Greater Boise Auditorium District approves downtown land purchase for Boise Centre expansion

BOISE ― The Greater Boise Auditorium District has approved a purchase agreement for a downtown parcel that could eventually anchor a major expansion of the Boise Centre convention facility.

The district’s board approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement March 31 for a 4.13-acre property at 1050 W. River Street, at the northeast corner of 11th and River streets. The site sits within walking distance of the existing Boise Centre and represents the district’s first concrete move toward a development project that independent analysts say could deliver significant economic benefits to the region.

The purchase price was not disclosed.

Board Chair Kristin Muchow said the decision reflects more than a year of deliberate groundwork.

“This is a deliberate, responsible first step,” she said. “We’ve done the analysis, we’ve evaluated our options, and we’re moving toward securing land that gives us a real foundation to build from. Now we continue the work of determining what the right project looks like for our community.”

The board’s approval followed more than 12 months of work by an exploratory committee that engaged landowners, developers and civic leaders across the Boise area. Independent analysis by Johnson Consulting reinforced what district leaders have argued for years ― that a larger, more competitive Boise Centre would attract more events and visitors while generating a stronger economic return for the community.

Boise Centre Executive Director Cody Lund said the land purchase is structured to avoid any disruption to Boise Centre’s current operations, with all existing reservations, contracts and commitments to be honored in full.

“This land purchase positions us to grow without disrupting the facility our clients and partners depend on today,” he said. “Remaining in and investing further in downtown close to hotels, restaurants, breweries, bars and shops makes great sense.”

No development timeline has been set. In the coming months, the district will study potential uses for the site and explore funding mechanisms.

The Greater Boise Auditorium District was established by Boise voters in 1959 and completed construction of Boise Centre in 1990.