) Existing Features: 110 years. Programs enhance individual health Location: Underground, runs generally SE-NW - Large interior atrium. and well being, strengthen personal and family across downtown. - Generous exterior plaza. relationships and develop leadership skills. History: Beginning in the mid-1800s settlers Opportunities: Existing Features: Gyms and courts, exercise built canals to facilitate irrigation for agricultural - Public art. equipment, pools, recreation and program rooms, production. By the end of 1863 there were three - Performances. child care. cooperative canal companies in the valley with Opportunities: twenty-one miles of canal among them. Boise City YMCA (WS) - Increase arts activities. - Public art. Canal Company was incorporated on May 8, 1869. Location: State Street between 10th and 11th This canal begins on the north side of the Boise streets. River, runs in a northwesterly direction under- History: The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is a Main Street Galleries (C, WS) neath downtown Boise and extends into the North charitable, volunteer-based organization that has Location: A number of galleries have located on or End neighborhood. been serving the Greater Treasure Valley for over near Main Street, generally between 8th and 10th Existing Features: - “Grove Street Illuminated and Boise Canal” the artwork at 9th and Grove celebrates the canal and provides some historical information about the area. - In C.W. Moore Park at 5th and Grove part of the canal is exposed and runs through an old water- wheel. Opportunities: Opportunities remain to further draw awareness to the still operating canal such as opening the canal at various locations, creating water features.

Boise Plaza (Boise Cascade) (WS) Location: One Jefferson Square, between 11th and 12th streets. History: Built as the corporate headquarters for Boise-Cascade Corporation in 1971, the Boise Plaza was planned by Skidmore Owings & Mer- rill, with Morganelli Heremann & Associates as the designers. Five floors of offices float over a street level, glass-enclosed 1000-square-foot plaza. Above the ground floor the atrium continues to the roof, bringing natural light into the building’s interior.

26 streets. space. tion is the developer. Built in 2006 on the site of Existing Features: Lisk Gallery, The Basement Opportunities: the Bannock Garage parking structure. Gallery, Art Source, Brown’s Gallery. - Increase film/media arts and technology indus- Existing Features: Christensen commissioned Jef- Opportunities: try in the area. - Convert older buildings into artist live/work - Possible training, internships. space. - Public art. - Encourage mixed-use redevelopment with galleries, cafes and shops below and residential use Visual Genesis (WS) above. Location: 1412 Street. History: Provides professional visualization Boise Community Radio (WS) services to public and private sector clients. They Location: Office and studio in the Alaska Building work with state-of-the-art software and hardware at 1020 Main Street. in a multidisciplinary environment. History: Founded in 2003 to provide noncom- Existing Features: Developed and maintains the mercial community radio to Boise area, the largest CCDC virtual model. area in the U.S. unserved by a community station. Opportunities: Began webcasting in July 2005; is awaiting FCC - Increase media and technology industry in the Custom steel artwork on the Banner Bank Building. ruling on FM broadcast license. area. Existing Features: Webcast at www.radioboise. - Possible training, internship programs. ferson Mack, a metal sculptor in San Francisco, to org; various volunteer fundraisers with live music - Mural on the side of the building. create forged steel wheat stalks for the entryway. and Web streaming. The building was awarded a LEED-CS Platinum Opportunities: Boise Heating and Air Conditioning rating and includes an innovative stormwater and - Connect/promote local musicians and other graywater recycling system. programming producers. Building (WS) Opportunities: - Program underwriting. Location: Southwest corner 14th and Idaho - Artwork that celebrates green building, geother- - Promotion and/or live airing of cultural events. streets. mal system and water-recycling system. - Training programs. History: Designed by Tourtellotte and Hummel; - Larger, dedicated studio and office space, pos- owned by CCDC for catalyst project adjacent to sible streetfront presence. the 14th Street Plaza. Mill District (RMOB, WS) - Connection with Record Exchange, performance Existing Features: Currently used for storage; Location: West Grove Street area. venues. some space leased to Red Door artists studio. History: Orchards, small-scale agricultural activ- Opportunities: ity, mills, brewery. The Muse Building (WS) - Catalyst project could include live/work space. Existing Features: None of the historical orchards - Public art. or locally owned and operated food markets in Location: 1317 Jefferson Street. - Celebrate history of the district. downtown Boise still exist. The closest related History: Filmmakers Heather Rae and Russell activity is the Capital City Public Market, which Friedenberg purchased the building in 2006. occurs on Saturdays between May and October on Existing Features: Offices of True West Film/Me- Banner Bank Building (WS) 8th Street extending from Bannock to the Grove dia Center, other filmmaking and creative indus- Location: NE corner of 10th and Bannock streets. Plaza. This celebration of agriculture, the arts, and try offices and leasable conference/performance History: Gary Christensen, Christensen Corpora-

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 27 other small businesses making specialty products History: RS Hosac, Inc. is the developer; 26 luxury is a contemporary vestige of this history. condominiums. Opportunities: Existing Features: The building is under construc- Case Study: - Connect to local small-farm community with tion, scheduled for completion in summer 2007. events such as City Harvest: A Celebration of Art Opportunities: Performing Arts in and Food. - Integration of public art into lobby or exterior. □ Public Spaces - Create a working mill with storefront, gift shop, gallery, restaurant. City Harvest Meadow Gold Dairy (WS) Location: 1301 W. Bannock. This daylong cel- History: The original dairy building was built in ebration of local arts 1946. Cottage cheese, sour cream and milk are and food is a part- packaged and distributed from this location. The nership of BCAC dairy added a warehouse and indoor truck docks and the Capital on its property in 2004. City Public Market, Existing Features: No art features. Boise’s downtown Opportunities: Numerous blank walls along the exterior of the dairy are ideal locations for murals Saturday farmers’ or as installation sites for sculptures. Meadow market. The event Gold is upgrading the streetscape on Idaho Street grew from the City in 2007 and is interested in pursuing public art for Arts Celebration, formerly a showcase of Boise’s the building on Idaho or 14th streets after this is top performing arts organizations, to become a completed. harvest of the full range of local culture: music, arts, crafts and food. The event takes place in the Gem/Noble Lofts (WS) Grove Plaza and the Basque Block on the first Saturday in September and draws over 10,000 Location: Corner of Main and 10th streets. people. History: Renovation of historic two-story building with retail shops on ground floor and condomini- City Harvest features a performing arts stage um lofts above. Gary Christensen is the developer. in each location, with a wide variety of local Existing Features: In construction. performers and groups. The Public Market is ex- Opportunities: Integration of public art into lobby panded on that day as well. Also included are Arts or exterior. for Kids activities and roving street performers. Funding comes from CCDC, BCAC, Friends of Royal Plaza (WS) the Market and the Boise City Mayor’s Office. In- kind support is provided by the Downtown Boise Location: 1107 W. Main St., NW corner of 11th Association and others. All participating artists are and Main streets. paid and the event is free to the public.

