Simplot foundation unveils downtown parkscape plan (14254) 

Construction of Jack’s Urban Meeting Place is slated to begin in the spring of 2010 in the four-square-block area bordered by Ninth, Eleventh, Front and Myrtle streets in downtown Boise, the Simplot Family Foundation said in a release.

The parkscape project – named in honor of agribusiness magnate J.R. “Jack” Simplot, who died May 25, 2008 at 99 – will include a park spread throughout 4 acres of the 7.5-acre site, an amphitheater with dinner seating for more than 500 and theater seating for nearly 1,200, studios, and a sculpture garden for displays including a large collection of antique tractors.

The Simplot family for years has considered developing the largely open property. An agricultural museum was contemplated.

“This project evolved from my grandad’s desire to build a museum that would showcase agriculture and the many wonderful aspects of the rural lifestyle,” Simplot Family Foundation member Debbie McDonald said in the release. “After much thought and years of exploring different possibilities, the concept of Jack’s Urban Meeting Place was born.”

The parkscape project will cost more than $100 million and will provide over 1,000 jobs, the foundation said, adding that most trade contractors and other trades people will be from Idaho. It will be financed by private funds from the foundation.

Hoffman Construction Co., Portland, is the project general contractor. The foundation chose the company, in a competitive selection process, for several reasons, project spokesman David Cuoio told the Idaho Business Review. Price was one consideration, Hoffman is philosophically close to the Simplot family regarding how the project should be handled, Hoffman has built a number of structures in Idaho, and the company enlists subcontractors and most trades people from the state in which the project is built, he said.

The project, which first must go through City of Boise design review and permitting processes, is expected to take up to three years to complete, Cuoio said in an Associated Press report.

Architect Susan Desko of Ketchum has created “many special design elements” in the project, the foundation said in the release. For example, the multi-story structure that houses parking, studios and offices will be built around the perimeter of the site, leaving a large area of open space in the interior. The structure will feature many openings through which light and air can pass freely, including a 26-foot vertical space between the ground and the first story of the building.

“The unique design of the perimeter structure will allow excellent views into the park from the street and vice-versa, giving the project an open, welcoming feel,” said Project Director Maggie Soderberg. “Energy efficiency also is one of our top priorities, and we plan to make Jack’s Urban Meeting Place a model of sustainability.”

The various outdoor and indoor venues at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place are to be available for meetings, classes, dinners, weddings and other gatherings.

“We will partner with community non-profits whenever possible to enhance their programs,” McDonald said. “In fact, Jack’s Urban Meeting Place is intended to complement other local venues and activities, not compete with them.”

A new J.R. Simplot Co. headquarters building, to be designed for future growth and financed privately, is expected to be included in Jack’s Urban Meeting Place.

Cuoio told the Idaho Business Review that if a new J.R. Simplot Co. headquarters building is included in Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, the headquarters building would be financed by J.R. Simplot Co. The company now is based in One Capital Center, Tenth and Main streets.

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