Ahlquist and Pacific Companies revive downtown Meridian with Heritage Square mixed-use project

The former Union 93 development in Meridian, which was halted in the early stages of construction, will have new life breathed into a reimagined project.

Two Idaho development firms have announced plans to transform the long-vacant downtown Meridian property into Heritage Square, a mixed-use development featuring Class A office space, retail, two multifamily residential towers and public plazas. The property is on the southeast corner of Broadway Avenue and Main Street.

Ahlquist and Eagle-based The Pacific Companies acquired the site through an Ada County Sheriff’s auction in October 2025. The previous developer had entered foreclosure, leaving partially completed structures vacant adjacent to Meridian City Hall.

Babcock Design is leading the project’s design, and McAlvain Companies will serve as general contractor for the office, retail and site infrastructure.

Ahlquist is known for redeveloping the long-stalled downtown Boise site once dubbed the “Boise Hole” into the 8th & Main tower. The Pacific Companies, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Eagle, has previously developed 103 residential units and more than 15,000 square feet of retail in downtown Meridian.

“We’ve spent a career taking on infill projects that others have walked away from ― including the Boise Hole, which today is one of downtown Boise’s most active corners ― and that experience is exactly what a project like Heritage Square calls for,” said Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of Ahlquist. “We look forward to turning these underutilized and blighted sites in downtown Meridian into something the community can be proud of.”

“Bringing new homes to the core of downtown Meridian gives us the chance to create quality places for people to live within walking distance of where they work, shop and gather,” said Caleb Roope, president and CEO of The Pacific Companies.

The project’s name reflects an intent to honor Meridian’s history while building toward its future. The development will incorporate public art, open gathering spaces and pedestrian-friendly design.

Meridian Mayor Robert Simison welcomed the announcement.

“I have never been more optimistic about the future of downtown Meridian,” Simison said. “Heritage Square is re-imagining how great downtown Meridian can be.”

Ahlquist has delivered more than 4 million square feet of projects valued at over $1 billion across office, retail, medical, multifamily and mixed-use development in the Treasure Valley. The Pacific Companies has grown into one of the nation’s largest multifamily developers, with operations spanning feasibility, development, design, finance, construction and asset management across the western United States.

This story was written using artificial intelligence with human oversight.