28 where, these funds can be used to make arts and requires only a simple majority to pass. Investment Tools cultural investments in each district that are not directly tied to development projects. One main Hotel/motel tax. One third of the states use this dentifying opportunities for improving the source of capital is from smaller development tax for the arts. In Boise this tax (5% of hotel room art and cultural landscape in downtown Boise projects where the percent-for-art portion is too charges) is collected by the Greater Boise Audi- Iwould be a fruitless exercise if no mechanisms minor to fund an art project on its own. Pooling torium District, and currently is directed to fund were in place to act upon them. Over the last 35 these smaller sums in an interest-bearing trust of- visitor outreach and the convention center expan- years, CCDC and Boise City have made significant fers a quick and effective way for developers and sion project. investments in the cultural life of the community CCDC to make meaningful cultural investment through creating a substantial public art collec- contributions. The cultural trust funds also could Meals, taxi tax. A tax on meals and drinks in tion, sponsoring performing arts events and arts grow through direct gifts or charitable contribu- restaurants and bars, or on cab fares, often in programs, funding cultural facilities and contrib- tions. BCAC is exploring creating its own cultural designated “cultural zones.” uting matching money to developers to incorpo- trust fund that would grow in a similar way. rate public art in private development projects. Disbursements of interest from the funds could Ticket tax. This tax is paid only by arts and cul- Boise City created a powerful tool for funding directly fund art works or endow public and per- ture consumers themselves. One scenario is that artworks with an ordinance enacted in 2001 which forming arts programs. high-grossing popular entertainment subsidizes sets aside one percent of the budget for city-fund- nonprofit and educational cultural programming. ed capital improvement projects for art, and adds Cultural Impact Fees Another possibility is a fee on sports event tickets. an extra .4% for ongoing maintenance. CCDC’s Also used in Los Angeles and elsehwere, cul- cultural investments policy of 2002 also sets aside tural impact fees are assessed on all downtown State or county tax. An example is the ZAP—Zoo, one percent of the budget of its major capital proj- development projects. In lieu of the impact fee, Arts and Parks tax used in Salt Lake County in ects for art when feasible. The policy also encour- developers can elect to invest directly in onsite Utah. ages the inclusion of public art or contributions to cultural infrastructure or in the district cultural a cultural trust fund by developers undertaking trust fund. Depending on certain time constraints Tax credits. A number of models exist, includ- private development projects. or other considerations, the impact fee may be ing Oregon’s Cultural Trust Fund, which offers a more advantageous. 100% state tax credit on donations to it. otable successes aside, tying percent-for-art Ninvestments to large public capital projects is Tax Options 501(c)(3) Corporation an inefficient way to fund public art and generally Various tax options have been employed else- A nonprofit corporation working in tandem with is not workable at all for funding the performing where to fund arts and cultural investments. Most CCDC and the city can accomplish a number of arts. In addition to the percent-for-art funding options would require legislative approval. valuable services, in arts and culture and other mechanisms, the following is a sample list of op- fields. tions the Boise community may want to consider. Local Option Tax. In use in Denver, Boulder, Salt Lake City and elsewhere, local jurisdictions can Charitable Gift Exemption Cultural Trust Funds assess a sales tax—often a tenth of one cent—to The city or the nonprofit corporation mentioned CCDC’s Cultural Investments Policy calls for the fund arts and culture programs. above can explore granting charitable gift tax creation of cultural trust funds for the urban exemptions for certain gifts, such as public art, renewal districts. In use in Los Angeles and else- Levy. This financing mechanism was used to fund performing arts endowments, gifts to cultural Boise’ Foothills Preservation Initiative. Similar to trust funds, historic preservation or architectural See Policy excerpts, p.44. a local option tax, it has a finite time period and excellence. □

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 29 construction of Arrowrock Dam in 1915. original site. Historical Opportunities Opportunities: Celebrate local food production, possibly in connection with the Pioneer Corridor 14th Street Trolley Barn (WS) Downtown Boise was the location of a number of project. Location: Near 14th and Idaho streets. features, buildings or activities of former cultural History: Boise once had four different private significance that are no longer in existence. These streetcar companies; the Boise Rapid Transit Com- listings all suggest opportunities for revitalization Riverside Park [Historic] (RMOB) Location: Formerly between 10th and 11th streets, pany operated a line from downtown to the Warm or memorializing in addition to the specific op- south of Miller Street. (Boise currently has another Springs Natatorium with a power house at 14th portunities noted. Riverside Park on the Greenbelt at 17th Street.) and Idaho streets. History: Boise’s first park, the original River- Opportunities: Celebrate Boise’s early public Ninth Street Ferry (RMOB) side Park dates from the early 1900s. The pri- transit history, possibly in connection with a new Location: Approximately at the 9th Street bridge. vately owned park included a baseball field with streetcar line and multimodal transit station. History: Historical public crossing point on Boise covered seating for 1,000 spectators, a covered River. outdoor theater with 700 seats and a skating and Capital Station 1895 Depot (RMOB) Opportunities: Celebration of the history of dance pavilion with dining on the second floor. It Location: 10th and Front streets. Boise’s relationship with the Boise River. was a major entertainment center until its close in History: Passenger and freight service operated 1912, offering opera, musicales, vaudeville, danc- here, with up to five trains daily, until construc- ing and popular baseball games. Overland Hotel/Eastman Building (C) tion of the Boise Depot on the bench in 1925. Existing Features: Currently a warehouse district. Location: NW corner 8th & Main streets. Opportunities: Celebrate early transportation his- Opportunities: History: Prime real-estate corner; has had two tory of Boise, possibly in connection with a new - Reinstate similar outdoor recreation and social significant buildings on the site. streetcar line and multimodal transit station. □ Opportunities: Celebrate site’s history and other gathering place nearby. early important buildings on 8th Street. -Add historical displays. -Develop film/media production and other arts- industrial facilities. Spanish Village – 115 Main Street (RMOB) Beth Israel Temple site (WS) Location: South of Main Street between 1st and Location: 1102 State Street at 11th Street. 2nd streets. History: Temple Beth-Israel was built in 1895 and History: Center of a company of Mexican mule was the oldest synagogue west of the Mississippi packers serving mines and communities through- River still used by its original congregation. The out the region. Site included stables, sheds and up design by Chesney & Schroeder was modeled to 21 small casitas. after a synagogue in St. Louis. It was moved intact to Latah Street in 2004 as part of a synagogue Pioneer Orchards (RMOB) expansion. Location: In the floodplains on the Boise River’s Existing Features: Original site is currently a parking lot. north side, west of 9th Street, south of River Street. All food was once locally produced, and Boise’s Satur- History: Farms and orchards characterized this Opportunities: day farmers’ market is reviving the practice. part of town, subject to seasonal flooding until the - Signage or memorial celebrating the temple’s

30 Architectural landmarks Union Block (C) Opportunities: Location: Idaho and 8th streets. - Historic displays. Downtown Boise includes an impressive collec- History: In 1900/01 J.E. Tourtellotte designed - Architectural tours. tion of architectural landmarks, all of which con- and built the Union Block as a single structure. tribute to the cultural fabric of the city. This inven- This 125 x 122-foot two-story heavily rusticated tory lists a few of downtown’s buildings that have stone-faced building originally housed five shops a historical or cultural significance in addition to at street level, with the second floor divided into their architectural importance. Each could provide lodging rooms and a large dance hall popular in opportunities for celebrating Boise’s cultural his- the 1920s. Ken Howell renovated the building tory in addition to specific opportunities noted. in the mid-1990s, making the dance hall into the Rose Room. Restaurants occupy the first floor spaces. Hoff Building (former Hotel Boise) Existing Features: Rose Room performance space (WS) on second floor. Location: 802 West Bannock Street. History: This eleven-story Art Deco building, Turnverein Hall (RMOB) designed by Tourtellotte & Hummel in 1930, was Location: 100 S. 6th Street at Main Street. first a hotel with 400 rooms. It was converted into History: The Boise Turn-Verein and Harmonia an office building in the late 1970s. Society, founded in 1870, built their hall in 1906-08 Old and new buildings in downtown Boise. Existing Features: to provide space for “manly exercise” and the - The Crystal Ballroom space. singing of traditional German songs. Since the - Elegant elevator and lobby area. end of World War I it has been used as a theater, Idanha Building (former Idanha Opportunities: boxing arena, Seventh-Day Adventist School, Civil Hotel) (WS) - More performing arts uses in the ballroom. Defense Center, print shop, restaurant, bar, and Location: Main and 10th streets. dance hall. History: Built as a hotel in the French Renaissance Existing Features: Currently occupied by China Revival style (also known as the Chateau style) Boise City National Bank (C) Blue and other night clubs. Location: 8th and Idaho Streets. in 1900, the Idanha was transformed by Parklane History: In 1891/92 James King designed the origi- Associates, Inc. into apartments in 2000. It was nal three-story Romanesque Revival stone-faced Alexander Building (C) originally designed by Walter S. Campbell. building. In the following decade Tourtellotte Location: Main and 9th streets. Existing Features: & Hummel designed the fourth floor addition History: Built by former governor Moses Alex- - Canopies over the entrances on 10th and and the extension westward on Idaho Street. The ander as an office and retail building in 1924 and Main streets are public art projects designed by remodeling of 1913 moved the entrance, originally renovated in the 1980s. Designated a national Yankowitz & Holden in 1999. on the corner, to 8th Street. historic landmark on the National Register of - Kerry Moosman’s public artwork on the alley Existing Features: Historical display in the lobby Historic Places in 1980, the Alexander Building side wall is called “Spirit of the Healing Waters.” off Idaho Street. CCDC’s offices are on the fourth remains the only downtown structure still faced floor. in white terra cotta. Existing Features: Historic exterior details.

