For decades, a familiar curved roofline has anchored the streetscape along State Street in downtown Boise, sheltering generations of shoppers through its eras as a Safeway, a Rite Aid, and more recently, a temporary Spirit Halloween. Now, the mid-century building dating back to the 1960s is facing a significant architectural pivot as the City of Boise reviews proposals to modernize its exterior for multi-tenant retail use, kivitv.com reported.
ALC Architecture submitted plans to the City of Boise detailing an exterior overhaul featuring three distinct shades of gray stucco, horizontal siding, and black storefronts. While the development team aims to breathe new life into the aging structure, the proposal has triggered a public review process because municipal surveyors determined the building contributes to the architectural character of a potential historic district.
Weighing Modernization Against Neighborhood Memory
That historic designation status changed the trajectory of the paperwork. Rather than passing through standard administrative channels, the project was elevated to a public hearing to give nearby residents a voice in how the streetscape evolves. Longtime residents argue that the building’s original design elements—including its distinctive roofline, expansive glass, wood, and river rock—carry deep community roots.
Lifelong Boisean Patrick Cusick told kivitv.com that watching familiar local landmarks change hits home for residents who remember older iterations of the city. Michael Wilson, another neighborhood resident, emphasized that commercial updates do not necessarily have to erase the past.
Wilson added that it is possible to embrace revitalization and modernize without losing the history or the architecture.
ALC Architecture has not yet publicly detailed specific measures for preserving those mid-century elements alongside the proposed gray stucco and horizontal siding. Idaho News 6 reached out to the firm for comment and is awaiting a response.
A familiar downtown Boise building could get a new look. 🏢 The city is reviewing plans to modernize the former Rite Aid on State Street. 🔗 in bio to learn more. pic.twitter.com/9Gnw4cGjuN
Developers Delay Project Timeline as City Schedules Hearings
Developers recently requested a delay on the project timeline while they revise their proposals. City officials report that the design review has been pushed back to December 9.
Residents wishing to weigh in on the facade changes before that date still have an opportunity to participate. The Design Review Commission is scheduled to hear public testimony on November 18 at Boise City Hall, located at 150 N. Capitol Blvd., on the 3rd floor. The proceedings begin at 6 p.m. for community members unable to attend the later December session.
