Council affirms direction for 8th Street phase 2 concept — curb removal, circulation zone and flexible public space

Boise City Council affirmed staff’s preferred concept design for phase 2 of the 8th Street improvements, a plan intended to make two downtown blocks more pedestrian‑focused and flexible for events while preserving business access.

"I'm a senior planner on the mobility and public spaces team, and also the project manager for this 8th Street Improvements project," Chad Reeds said as he opened the presentation. He told the council the design team had conducted a summer outreach program, a pop‑up event timed with a downtown event and an online survey that drew nearly 600 responses.

Reeds presented the preferred concept, which he said would remove curbs between Main and Bannock, create a distinct pedestrian circulation zone, and keep an adaptive furnishing zone with movable seating, planters and occasional canopies for events. The design would also standardize and slightly reduce patio depths on average by about 6 feet from their current temporary configuration, add fixed furnishing zones (bike racks, lighting and art) on one side of the street, and place supplemental bike parking near intersections. "By being adaptive, the space becomes more flexible, and can be cleared for an event," Reeds said when describing movable furnishings.

Reeds said the plan balances public seating and business patio space, and that business and property owners had been invited to one‑on‑one meetings; he reported meeting with 18 businesses and property owners and said most expressed general support while raising logistical questions about maintenance and management. He noted the design retains visibility toward Grove Plaza and the foothills and preserves emergency and service vehicle access; designers plan to work with a general contractor in design phases to vet feasibility and cost.

Staff provided an order‑of‑magnitude construction estimate in the ballpark of $3,000,000 and said design work is fully funded while construction is not yet funded. Reeds requested council affirmation of four items: the project theme of flexibility to support events; the street’s spatial organization; the proposed reduction and reallocation of patio space; and accessibility improvements including curb removal and a pedestrian circulation zone.

Council members asked about coordination with other downtown projects, construction timing, business impacts, accessibility and tree shading. Reeds said the team will coordinate phasing with other agencies and intends further contractor outreach to refine schedule and phasing to limit business impacts. Several council members voiced support for the concept and affirmed direction at the end of the session.

Next steps identified by staff include entering detailed design, engaging a general contractor for feasibility and cost estimates, pursuing grant and alternative funding sources, returning for a work session at ~75% design and—pending funds—targeting a construction start after Treefort in March 2026.

Sources: Project presentation by Chad Reeds and council discussion.