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 31 Empire Building (Idaho First Nation- Star Boarding House (RMOB) block, surrounded by lawn and mature trees. Opportunities: al Bank Building) (WS) Location: 512 West Idaho Street. History: Built in 1895 this is one of the few re- - Integration of public art into exterior. Location: 205 North 10th Street. maining examples of Boise’s 19th century veran- - Historical interpretation and signage. History: Designed by Nesbit & Paradise as the dah-fronted frame boarding houses. Behind the - Programmed activities in park. five-story Empire Building in 1909-1912. Tour- front two-story section are two others of diminish- tellotte & Hummel designed the addition and ing height. The building was the last of the board- renovations in 1927 for the First National Bank Scandia Down (former residence, ing houses for Basque sheepherders in Boise; the headquarters. Tomlinson and Associates restored backyard had been converted into a pelota court, a gallery) (RMOB) it in 2004 and it now houses retail and restaurants Location: 111 South 6th Street. traditional Basque game. In 1974 Thurber-Marler on the main floor and offices on the upper floors. History: Built in 1905 and similar to residences of Boise remodeled the building into office spaces. designed by J.E. Tourtellotte, however no other Chinese Odd Fellows Building historical information available. Existing Features: Currently houses an interior (RMOB) furnishings business. Location: 610 Main Street. History: Designed by Tourtellotte and Hummel in 1911, this building and its neighbors on Front Pioneer Building (RMOB) Street and around the corner on 6th Street are Location: Main and 6th streets. remnants of Boise’s “Second Chinatown.” History: In the mid 1970s Joan Carley saved this Existing Features: The Odd Fellows building 1910 building and converted it from a store selling currently is a linen company; neighboring uses tents and other equipment for outdoorsmen into a include a print shop and tattoo parlor. collection of shops and offices. Existing Features: Wall painting depicts historic scene, serves as business directory. Distinctive R.Z. Johnson Building (RMOB) The Boise Assay Office, founded in 1869, now houses horse statue on roof. Location: 517 West Idaho Street. the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. History: This was to be a series of five townhouses started in 1892. The panic of 1893 curtailed the Assay Office (RMOB) Zurcher Building/open space (WS) project after two were completed. Designed in the Location: 210 Main Street. Location: 102 S. 17th Street; triangle between Rhenish Romanesque style, this building is the History: Boise’s founders saw an opportunity to Main, Fairview and 17th streets. only work still extant in Boise of the Helena archi- establish Boise as the center for gold trade in the History: Built by Tourtellotte and Hummel in the tect John C. Paulsen (who also designed the for- area. Congress appropriated $75,000 in 1869 to late Victorian Classical Revival style. It was listed mer Natatorium at the east end of Warm Springs build an assay office in Boise. It was completed in the National Historic Registry in 1982. Avenue). The townhouses were private residences in 1871. The Assay Office closed in 1933 and Existing Features: Currenlty houses several of- until the 1940s. Trout Architects restored the transferred to the Department of Agriculture. The fices. building in 2003, converting it to retail space. building then became the headquarters for the Opportunities: Existing Features: Current use is the Davies Reid Boise National Forest. In 1965 it was named a Na- - Integration of public art into exterior. interior furnishings store. tional Historic Landmark, and in 1972 ownership - Open space triangle across 17th Street could be was transferred to the Idaho State Historic Society. improved; placement of public art. □ Existing Features: Building in center of full city

32 the Boise Basin. By 1877, along Idaho Street at 8th Street, about 100 3b. Sidebar: Chinese worked for a dollar a day in a two-block district of narrow lots with tiny storefronts. “They are quite [sic] and industrious and generally engaged in household services or in the laundry business,” said HISTORICAL ETHNIC INFLUENCES Boise clergyman William Bollard. After 1901, when a city ordinance condemned Chinatown, calling it “a disgrace” and citing fire hazards, IN BOISE Chinese merchants leased brick buildings near Fong Lee’s mercantile shop at 614 Front Street. Today only three Chinese buildings remain, pportunity: Boise, like most other American cities, is an amal- located in the 600 block of Front Street. In 1972 the Idaho State His- gam of all of the different ethnic groups who have chosen and torical Society acted quickly to save tea boxes, medicine bottles and Ocontinue to choose to settle here. Whenever possible this plan jars of medicinal herbs from Chinese buildings that had been marked recommends seeking opportunities to acknowledge Boise’s ethnic his- for demolition to make way for a never-constructed shopping mall. tory and influences from the past, such as the ones listed below, and to integrate new influences from contemporary immigrants from places German such as Bosnia, Sudan, Somalia or Vietnam. Most brewers in Idaho were German since Christie Weisgerber founded a Lewiston brewery in 1862. Legend has it that German-born John Lemp, formerly a miner in Idaho and Colorado, traded a teacup African American of gold dust for Boise’s Felix-Collins Brewery in 1865. Lemp, an im- African Americans were among the earliest settlers in the Boise Valley. migrant from Neiderweisel, Germany, invested in water, trolleys, farm- Of the 60 people listed as “colored” in the 1870 territorial census, 20 ing, breweries, and commercial real estate on the Lemp Block along lived in Boise. Early Boiseans included “Aunt Vina” Moulton, a former Main between 8th and 9th streets. Lemp’s competition included the slave, who reached Boise on foot at age 29 in 1867 via the Oregon German-American Idaho Brewing and Malting Company at 6th and Trail. African American entrepreneur John West reached Boise by car- Main streets, founded in 1901. The Turnverein Building (pronounced riage but abandoned the city in 1860 when his children were barred toorn-fair-ine) on the southeast corner of Sixth and Main Streets is from the public school. Many African Americans lived in the River a rare reminder of 711 German-Americans listed under Boise in the Street neighborhood. 1910 census. Built in 1906, the brick and sandstone building was intended to house a German health and athletic club. In 1915, during Basque an international wave of anti-German protest, the Boise Turnvereins In 1911, in a district of markets and pool halls, single male Basques on dissolved the club. furlough from the Idaho sheep camps found handball, home cooking, accordion music and a Basque-speaking priest from Spain. The 1911 Greek city directory listed six Basque-languages boarding houses west of 3rd Twenty percent of Greece’s population had sailed to the United States between Front and Idaho streets. The Star Boarding House, opened before Congress, in 1922, put a stop to the immigration. Almost 2,000 about 1903, had a canopied handball court. Greeks had found dollar-a-day railroad and construction work in Idaho by 1910. In 1914, near the rail yards of Pocatello, Greeks built Chinese a Byzantine Revival church. Greeks in Boise, meanwhile, mostly wor- In September 1865, having crossed the desert on foot from Nevada, shipped in borrowed spaces until the building of Sts. Constantine and the first Chinese passed through Boise on their way to the mines in Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 26th and Bannock in 1950.

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 33 Irish By 1900 there were more Irish in the United States than in Ireland. mules hauled freight to Idaho City, Silver City, Rocky Bar, and parts of John A. O’Farrell of County Tyrone, Ireland, tried mining in the Sier- eastern Washington and western Montana. Urquides once astonished ra Nevadas before moving to Boise City in 1863. A blacksmith and the residents of Idaho City by freighting nine tons of steel cable with speculator, he became a vocal promoter of Boise’s New York Canal. only 30 mules. Spanish Village at 115 Main Street began as a Mexican O’Farrell’s log cabin below Fort Boise hosted the city’s first Catholic neighborhood as early as the 1870s. By 1880, Urquides had added a service. Irish American Timothy Regan and his wife Rose Blackinger one room house for his wife. By 1912 about 21 casitas were home to Regan moved from Silver City to Boise in 1889. Already a wealthy man packers as well as other tenants. Many of the cabins stood near the from hotel and mining ventures, Regan prospered as president of the corner of Main and Broadway until 1972 when they were razed for Artesian Hot and Cold Water Company and was one of the charter parking lots. directors of the Boise National Bank. Shoshone-Bannock Jewish Shoshone, Bannocks and Paiutes had wintered in the Boise Valley for European Jews, mostly German, drawn by the gold rush had pros- hundreds of years before fencing and farming cut off the ancient mi- pered in Boise for five decades before Moses Alexander, a member of grations and a Snake River dam at Swan Falls ended the salmon runs. their congregation, became the nation’s first elected Jewish governor Sho-Bans still defend many treaty claims to the Boise Valley. In 1993 in 1915. Nathan Falk of Bavaria had followed his brother David to the Boise City Council provided $500,000 to help settle a legal dis- Idaho City and Boise in 1865. Three years later the brothers opened a pute over Indian claims to a foothills subdivision near Castle Rock. mercantile company on the northeast corner of 8th and Main streets. Historians and tribal spokesmen maintained that the site near Haines Synagogue president David Falk at 55 was already “the grand old man Street had been a Sho-Ban burial ground. of Boise” when he, his brother Nathan, businessman Moses Alexander and about 100 others organized the Reform Congregation Beth Israel. Recent Immigrants Relocated in 2004 from State Street to the Bench, the 1895 temple re- In recent years Boise has served as a transitional or permanent home mains one of the oldest synagogues still in use west of the Mississippi. for several international refugee groups. The Agency for New Ameri- In 1925 former governor Alexander had the family name etched into cans in Boise provides for placement of around 200 refugees annually a new building at the northwest corner of 9th and Main. Designated a as part of the State Department’s U.S. Refugee Program. Over the national historic landmark in 1980, the Alexander Building remains the years refugees have come from Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and only downtown structure still faced in white terra cotta. the Middle East. While most of these populations have generally set- tled outside of downtown, there are many opportunities to celebrate Mexican these international cultural influences within downtown. Muleteers from Mexico and California were among the first in Boi- se to haul hardware and heavy equipment to the Idaho gold camps. References: Historically the Idaho census underrepresented Mexicans. Although Office of the City Historian: http://www.boisehistory.com Hispanic names appear throughout the manuscript census, the offi- Neil, Meredith, (1976). Saints and Oddfellows: A Bicentennial Sampler of cial tally for 1910 listed only eight Boiseans as Mexican-born. Jesus Idaho Architecture, Published by the Boise Gallery of Art Association, Urquides of Sonora, Mexico, moved to California and then on to the Inc., in cooperation with the Idaho Commission on the Arts and Hu- Pacific Northwest, arriving in Boise in the 1860s. His stock of 30 to 75 manities and the Idaho Bicentennial Commission. □

