Downtown Boise is starting to reap the benefits of a redevelopment effort that's still partly in the making.
Saturday was a chance for the public to learn more about a new LIV district.
The basis for the LIV district branding is to expand the downtown Boise footprint, while keeping future growth and development in mind.
With a new apartment building going in down the street and the grand opening of George's Cycles, there was much to celebrate at the Central Addition LIV District Block Party.
Boise Mayor Dave Bieter didn't miss the chance to check it out. He says good things are in store for the downtown district.
"There's about a $100 million of investment going on just in this area, and there's about billion dollars, billion with a "B," going into downtown in the last couple of years," Bieter said. "So, we're excited to really bring this along."
LIV stands for lasting, innovation and vibrancy. And, what a great fit for the Third and Broad Street district between Front and Myrtle Streets where energy and stormwater upgrades are in motion with additional plans still in the works.
"We want to take the tools that we have and concentrate them in an area and hope that we can really make a difference," Bieter said.
The sustainability effort got the attention of the owners of longtime bike shop George's Cycles. The business recently moved into the LIV district.
"The city's vision for the LIV district is phenomenal, they're redoing Broad Street to make it far more pedestrian and cycling friendly," said Frank Leone, George's Cycles general manager. "We're certainly looking forward to that. It will just be an even better place to ride your bike and go for a beautiful walk."
Mayor Bieter says to expect more city improvements in the next 2-3 years to come.
