Boise approves 212‑unit affordable housing project at Dorado Station after design revisions requested

The Boise City Design Review Commission on Jan. 8 approved a six‑story, 212‑unit affordable housing project called Dorado Station on city‑owned land near Fairview Avenue, with conditions that the developer return to a public work session to refine the building’s massing, color palette and open‑space layout.

City housing official Maureen Brewer told the commission the city purchased the parcel to help meet affordable housing goals and is partnering with Ada County to provide gap financing. “The city bought this site because it’s both an appropriate and desirable place for thoughtfully designed multifamily,” Brewer said, citing proximity to transit and services and the project’s role in the city’s housing production targets.

The project, proposed by developer Jay Fisher and presented by applicant representative Jake Wood, is a six‑story building in the MX‑3 zone with 212 affordable units, a ground‑level parking podium providing 162 parking spaces (a 40% parking reduction allowed under Boise City code incentives for 100% affordable projects), and about 30% usable open space including internal pathways, a ground‑floor common room, a fitness room and an outdoor deck. Wood said the team agreed with most of staff’s recommended conditions and would work with staff on subjective items such as color and façade treatment.

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