34 4. Appendix

A. CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVENTORY, Primary Sites

days beginning in April each year. There are live wilderness landscapes. Painter Jerri Lisk’s strong CENTRAL performers in three locations at the market each tree shapes and intensely colored hills and land- week. Eighth Street is also available for cultural forms also grace this spacious and lively gallery CULTURAL FACILITIES and other public events. space.

Boise Centre on the Grove Egyptian Theatre Perpetual Metals 850 Front Street 700 Main Street 574 W. Main Street 336-8900 345-0454 343-4055 This facility is a convention center with a variety On the historic registry, this theater was restored This gallery features wholesale and retail jewelry. of room sizes and capacities. In addition to con- in 1979 and again in the early ‘90s. It has 756 seats They also offer engraving, appraisals and repair. ventions, the center is used for a wide range local total with a balcony of 375 seats. It is a rentable charity fundraisers including Fundsy, Festival of performance facility with a small stage, pipe Precious Metal Arts Trees and others. It also serves as the main exhibi- organ and small orchestra pit. It is used for speak- 280 N. 8th Street, Suite 50 tion space of the Boise Visual Chronicle. ers, live performance and movies. 363-9293 This gallery specializes in custom designed jewel- City Hall Grove Plaza ry and fine diamonds and gemstones. All jewelry 150 N. Capitol Boulevard Eighth and Grove is made on the premises. They also showcase fine 433-5670 336-8900 art photography, sculpture and oil paintings. Many pieces from the Boise Visual Chronicle Owned by CCDC, this rentable outdoor location are on display in City Hall. There are sometimes is Boise’s public plaza. It hosts performing artists Qwest Arena art displays in the atrium between the first and on Saturdays all summer long as well as a number 233 S. Capitol Boulevard second buildings. Performing arts also take place of festivals and other events including Alive after 424-2200 in front of the building occasionally. Five, a Wednesday evening summer music series. Qwest Arena fronts on the Grove Plaza. It is a large arena—6300 capacity—that can be made Eighth Street between Bannock & Main Lisk Gallery smaller depending upon event. It is used primar- 384-4264 850 W. Main Street ily for sports, but also for the Gene Harris Jazz This street, owned by CCDC, is the site for Boise’s 342-3773 Festival and national touring concerts. Capital City Public Market. This outdoor farmer’s Retail gallery featuring nationally known Idaho and artisan’s market runs for 29 consecutive Satur- photographer Mark Lisk’s sweeping desert and

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 35 ing the Chinese presence at these locations in Rose Room City Hall and Boise Airport Boise. Read text on the poles. 714 W. Idaho Street This collection of over 50 visual and literary works 381-0483 offers various artists’ contemporary perspectives Homage to the Pedestrian, 2002 The Rose Room is a ballroom with a capacity of of Boise. by Patrick Zentz 350 located upstairs in the Union Block building. The Grove Plaza, near 9th St. It is a rentable facility that has a small stage and Community Youth Connection Wall of Fame, Pedestrian motion triggers musical sounds with comes with tables, chairs and kitchen facilities. 1997 this innovative, interactive sculpture. Catering and bar service are available. It is used by Michael Corney & local youth for a variety of events including the Fettuccini City Hall Entry at 150 Capitol Blvd. Keepsies, 1985 Forum lecture series. This ceramic tile mural is a collection of young by Ann LaRose people’s visions of the City of Trees. The Grove Plaza PUBLIC ART Children are invited to interact with this sculpture Egyptian Windows, 2001 of three kids playing marbles. by Classic Design Studio 1867, also known as “The Miner,” 1984 Capitol Blvd. & Main St. by Bernie Jestrabek-Hart Les Bois, 1992 Photographs of the Egyptian Theatre from 1927 The Grove Plaza, behind U.S. Bank by Bruce Poe & Dennis Proksa and 1946 were silkscreened on glass then back Formed from over two miles of barbed wire, this Capitol Terrace Parking Garage, Idaho St. exit painted, gold leafed and lit with fiber optics. piece was commissioned to honor the year the The 24 white steel plates are each cut with a bank was chartered to safeguard miners’ gold. random pattern of images of leaves angled against Flow, 1998 a black wall. Walk past and watch the leaves be- by Dwaine Carver & Chris Binion Alley History, 1992 come whole, then dissolve again. Interior lobby of Boise Centre on the Grove by Kerry Moosman Look up in the central lobby to find “Flow.” Ninth Street Alley, between Bannock & Idaho Penny Postcard: A Hometown Greeting, 2004 Wood, silver leaf, steel and glass reference a grove streets. by Mark Baltes of trees, a body of water, the built environment This whimsical ceramic wall mural layers history Idaho St. & Capitol Blvd., on the Boise City Hall and the movement of time. and popular imagery, including Chinese callig- bldg. raphy, painted advertisements, graffiti, product View this multipaneled porcelain-enamel-on-steel Great Blues, 1990 logos and memorabilia. mural from the front and side to see a glimpse of by David Berry Boise’s past as represented in historic postcard The Grove Plaza Boise Totems, 1993 images. This stainless steel sculpture representing blue by Rod Kagan herons in an actual stream brings nature to the Corner of 8th St. & Idaho St. River Sculpture, 1999 urban center. This trio of vertical bronze columns marks the by Alison Sky heart of downtown and features figurative imag- Corner of Front St. & Capitol Blvd, Historical Sight: Boise Chinatown, 2001 ery that recalls Pacific Northwest native cultures. on the Grove Hotel by Dwaine Carver The 50-foot-high sculpture made of granite, fused 3 locations: The Grove, Capitol Blvd. near Front Boise Visual Chronicle, 1996-present glass, neon, painted aluminum and fog misters is St., and Capitol Blvd. across from Grove St. Various Idaho Artists a celebration of water and light. Look back in time by peering into the red station- Interior lobby of Boise Centre on the Grove, Boise ary binoculars and see historical photos referenc-

36 Sidney’s Niche, 1992 This memorial includes an amphitheater used for The Cabin (formerly Log Cabin Literary Center) by Rick Thomson performances including human rights events, a 801 S. Capitol Boulevard 8th St. escalator, between Main St. & Idaho St. mural with quotations, an expansive water feature 331-8000 The whimsical, site-specific mural features a rat and the only public display of the United Nations This facility houses the Log Cabin Literary Center. on a treadmill “operating” the escalator’s machin- Bill of Rights in the U.S. It is used for a variety of events and readings. ery. Rentable rooms include the Wilson room and the Basque Block reading room, which is located upstairs. Stearns Motor Car, 2000 Grove St. between 6th and Capitol Blvd. by the Letterheads 343-2671 Cole/Marr Gallery & Photography Workshops Idaho St. between 6th St. and Capitol Blvd. This block was redesigned in 2000 to include pub- 404 S. 8th, Ste. B100 The international sign painters group The Let- lic art and new sidewalks that celebrate Basque 366-7630 terheads created this mural in three days based on culture. It can be closed to traffic and used for Located in the newly renovated BoDo, Cole/Marr an old advertisement on the Adelmann Building. outdoor events and fundraisers which usually has 3 darkrooms, studio shooting areas, student include performing artists. Plaques on historic and instructor galleries, photo library, framing Through the Cottonwoods, One Could See the buildings on the block describe their significance. and matting, digital workstations and conducts Games Being Played, 1978 photo safaris to Alaska and other destinations. by Dana Boussard Basque Center City Hall’s Les Bois Room, 3rd fl. 601 Grove Street Edwards Boise Downtown Stadium Nine This tapestry, rich in symbolic design, colors and 342-9983 760 Broad Street textures, represent the cottonwoods meeting place This large hall is the practice location for Boise’s 338-3821 of the Shoshoni and the continuing struggle and Basque dance groups. It is also rentable for wed- This popular BoDo movie theater features nine rewards of communication. dings, receptions, conferences and concerts. screens and shows first-run films.

