Building Excellence Awards

2020 Building Excellence Awards

Each year the city partners with BOMA Idaho to recognize organizations, businesses and individuals that built a new building or completed a building remodel that made Boise safer, more accessible to citizens, featured a unique design, or was environmentally sustainable.

This year, the city is excited to recognize numerous projects that showcase the diverse array of what makes Boise special for everyone.

Red cottage
Mayor's Choice: Hawthorne Street Cottages
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Mayor's Choice:
Hawthorne Street Cottages

2391 S Ormond St

  • 12 single-family one- and two- story detached homes ranging from 678 square feet to 1500 square feet.
  • A “Boise-grown” solution for increasing affordable housing by providing quality, high-density attractive single-family homes in a “Pocket Neighborhood” supported by NeighborWorks™.
  • Through a land trust model and homes sold to qualifying persons earning less than 80% of area median income, these homes remain in the affordable housing pool while providing owner benefits to residents.
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Best Overall Project:
Boise State University Center for Visual Arts

1110 S Capitol Blvd

  • A 98,000 square foot building that is comprised of two interconnected buildings: a five-story curved limestone and glass-clad structure for studios and offices, and a blue stainless-steel shingle clad structure for galleries and classrooms.
  • Includes studios for each artistic medium, multiple classrooms, and a high-tech World Museum that enables students to and visitors to “virtually” visit many world-class museums around the world.
  • The building includes a gallery space conforming to temperature and humidity standards for regional and national traveling art exhibits.
  • The building is registered with the State of Idaho as a Landmark Building.
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Excellence in Fire & Life Safety:
Boise Bomb Shelter

600 W. Curling Drive

  • An underground, steel reinforced concrete shelter with two stories and 14,000 square feet that is open 24/7 to leaseholders.
  • Originally called the Highlands Community Fallout Shelter, the Boise Bomb Shelter was constructed in 1961 and was the first prototype community fallout shelter in the United States.
  • Features a new fire sprinkler system and fire alarm notification system throughout the structure that increases protection and safety to the building users and firefighters.
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Excellence in Design – New Commercial:
Idaho Humane Society

8506 W Overland Rd

  • A new 42,000 square foot, two-story modern facility that includes an Adoption Center/Shelter, Education Center, and Veterinary Medical Center.
  • Features interior surfaces that can withstand chewing, scratching, and more. Materials traditionally placed on building exteriors, such as Hardie-board siding, were used on the interior to provide a durable finish.
  • An excellent example of new commercial architecture that invites community members in to learn about animals, as well as adopt and care for pets.
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Excellence in Design – New Residential:
Ridgeview House

3156 N Lancaster Drive

  • New construction of a single-family home designed to balance inventive design, sustainable construction methods and fire-resistive components with its Wildland Urban Interface location.
  • Features a custom fabrication of rolled corrugated steel and a butterfly roof design.
  • Home design features a modern façade with large windows and other elements that push the boundaries of home design in Boise.
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Excellence in Creative Collaboration:
Ronald McDonald House

139 E Warm Springs Avenue

  • A new 44,000 square foot, 47-unit facility that provides a home and medical support for families with children receiving treatment within local hospitals.
  • The building ignites visiting children’s curiosity and exploration with a “secret” toy room hidden behind a bookcase!
  • The final project was a dynamic collaboration between Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, ACHD, City of Boise, St. Luke’s and the local neighborhood.
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Excellence in Design – Renovation: 
The Commons Climbing Gym

4795 W Emerald Street

  • A 12,000 square foot gym and studio space created by strategic re-use that involved demolition of an entire roof system to connect two buildings together.
  • Features new insulated metal panels and eco-friendly materials throughout the facility.
  • The new space includes a climbing gym, bouldering area, weight room, yoga studio, and newly finished reception area.
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Excellence in Accessibility:
West End Flex House

2115 W Bannock

  • A two-story urban “flex” home with four distinct living spaces within walking distance to downtown.
  • Features include an elevator and ADA compliant bathrooms and doorways.
  • Floorplan design features division of space and floors for multi-generational housing.
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Excellence in Sustainability:
American Foursquare Fixer

1405 N 14th Street

  • A 110-year-old residence featuring a complete restoration that preserves the architectural and historical character of the building.
  • The interior was systematically refreshed using sustainable building products including closed cell spray foam insulation, recycled hardwood, and an Energy Star 97% furnace.
  • Originally built in 1910, the home was eventually converted into a 4-flex in 1940 to house troops from Gowen Field Air Base, and now serves as a unique single-family home.

Honorable Mentions

  • Everett Residence
  • 15th & River Street Lofts
  • The Afton Apartments
  • The Salvation Army
  • Adare Apartments

© 2024 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

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