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Design panel approves new Idaho Wheat Commission building on West State Street
Summary
The Design Review Commission approved a four-story mixed-use building at 821 West State Street to house the Idaho Wheat Commission and leasable retail/office space; commissioners praised the masonry, arched fenestration and pedestrian frontage.
The Boise City Design Review Commission on Feb. 12 approved a four-story mixed-use building at 821 West State Street proposed for the Idaho Wheat Commission, concluding the design meets downtown MX-5 standards and supports an active street frontage.
Planning staff described the project as a roughly 33-foot tall, four-story building with street-level leasable space intended for retail or restaurants, upper-floor office space and a rooftop meeting area and deck. Kathryn Meehan (planning staff) told the commission that the site sits one block northwest of the state capitol in a mixed-use downtown zone and that the application is exempt from off-street parking requirements in MX-5.
Harley Elliott, speaking for the applicant team, described the design intention to draw on historic downtown materials and forms: "The design utilizes elements such as classic masonry, intricate brick detailing, and large arch windows," he said, adding the building aims to connect to Capitol District architecture while appearing contemporary. Elliott and the team said the ground floor is configured to activate the sidewalk with retail and dining entries; mechanical rooftop units will be screened and set back from the roof edge.
Commissioners repeatedly complimented the material choices, arched window rhythm and pedestrian activation. Commissioner comments included praise that the building 'adds to the fabric of the city' and that the design is an improvement over the previous structure on the site.
No neighborhood opposition speakers registered in person, and planning staff recommended approval. A motion to approve the project, with the findings and conditions in the staff report, passed on a roll call vote with Commissioners Temple (Stempel), Marsh, Aguilar, Zuckerman, Erstad, Bull and Johnson voting aye.
The approval covers design-review findings and conditions recorded in the staff report; the applicant will complete building permit reviews and other administrative steps prior to construction.