Untitled, 1998 Basque Museum & Cultural Center Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy by Guy Dill 611 Grove Street 516 S. 9th Street Wells Fargo Plaza near the Grove Plaza 343-2671 345-9116 This abstract, black-painted steel sculpture, sur- This building houses the interpretive exhibits on This performing arts center houses the Boise Phil- rounded by curved concrete sidewalks, echoes the the Basques and their history in Idaho, a class- harmonic, Ballet Idaho and Opera Idaho. There triangle form of the nearby Wells Fargo building. room area where Basque language classes are are two buildings in the complex. Rentable spaces offered two times per week, a library, offices and include a reception room and two rehearsal/per- a gift shop. formance spaces. The reception room is often used for weddings and intimate concerts. RIVER MYRTLE–OLD BOISE Boise Public Library 715 S. Capitol Boulevard The Flicks CULTURAL FACILITIES 384-4076 646 Fulton Street The library has a variety of events each year 342-4222 Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial including reading times for different age groups. The Flicks has four theaters varying in size from End of 8th Street near the river The building has a 150-seat auditorium and an 18- 75 to 200 seats. They show independent films and 345-0304 seat conference room that are available for rent. host special events. The theater also has a small restaurant and serves wine and beer. The theaters

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 37 and a small upstairs conference room are rentable. 385-0111 Ballet Idaho is company of professional dancers Originally built as a schoolhouse, the newly who perform in Boise and throughout the West. Fulton Street Theater restored historic building is available as a con- The company also has a ballet school with classes 520 S. 9th Street ference, entertainment or performance space. for students ages 3½ to adult. The company is 331-9224 Located in the Linen District. housed at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts This building used to be a seed warehouse and is Academy and their primary performance space is now an intimate 200-seat theater. It is the home The Modern Hotel & Bar the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts. of Boise Contemporary Theater (BCT), Balance 1314 W. Grove Street Dance Company and the Idaho Shakespeare 424-8244 Boise Contemporary Theater business offices. The theater is rentable and there A newly restored hotel with a lounge that can 854 Fulton Street are a number of rentable classrooms and a small complement activities in the Linen Building across 331-9224 kitchen. the street. Boise’s professional contemporary theater company presents a season of plays each year featur- Idaho Urban Research and Design Center Visual Arts Collective (VaC) ing equity and non-equity actors. Their offices and 775 W. Fulton Street 1419 W. Grove Street performance space are located in the Fulton Street 342-6817 424-8297 Theater. A branch of the department of architecture of the This gallery, located in the Linen District, provides University of Idaho, the center holds classes and edgy, progressive artwork, music and design. The Boise Philharmonic hosts lectures, special events and other public industrial warehouse offers an open environment 516 South 9th Street outreach. for installation, painting and sculpture. The space 344-7849 is rentable for performances and is the perform- Boise’s oldest professional performing arts orga- Integrated Design Lab ing home of the Spontaneous Productions theater nization presents a season of classical music each 108 N. 6th Street company. year in the Swayze Auditorium in Nampa and at 724-9456 the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in This lab is a partnership with the Northwest Boise. They also offer a variety of educational op- Energy Efficiency Alliance, University of Idaho, ARTS & CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS portunities for students. Their offices are located in the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy. Idaho Power Company and the Idaho Department of Water Resources Energy Division. They foster Balance Dance Company Drop Dance Collective sustainable design and development in the region. 854 Fulton Street 854 Fulton Street The space is available for related lectures and 331-3184 331-3184 public events. Balance Dance, housed in the Fulton Street This group of local professional dancers and cho- Theater, is a dance program for adolescent girls reographers presents two modern dance perfor- Knock ‘Em Dead Theater that emphasizes a balanced life. Classes are held mances per year. Their performance space is the 333 S. 9th Street weekly. Performances are in the Fulton Street Fulton Street Theater. 385-0021 Theater. Boise’s community dinner theater, Knock ‘Em Idaho Dance Theater Dead is located in the end of a large warehouse. Ballet Idaho 405 South 8th Street 501 South 8th Street 331-9592 The Linen Building 343-0556 1402 W. Grove Street Boise’s professional modern ballet company pres-

38 ents two performances per year. They rehearse at 331-8000 Eighth St., behind Boise Public Library Boise State University and perform in the Special This organization promotes writers and apprecia- An educational park inspired by Anne Frank’s Events Center on the BSU campus. tion of writing. Programs include writing classes, faith in humanity was built to promote respect for summer camps and writers reading their works. human dignity and diversity. Idaho Film Foundation They sponsor a series of readings by famous writ- 646 Fulton Street ers each year which take place at the Egyptian Laiak, 2000 342-4288 Theatre. by Ward Hooper This organization of local and state-wide filmmak- Capitol Blvd. & Grove St. ers promotes filmmaking throughout the state Oinkari Basque Dancers The two steel and stone monuments at the with both professional and amateur filmmakers. 611 Grove Street entrance of the Basque block celebrate Basque They meet at the Flicks Movie Theater. 343-2671 history and culture and honor the memory of Pat This group of Basque dancers performs all over and Eloise Bieter. Idaho Human Rights Education Center the state for different events. There is an adult 801 S. Capitol Boulevard group and a children’s group. They practice and Natural Bridge, 1994 345-0304 are based at the Basque Center. by David Berry The Idaho Human Rights Center offices are In front of the Boise Public Library on Capitol housed in the Cabin Literary Center. The center’s Opera Idaho Blvd. mission is to promote respect for human dignity 501 South 8th Street This rock-like steel sculpture references Native and diversity through education and to foster our 345-3531 American petroglyphs found in remote areas of individual responsibility to work for justice and Boise’s professional opera company presents a Idaho. peace. season of opera each year featuring professional lead voices from the area as well as the nation. Pedals to Pages, Read & Ride, 2003 Idaho Shakespeare Festival They have a large dedicated local chorus. Their by Byron & Lynn Clercx 520 South 9th Street offices and primary performance location is the In the parking lot off Capitol Blvd., in front of the 429-9908 Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy. Boise Public Library Idaho’s professional Shakespeare company has Functional bike racks and benches are public a summer repertory season. They perform in the artworks inspired by old-style lead type used for Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater. They also PUBLIC ART offset printing. tour to schools in the spring and offer acting classes through Idaho Theater for Youth. Rhodes Park Mural, 2003 Basque History Mural, 2000 by Ward Hooper & Boise youth by The Letterheads Knock ‘em Dead Theater Company 15th St. & Grand St. Capitol Blvd. near Grove St. 333 South 9th Street Wheels and superheroes brighten up the freeway The international sign painters group created 335-0021 underpass near the concrete park designated for this mural to honor the connection between the A community theater group that features dinner skateboarders. Basque country and Idaho. theater, Knock ‘em Dead’s productions range from musical theater to avant-garde drama. A Ribbon of Hope, 1998 Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial by Shannon Fausey, Gino Sky & local youth Plaza Llyout by Kurt Karst and RSB Construction The Cabin (formerly Log Cabin Literary Center) Lobby of Boise Public Library Anne Frank statue by Greg Stone 801 S. Capitol Boulevard This mixed media mural was a collaboration

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 39 involving a visual artist, a writer and young Boise Airport. lectable figurines and art related products. They readers. also provide custom framing. Basement Gallery Spring Reveal, 2002 928 W. Main Street Hotel 43 by Brian Goldbloom 333-0309 981 Grove Street Ada County Courthouse Front St. & 3rd St. The Basement Gallery is located in the historic 342-4622 Inspired by the canyons and hot springs of Ada Idanha Building. The gallery presents a varied Restaurant and various rentable conference rooms County, the fountain carved into the front steps collection of fine art originals and specializes in provide a variety of configurations for meetings reflects the geology of the area. archival and museum quality custom framing. and events.

