Main Library Campus

This phase addresses the The building’s materiality, construction methodology, and architectural details. Environmental concerns will be addressed in this phase.

Public responds to how exterior design concept ideas achieve project vision and goals and provides ideas for the types of services and activities they hope to see in this new facility.

“The concept phase is the beginning, the diagram, the massing and the organization. It is the foundation upon which a well-crafted complex will fully emerge.” —Moshe Safdie

The Safdie Architects (Desgin Lead) and CSHQA (Executive Architect) team was hired as after a competitive proposal process.

The building program called for expansion of the Library square footage, a space for the Boise City Department of Arts & History programming and administration, and a Flexible Events Space.

ArchNexus led a series of 7 Design Thinking Workshops on proposed uses for the library site. Input was collected from a wide cross section of library users and community members. This input was used to inform the project Vision and Goals.

During the spring of 2017, Donor By Design Group, LLC, tested the feasibility of the Boise Public Library raising $14.5 million in contributed support toward building a new main library in downtown Boise.

The City of Boise hired AMS Planning & Research to conduct a trend analysis on the state of the art development of performing arts facilities in the nation, followed by a venue inventory and situation analysis for such a facility in Boise.

Arts & History staff developed the first-ever citywide Cultural Plan, based on input from over 1,000 people to determine goals and objectives. The need for a low cost/no cost collaborative facility rose to the top.

Built as a warehouse in the 1940s, the current structure does not accommodate 21st century library programs and services or meet the needs of Boise's growing population