Lusk District Redevelopment

The City of Boise has owned and operated affordable rental housing since the 1990s. Until recently,110 of those units were between Capitol Boulevard and Lusk Street, but the city permanently relocated tenants from these units because the buildings were beginning to reach the end of their useful life. The city’s goal is to now redevelop these Lusk District properties to create more affordable housing for Boise residents.

In 2023, JF Development Group LLC (J. Fisher Companies) was selected as the development partner following a formal procurement process. The proposal highlighted innovative design, incorporated environmentally sustainable practices, and most importantly, will provide more affordable homes for our community.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, J. Fisher Companies led a series of meetings and events designed to share project information and identify a shared vision for the neighborhood with the surrounding residents, business owners, and Boise State University. This collaboration also included working alongside a cohort of students from BSU’s Urban Studies program to help local community partners engage in the planning process.

The proposed redevelopment, reimagined with the community’s input, will include more than 325 apartment homes and is designed to integrate with the unique characteristics of the Lusk District, including retail space and improved streetscapes and access to public transportation. A partnership between Capitol City Development Corporation (CCDC) and J. Fisher will also bring a public parking garage to the site.

In February, the City announced a $1 million award from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge to pilot the expansion of the City’s geothermal system to include multifamily affordable housing—the first effort of this kind led by a U.S. city.

In addition to funds awarded from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the project is being funded by a variety of sources, including tax credits and private activity bonds from Idaho Housing and Finance Association, and investments from the City of Boise, CCDC, the development team, and other private sources.

The project intends to break ground in the Fall of 2026, with construction continuing for approximately 36 months. To stay informed on updates to the Lusk Redevelopment project, please sign up for the City of Boise In the Know newsletter. For questions, please email communityengagement@cityofboise.org.