Steunenberg, 1927 Boise Blue Art Supply Owyhee Plaza by Gilbert Riswold 820 West Jefferson Street 1109 Main Street Capitol Blvd. & Jefferson St. 343-2564 343-4611 This statue memorializes Governor Frank Boise Blue carries a full line of art supplies and is A downtown hotel which has a variety of confer- Steunenberg, Idaho’s governor from 1897-1900, run by a knowledgeable staff. ence rooms, a restaurant and a bar where there is who was assassinated in 1905. live music some weekends. This bar is also a loca- Brown’s Gallery tion for the Gene Harris Jazz Festival club night. Winter’s Solemn Trust & Dawn’s Eternal Prom- 1022 W. Main Street ise, 2002 342-6661 R Grey Jewelry Gallery by Christine Raymond Brown’s Gallery offers fine art in a wide range 818 W. Idaho Street Ada County Courthouse, in the interior entrance of styles and media by nationally and regionally 385-9337 lobby, Front St. & 3rd St. known artists. They also offer certified apprais- Features handcrafted jewelry and art glass form The split-format paintings of gold leaf and acrylic als, personal and corporate consultations, custom over 100 artists from all out the United States. paint are abstract representations of Ada County framing, commissions, restoration and resale Custom design and repair also available. skies in winter and spring. services.

The Crystal Ballroom PUBLIC ART 802 West Bannock Street 336-0533 WESTSIDE Grove Street Illuminated & Boise Canal, 2003 Located in the historic Hoff Building, this rent- by Amy Westover able ballroom seats 225 and comes with a full CULTURAL FACILITIES Grove St. & 9th St. range of services available including audio/visual. Historic photographs and text embedded in Also housed here is a nice collection of historic Art Source artwork tell the neighborhood stories of Grove photographs. 1015 W. Main Street Street. Lighted letters in the plaza surface mark 331-3374 the approximate location of the canal beneath. This artist-owned gallery features original paint- Gallery 601 211 N. 10th Street ings, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry and Idanha Canopies, 2003 336-5899 glass by 40 local artists. Exhibits change monthly. by Nina Yankowitz & Barry Holden Gallery 601 specializes in the retail sale of origi- They also have an annex gallery in the Boise 10th St. & Main St. nals, graphics, fine art limited edition prints, col-

40 Contemporary entrances are inspired by historic contributions from Boise Peace Quilt Project. □ awnings and the unique architecture of the Idanha Building.

River of Trees, 1999 by Judith & Daniel Caldwell 9th St. & Idaho St. In the sidewalk around the building look for a “River of Trees,” made of bronze leaves and cast- iron tree grates, inspired by the Boise River and native trees.

Shades of Grey, 2002 by Rick Thomson & local youth Idaho Youth Ranch, W. Main St. & 15th St. Negative and positive futures are reflected in the windows and window shades as if one can choose to open or close the shade.

Spirit of the Healing Waters, 2002 by Kerry Moosman 10th St. alley facing Idaho St., on the Idanha Bldg. Ephemera from the Idanha Hotel’s past such as the original logo, matchbook covers, advertisements and stock certificates are collaged together to create a ceramic tile mural.

Spring Run, 1994, reinstalled 2005 by Marilyn Lysohir Spring Run Plaza, 9th St. between Main & Idaho. Look for six cast-metal bear heads and a cascade of sixty ceramic fish installed on the south and east walls of the Plaza 121 building.

Stained Glass Window, 1999 by Michael Pilla 9th St. & Idaho St. Look for the stained glass, site-integrated artwork DOWN in the entryway at 225 N 9th Street, with creative TOWNA&C

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 41 B. CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVENTORY, Secondary Sites

Compiled in 2007 Opa 345-0452 Venues are listed by district. 213 N 8th St. P&V – Live music & art on the walls 342-6555 P=Performing, Musical or Theatrical Facility P – Restaurant/Bar – Live music Bogie’s V= Visual Arts Facility 1124 Front St Piper Pub 342-9663 150 N. 8th St. Suite 200 P – All ages bar – Live music Central 343-2444 P – Restaurant/Bar - Live music Capitol Boulevard Bar & Grill Balcony 622 W. Idaho St. 150 N. 8th St Satchel’s Grill 331-1131 336-1313 705 W. Bannock P – Restaurant, Bar – Live music P – Bar – Live music 344-3752 P&V – Restaurant – Live music, film – patio in China Blue/ Dirty Little Roddie’s Cazba summer – art on walls 100 S. 6th St. 211 N 8th St. 338-6604 381-0222 Villano’s P – Bar – Live music, dancers P – Restaurant/Bar - Live music – patio in summer 712 West Idaho 331-3066 CW Moore Plaza Penthouse Grape Escape P&V – Specialty market with lunch counter – Live 450 W. Grove St. 800 W. Idaho St. music & art for sale 331-3516 368-0200 P&V – Indoor/Outdoor rental facility with full P – Restaurant/Wine bar – Live music – patio in catering available summer River Myrtle–Old Boise Flying M Coffee House Le Café de Paris 500 W. Idaho St 204 N. Capitol Blvd. Big Easy Concert House/ Bourbon Street 345 4320 336-0889 416 S. 9th St. P&V - Coffee shop – Live music & art gallery P&V – Restaurant/Bakery – Live music – patio in 367-1212 summer – photo gallery on walls P – Bar – Live music – Rentable venue with stage Funny Bone Comedy Club 405 S. 8th St. Suite 110 Lush Bistro at Bodo 331-2663 760 W. Main St. 409 S. 8th St. P – Comedic performers, poetry slams 342-5874P – Live music – patio in summer

42 Guerrilla Gallery in Classic Design Studio 287-9200 344-5383 418 S 6th St. P – Restaurant/Bar - Live music P – Coffee shop – Live music 344-7441 V – Shows periodically Tom Grainey’s/J.T. Toad’s Gamekeeper Lounge and Piano Bar 109 S. 6th St. 1109 Main St. Hannah’s 345-2505 336-3860 621 Main St. P – Bar – Live music P – Restaurant/Bar – Live music 345-7557 P&V – Bar – Live music, host for Celebration of The Venue Milky Way Women in the Arts 523 Broad St. 205 N. 10th St. 919-0011 343-4334 Ha’ Penny P – Live music P – Restaurant/Bar – Live music 855 Broad St. 343-5568 Neurolux P – Restaurant/Bar – Live music 111 N. 11th St. Westside 343-0886 Mack & Charlie’s P&V – Bar – Live music 507 Main Alia’s Café 343-1600 908 W Main St. Piazza Di Vino P – Bar – Live music 338-1219 212 North 9th Street V – Restaurant – Art on Walls 336-9577 Main Street Bistro V – Restaurant/Bar – Art Gallery 607 W. Main St. Bouquet 345-9515 1010 W. Main St. The Record Exchange P – Bar – Live music 345-6605 1105 W. Idaho St. P&V – Bar – Live music 344-8010 Old Boise Guitar Company P – Record Store – Live music 515 Main St. Café Bellisima 344.7600 219 N. 10th St. Terrapin Station P – Instrument sales and lessons – Live music 343-3397 1519 W. Main St. upstairs P – Restaurant – Salsa music and lessons on the 336-3982 weekend P – Bar – Live music □ Pengilly’s 513 W. Main St. Chandlers Steakhouse 345-6344 981 Grove Street P – Bar – Live music 342-4622 P&V – Restaurant, Bar – Live music DOWN Reef & 105 S. 6th St. The Edge TOWNA C 1101 W. Idaho St.

