Mayor Lauren McLean
The vision of housing for all is not an easy task, but it’s important to get it right if we’re building a Boise for all. Everyone deserves a home. And we’re going to do everything we can to ensure that there’s a place to live for every resident, at every budget.
Today, I am thankful to make a significant announcement that directly addresses one of my top priorities as Mayor. The City of Boise is pleased to announce an Intent to Award J Fisher Companies as the development team for Franklin and Orchard, an affordable housing development in a Community Activity Center. Based on feedback from the review committees, the city will be holding further conversations about the proposal submitted. Upon completion of these, a formal Memorandum of Agreement will be executed between J Fisher and the City of Boise.
This innovative, collaborative solution for Boise creates more housing options for all our residents, at all income levels. The entire community will benefit greatly from this cutting-edge development. The Franklin and Orchard Project provides for urgently needed housing options for our residents, and, with neighborhood association input, the project includes a beautiful city park, is located on city property and the selected developer has extensive experience with affordable housing developments.
The project will feature a mix of housing types for a range of household incomes and is intended to grow with the neighborhood for future use as a Community Activity Center. The housing types proposed include one to three-bedroom multi-family units (ranging from 500-1150 square feet) and townhomes. Designed to integrate into Franklin Park, unique community gathering spaces are woven throughout the development to bring the Central Bench residents together. An anchor building will sit on the corner of Franklin and Orchard to provide retail and multi-family rental units.
In July 2019, the city of Boise purchased the 4.7-acre site adjacent to Franklin Park, at the Southwest corner of Franklin Road and Orchard Street. The community provided feedback about site elements and design and Outreach Summary information was incorporated into the search for proposals. Five development teams responded with proposals for the site and were reviewed in two phases, by 15 committee members representing various city departments and Central Bench Neighborhood Residents. J Fisher Companies, headquartered in Centerville, Utah was chosen as the development team.
“We are ecstatic at the chance to partner with the City of Boise on this project. The Franklin Park site offers a unique opportunity to create an asset that will provide affordable housing, community-based spaces, and enhanced experiences for the future residents, neighbors, and the city as a whole,” said Jake Wood of J Fisher.