Placemaking
827 Main Street - The Grove Plaza

This placemaking effort is considered among the best public gathering spaces in Idaho and has attracted millions of visitors since 1989. CCDC’s 2018 renovation of the plaza and public-private partnerships with adjacent investors was honored as one of the top two such projects in the United States. The International Economic Development Council awarded The Grove Plaza its prestigious Gold Award of Excellence in Economic Development that same year.

With the sunset of the Central District, Agency leaders conveyed ownership and management of The Grove Plaza to the City of Boise.

Background

In May 2015, CCDC began an outreach campaign and launched a public survey to gather input and ideas related to what the public wanted to see when The Grove Plaza renovation was complete. Using this input, CCDC, with design help from the local Boise firm, CSHQA, and the Portland-based firm, Zimmer Gunsel Frasca (ZGF), prepared design plans. The plans focused on three key elements: enhance the user experience, nurture the positive community spirit, and use environmentally responsible practices.

Project Partnership

CCDC renovated the plaza in conjunction with other major construction projects on The Grove Plaza including the City Center Plaza building, Main Street Station, and the Boise Centre expansion. Construction began in early spring of 2016 and finished in conjunction with the construction taking place on the adjacent properties.

Project Summary

Renovated the fountain preserving and enhancing its attributes

Maintained paving as continuous surface with new brick pavers to replace broken and cracked bricks
- Original engraved bricks were re-engraved and replaced
- Re-initiated a personalized, engraved brick program
Added supplemental shade structures
Provided improved performance stage (demountable)
Installed permanent sound and lighting equipment for ambient music and events
Implemented open Wi-Fi access
Replaced old picnic tables and provide additional moveable seating and furniture
Determined health of trees and replaced trees in decline
Implemented suspended paving system to replace the concrete tree wells
Built green storm water infrastructure and installed high efficiency water-wise irrigation system

The renovation of The Grove Plaza was complete in summer 2017. CCDC Senior Project Manager (now Development Director), Doug Woodruff, managed this project.