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 43 of life, and cultural amenities are an important c. CCDC Cultural Investment Policy component in this quest. To this end, CCDC sees cultural investments as a means for increasing (Excerpts; original adoption the social and economic prosperity of the Boise Commissioners for the three redevelopment dis- community. The primary purposes of this invest- 6/10/02) tricts managed by CCDC identified benchmarks, ment are to: Cultivate prosperity in Boise through and in the case of the Central District, require- cultural investments that create a sense of place, ments for funding the arts. The urban design add to the City’s long-term livability, vitality and from the Introduction: master plans for the districts include goals, objec- appeal, and create a system of cultural infrastruc- tives and references related to arts and culture ture in each of the City’s urban renewal districts. CDC regards targeted investments in cul- and to creation of a Cultural District in downtown Support downtown Boise as the cultural heart tural resources as valuable tools for urban Boise. The Boise City Comprehensive Plan and of the community, and take an active role in the Crenewal and economic revitalization in the Metro Arts Plan also include objectives related development of the Cultural District within the downtown Boise. For purposes of this policy, to public art and promoting downtown Boise as River Street/Myrtle Street Urban Renewal Area. cultural investments include artworks; cultural the cultural center of the community. Assist in creating permanent facilities for the per- facilities such as exhibition space for visual arts, forming and visual arts in the downtown urban museums, studio and performance spaces; historic This policy is intended to establish a more renewal districts, consistent with this policy and preservation, distinguished architecture, perform- systematic approach to CCDC’s cultural invest- the adopted master plans for these districts. Pro- ing arts such as theater, dance and music, media ments, provide guidance when budget decisions vide funding for cultural events and performances arts; literary readings and lectures; and events regarding these investments are made and assure that act as tools for economic revitalization by celebrating arts, culture, heritage and learning. that these decisions are consistent with CCDC’s making urban renewal districts desirable places to Other significant tools used by CCDC include statutory responsibilities, its mission and adopted locate and grow businesses and for people to live, the construction and reconstruction of public urban renewal and urban design plans. It is also work, visit and learn. infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, water intended to assist when decisions must be made and sewer lines and storm drains, streetscaping, between cultural investments and other types of Provide seed money for pilot projects related creation of urban parks and plazas, construc- investments, all of which contribute to revitaliza- to arts and culture that have the potential for tion of public parking garages and development tion. contributing to economic revitalization, with the partnerships. intention of finding other sources of continuing PURPOSE OF INVESTMENT funding as the project moves beyond the experi- CCDC has invested an increasing amount of its re- mental stage. sources in purchasing public artwork, sponsoring CCDC recognizes that the existence of a vibrant arts programs and developing cultural facilities. cultural life is an important aspect of successful Regularly assess the economic impact of cultural CCDC’s initial investment in artwork was $17,500 communities. Recent studies and socio-economic investments on urban renewal on an ongoing in 1978. In the last 25 years, CCDC has invested research indicate that cultural investments are as basis. over $1.08 million in public art and other cultural important to economic revitalization as are roads investments. The urban renewal plans adopted and utilities. Our changing economy is becom- by the Boise City Council and the CCDC Board of GOAL ing more and more reliant on human talent as its primary resource. People are seeking to live and It is a goal of the CCDC Board of Commissioners Complete text of the CCDC Cultural Investment Policy work in communities that have a high quality to utilize cultural investments as one means of can be found at www.ccdcboise.com or at the CCDC office.

44 economic revitalization in Boise’s urban renewal Typically this element will be contained in the ur- districts. These investments are intended to cre- ban design plan or master plan for each district or 1. Allow money to be pooled from several devel- ate a strong cultural infrastructure in each urban in a separate document that is part of the agency’s opment projects and various funding sources to renewal district, which will: overall plan for downtown redevelopment. The fund larger-scale cultural investments. ▪ celebrate the unique cultural characteristics of staff and/or consultant team preparing the urban each district design plan or master plan shall include a repre- 2. Provide a place to direct funds when a cultural ▪ involve residents and business owners in its sentative from the Boise City Arts Commission investment is either impractical or inappropri- design and development (BCAC) selected by CCDC based on recommenda- ate as part of a particular capital project, but an ▪ utilize and develop the talents of local, re- tions from BCAC. investment is still desirable. gional and national artists ▪ develop and promote Idaho artists 2. CCDC shall involve residents and business peo- 3. Allow more flexibility in the type and timing of ▪ promote economic prosperity ple from the district or districts to be addressed in cultural investments. ▪ create vibrant places for people to live, work the development of the arts and culture element and visit in order to discover and utilize the unique artistic, 4. Provide CCDC and developers with an alterna- ▪ create places of great aesthetic value cultural and historical aspects of the area in devel- tive to incorporating cultural elements in indi- ▪ nurture the creative spirit of the community opment of the plan. vidual projects, when a different approach is more appropriate. 3. The arts and culture element shall include POLICIES guidelines promoting outstanding architecture 5. Provide a source of funding for pilot projects and urban design in the built environment and for and seed money. A. Urban Renewal Plans public improvements. 6. Provide a source of funding for cultural events 1. Each urban renewal plan recommended for 4. The economic feasibility study prepared for that foster economic revitalization. adoption by the CCDC Board of Commissioners a proposed urban renewal district shall include shall include an arts and culture element or an funds for cultural investments. Whenever fea- The method for creating and administering arts and culture element shall be developed for sible, cost estimates should be included for major cultural trust funds shall be defined in operating downtown as a whole with recommendations cultural components. procedures adopted by the CCDC Board. Those for cultural investments in each urban renewal operating procedures will identify the statutory district. This element shall describe: 5. CCDC shall revise existing urban design or requirements CCDC must follow and establish ▪ unique cultural resources present in the ur- master plans for urban renewal districts (Central the accounting standards CCDC will use regard- ban renewal districts District, River Street-Myrtle Street and Westside ing these funds, including the separate nature of ▪ opportunities for the inclusion of artworks Downtown) to add an arts and culture element by funds among the several urban renewal districts. and cultural facilities, and the creation of using the same process as described in Section 1 Projects funded by cultural trust funds will be performance spaces in the urban design of above. measured, first, by how they serve the revitaliza- districts tion mission of CCDC and, second, by how they ▪ how cultural infrastructure could be cre- B. Creation of Cultural Trust Funds meet the purpose of investment defined in this ated or enhanced through public and private policy. investment A cultural trust fund shall be created for each urban renewal district. The cultural trust funds serve the following purposes:

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 45 C. Types of Projects investment, whether it shall be for public artwork, used, then it shall be deposited in the appropriate cultural facilities or deposited in the appropri- cultural trust fund for re-use as contingency on 1. CCDC Projects ate cultural trust fund. The CCDC Board may future projects. exempt a project from the 1% target based on the These policies apply to capital projects undertak- following criteria: f. The design team for each capital project under- en by CCDC, where CCDC determines the budget taken by CCDC shall include an artist or repre- and design, and will finance, construct and own ▪ Importance of the project to achieving sentative from BCAC. BCAC shall assist CCDC the project. An example is the Grove Plaza or City other plan goals, and the inability to fund an in selecting an appropriate professional artist or Centre Parking Garage. investment in cultural infrastructure due to BCAC representative. If a professional artist is budget constraints. selected as a general advisor on the design team, a. It is the policy of the CCDC Board that the ▪ Inclusion of artwork, etc., is inappropriate the artist shall receive compensation for his or her agency’s capital projects will be designed and due to the nature of the capital project. participation, as determined by the CCDC Board built so they work to implement the arts and in the project budget. If a professional artist is culture element of the urban renewal plan for c. The CCDC Board may determine that a phased selected in order to create an artwork in conjunc- the area in which the project will be located. project, where each phase has a hard dollar con- tion with the capital project, the artist shall be Whenever feasible and practical, capital projects struction cost of less than $500,000 but where the compensated as provided in the artist’s contract undertaken by the agency shall contribute to the total cost of the project is $500,000 or more, has a for the artwork. creation of cultural infrastructure for the district. cumulative effect that warrants applying the 1% Project budgets shall include funds for artworks, target. The CCDC Board may also determine that g. If an artwork is integral to the construction of cultural facilities or for deposit in the appropriate funds reserved for cultural investments shall be the capital project, the construction team and the cultural trust fund. accumulated from the project phases and be spent artist shall work in close coordination for that por- in conjunction with a particular phase to achieve a tion of the project. Project designs shall serve as examples of the high greater impact. standard CCDC desires in the built environment h. The target percentage and dollar amounts for both public and private developments. d. When the annual capital budget for an urban stated in this section shall be re-evaluated every renewal district contains a series of capital proj- five years for possible adjustment to take into ac- b. A target shall be established that each CCDC ects each having a hard dollar construction cost of count inflation and changes in costs. capital project with a hard dollar construction cost less than $500,000 but the total capital expenditure of at least $500,000 include an amount equivalent for that year is $500,000 or more, the CCDC Board i. Selection of design team members or consultants to 1% of the hard construction cost, up to a maxi- may determine that an amount equivalent to 1% shall comply with applicable statutory standards mum of $200,000, in cultural investments in the of the annual capital budget for that district up to governing CCDC and any internal procedures project budget, unless otherwise determined by $200,000 be reserved for cultural investments. adopted by CCDC for both CCDC projects and the CCDC Board. The CCDC Board shall evaluate partnership projects described below. each project on a case-by-case basis and determine e. The cultural investment portion of a capital if the 1% target will be applied to the project, if it project budget shall include its own contingency 2. Partnership Projects between CCDC and will be modified or if the project will be exempted of at least 10%, which shall be held in reserve from Private Sector from the target. The CCDC Board shall obtain a the amount advertised as available for the artist recommendation from BCAC on the application commission or for installation and administrative These policies apply to capital projects undertak- of the target to eligible projects. The CCDC Board expenses. If some or all of the contingency is not en by CCDC in partnership with private develop- shall determine the specific amount and type of ers.

