CCDC Celebrates Opening of Kaixo Corner Park in Downtown Boise

August 7, 2025

Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) gathered community members, leaders, and design and construction partners on Grove Street this week to officially open Kaixo Corner, a new public park in the heart of downtown Boise. The park’s creation marks a major milestone in CCDC’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Grove Street corridor, transforming underused spaces into sustainable, community-focused places.

“On behalf of the employees, commissioners, and contractors of Capital City Development Corp, I want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to create this special public space,” said John Brunelle, Executive Director of CCDC. “It takes true collaboration to complete a project like this, and we’re always happy to help create paradise—and give up a parking lot.”

The name “Kaixo,” meaning “hello” in Basque, honors the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and its proximity to Boise’s Basque Block. The new park, located at 6th Street and Grove Street, was made possible with the partnership of long-time Boise resident, Miren Artiach, who allowed CCDC to purchase the property and invest in an urban public space.

“When we first discussed this placemaking opportunity a few years ago, I was hopeful,” said Brunelle. “But when Miren said she was ready to talk about a purchase-sale agreement, I knew it wouldn’t be a negotiation—it would be a conversation rooted in shared Idaho values and mutual respect for the city of Boise.”

Brunelle also noted Artiach’s longtime contributions to Idaho public life, including her work with former Idaho Secretaries of State Pete Cenarrusa and Ben Ysursa.

Kaixo Corner is the latest milestone in CCDC’s ambitious overhaul of Grove Street, which will include a new bike and pedestrian pathway from Broadway Avenue to 3rd Street, improved connectivity through the Basque Block and Grove Plaza, and development extending to 16th Street. The project reflects extensive collaboration between public and private partners, alongside the dedication of CCDC’s project managers and design professionals.

Although the River Myrtle-Old Boise Urban Renewal District is preparing to sunset after three decades, Brunelle emphasized that the impact of CCDC’s initiatives in climate action, housing, arts, mobility, and preservation will endure for generations. CCDC will gift Kaixo Corner to the City of Boise in the coming months, continuing a legacy of public space contributions such as The Grove Plaza, the Erma Hayman House, and two blocks of North 8th Street.

Leading the Kaixo Corner project for CCDC was Toby Norton, Project Manager for Capital Improvements. He was joined by Amy Fimbel, Senior Project Manager, and Megan Pape, Project Manager.

PROJECT PARTNERS

Design team:

Local landscape architects – Jensen Belts and Associates, Kim Siegenthaler

Landscape architect – ZGF Architects, Greg Matto, Debbie Chow

Local Civil engineer – QRS Consulting, Ricardo Zavala

Local Electrical engineer – Musgrove Engineering, Nick Schafer

Local Structural engineering – Ally Structural Consulting, Craig Brasher

Contractor – Guho Corp, Anthony Guho, Rob Cloninger, Kyle Legoll

Major Subcontractors:

Capitol Landscape – pavers

Gingrich Underground – landscape and irrigation

Lee Electric – electrical and lighting