BOISE, Idaho — The City of Boise announced Friday the intent to award J. Fisher Companies as the development team for Franklin and Orchard, an affordable housing development in a Community Activity Center. J. Fisher Companies is based in Centerville, Utah.
Mayor Lauren McLean said in a press release "I am thankful to make a significant announcement that directly addresses one of my top priorities as Mayor."
There will be more conversations about the submitted proposals, based on feedback from review committees. Once those are finished, a formal Memorandum of Agreement will be executed between J. Fisher and the City of Boise.
The new housing unit will create more housing options for all residents at all income levels. The Franklin and Orchard Project will provide needed housing options, and with neighborhood association input, a city park. The park will be located on city property and the developer has experience with affordable housing developments.
The project will feature a mix of housing types for a range of 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 to 1150 square feet) and townhomes.
According to the press release, community gathering spaces will be woven throughout the development to bring 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 Summaryinformation 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.
“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.