46 selected in order to create an artwork in conjunc- CCDC retaining ownership. Provisions regarding a. It is the policy of the CCDC Board that partner- tion with the capital project, the artist shall be ownership shall become effective upon delivery ship projects between CCDC and private develop- compensated as provided in the artist’s contract of the artwork by the artist and certification by ers be designed and built so they work to imple- for the artwork. BCAC and CCDC that it has been completed in ment the arts and culture element of the urban accordance with the terms of the contract. The renewal plan for the area in which the project will 3. Private Development Projects purpose of this policy is to assure that artwork be located. Whenever feasible and practical, part- funded by CCDC is in deed public and that it nership projects shall contribute to the creation of These policies apply to capital projects under- will become a continuing part of the community’s cultural infrastructure for the district. As part of taken by private developers within the boundaries collection of artworks and will generally be avail- the development agreement, CCDC and the devel- of urban renewal districts. able for the public to enjoy. Boise City is the most oper shall identify a specific amount in the project permanent institution available to act as steward budget for investment in artworks, cultural facili- a. CCDC shall advocate investments in artworks, for these artworks. This section would not ap- ties or for deposit in the appropriate cultural trust cultural facilities or the appropriate cultural trust ply to the creation of film, videotape, radio or fund and a procedure for determining the type of fund by developers who are undertaking private television programming, literature, poetry, dance, investment and how the artist will be selected, if development projects in urban renewal districts. music, lyrics or other such artistic endeavors that the investment is for artwork. The goal shall be could be used or performed on multiple occasions for CCDC and the developer to contribute propor- b. To the extent feasible, CCDC shall budget funds unless so determined by the CCDC Board of Com- tionate shares toward this investment in arts and for use as matching money to create an incentive missioners. culture. The amount of the investment shall be for developers to include artworks or cultural determined on a case-by-case basis. facilities as part of private development projects. E. Cultural Events and Performances Project designs shall serve as examples of the high c. CCDC shall notify BCAC of potential project standard CCDC desires in the built environment development projects to give BCAC the opportu- 1. Funding for cultural events or performances for both public and private developments. nity to serve as an advocate with the developer will be considered on the basis of the following for including public artwork, developing cultural criteria: Generally CCDC and its development partners facilities or making a contribution to the appropri- will enter into a development agreement which ate cultural trust fund. a. The event or performance shall be designed to will address these issues; identify funds available promote the economic vitality of the district in and describe long term maintenance, repair and which it is held and of downtown Boise in gen- access issues. D. Ownership of Artworks eral. The sponsors shall show how the event is expected to increase economic activity in down- b. The design team for each capital project under- It is the policy of the CCDC Board of Commission- town, create a draw for visitors and customers, taken by CCDC shall include an artist or repre- ers that when CCDC invests funds in the creation and/or enhance the district’s reputation a place to sentative from BCAC. BCAC shall assist CCDC of an artwork or art piece intended for continuing visit, shop, dine, work, live, etc. in selecting an appropriate professional artist or public display in a more or less permanent loca- BCAC representative. If a professional artist is tion, ownership of that artwork or art piece shall b. The sponsors shall design the event or perfor- selected as a general advisor on the design team, be assigned to Boise City as part of the contract mance to build partnerships among themselves the artist shall receive compensation for his or her signed with the artist and with any other funding and downtown businesses so all are benefited and participation, as determined by the CCDC Board partners, unless the CCDC Board of Commission- economic activity is stimulated. in the project budget. If a professional artist is ers determines that special circumstances warrant

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 47 c. The sponsors shall design the event or perfor- efits to district and downtown economic vitality. mance to build a sense of community or neighbor- BCAC shall assist CCDC in evaluating the results 2. In making decisions to fund specific cultural hood in the district. of funding such events. investments, the CCDC Board shall identify how the investment is intended to contribute to d. Additional consideration shall be given to an 5. All funding shall comply with applicable statu- economic revitalization, and whether program- event or performance that celebrates the district’s tory requirements, urban renewal plan provisions ming or additional actions are needed to realize or community’s cultural heritage that involves and procedures adopted by CCDC. this economic benefit. Upon completion of the community residents in participation or features project or program, CCDC shall evaluate whether local artists. F. Pilot Projects/Seed Money the intended benefit is being realized and if other action is needed. CCDC may request that BCAC e. Additional consideration shall be given to an One of CCDC’s roles is to provide seed money for assist in conducting this evaluation. event that connects with and expands the impact planning and pilot projects that serve as catalysts of an established downtown draw such as the for economic revitalization. Funding for cultural 3. BCAC shall conduct systematic evaluation of Saturday Market or First Thursday, or that has projects intended as catalysts will be considered economic impact of cultural events and perfor- the potential for establishing a regular draw on its on the basis of the following criteria: mances funded by CCDC, and shall provide a re- own. port to the CCDC Board as part of CCDC’s annual ▪ Offer the potential to increase number of budget process or as otherwise determined by the f. Additional criteria may be established by the visitors to downtown, and to connect arts CCDC Board. CCDC Board as part of the operating procedures, and cultural activities to increased business which are appended to this policy. activity. 4. BCAC shall conduct evaluation of continuing ▪ Offer a unique art or cultural experience not programs such as Visual Chronicle, City Arts 2. If funding is provided for a cultural event or now available in downtown that will attract Fund and City Arts Celebration on a periodic performance from tax increment financing, the new patrons. basis to determine if programs are effective in event or performance shall be held at a location ▪ Create new ways of using existing cultural achieving the economic revitalization goals identi- within the boundaries of the district from which resources. fied for the program. BCAC shall provide a report the funding is provided. ▪ Enhance the reputation of downtown as a to the CCDC Board as part of CCDC’s annual place to visit, shop, dine, live, work, etc. budget process or as otherwise determined by the 3. Applications for funding for cultural events CCDC Board. or performances may be submitted either to the G. Evaluating the Impact of Cultural BCAC or directly to CCDC for funding consider- Investments on Economic Revital- H. Role of BCAC in Policy ation as part of the annual CCDC budget process. ization Implementation BCAC shall evaluate and provide a recommendation on funding of cultural events and perfor- 1. BCAC and CCDC shall develop a systematic This policy envisions the continuation of a mances submitted independently to CCDC. process for evaluating the effect of cultural invest- partnership between CCDC and BCAC. The role ments on economic vitality in the urban renewal of BCAC in this partnership would include the 4. Consideration will be given on a limited basis district where investments are made, including following: for funding unbudgeted events or performances artworks, cultural facilities, cultural events and that represent unexpected opportunities subject performances, use of seed money and pilot proj- ▪ Bring an arts perspective to development of to fund availability and CCDC approval. Such ects. plans for urban renewal areas. events or performances shall have direct ben-

48 ▪ Serve as advocates for developing cultural ▪ Addressing developer commitments for cul- infrastructure in districts. tural investments in development agreements ▪ Serve as advocates for investments by private ▪ Assuring access to public artworks in private developers in public art, cultural facilities and development projects cultural trust funds. ▪ Evaluation of results of cultural investments. ▪ Prepare a proposed budget for cultural investments each year for consideration by the □ CCDC Board. ▪ Manage funds allocated to BCAC for implementation of cultural projects, as determined by the CCDC budget. ▪ Maintain an artist registry and provide expertise in locating and selecting artists for project design teams and public art projects. ▪ Prepare calls for artists, assemble selection panels and supervise the selection process for artwork funded partially or wholly by CCDC. ▪ Prepare and administer artists’ contracts. ▪ Assist developers in how to incorporate art and culture into private projects. ▪ Assist CCDC in evaluating the results of its cultural investments on economic revitalization of districts, and provide periodic reports.

Operating Procedures Procedures shall be developed to address the following issues that are listed below, and adopted by the CCDC Board of Commissioners. These procedures shall become an addendum to this policy.

▪ Budget process ▪ Cultural trust funds ▪ Management of funding ▪ Application process for funding ▪ Artist selection process ▪ Artists registry DOWN ▪ Ownership, maintenance and insurance & ▪ Copyright issues TOWNA C

Downtown Arts & Culture Plan 49