Grow Smart Awards 2012

Biomark Building

Commercial/Industrial Award

Biomark is a building transformed. From what was “basically a concrete bunker” that served as a nondescript warehouse for years, most recently for the Friends of the Library book storage, it is now a sleek green with orange trim, 30,000-square-foot building, retrofitted to include offices, light manufacturing and assembly, and open space. It features public art, is lined by historic streetlights, and is connected to the cultural district and close to downtown.

Idaho State Capitol

Redevelopment Award

In 1998 the Idaho Capitol Commission was founded to develop a master plan. Before the final plan was decided upon, there were questions aplenty about what was going to happen to the Idaho State Capitol. The building was about 100 years old. And drafty. And creaky. And it was just getting to be too tight of a fit.

So, in 2007, construction crews broke ground, and the same year, right after the legislative session, the legislature was moved into swing space in the Capitol Mall buildings and the old Ada County courthouse. The renovation and redevelopment of the historic, 200,000-square foot Capitol incorporated preservation, restoration,
rehabilitation and expansion.

Blueprint Boise

Public Policy and Planning Award

Blueprint Boise is the City of Boise’s most recent comprehensive plan, and from Day 1, there were clear signs that this plan would be different from its predecessors. For starters, it was built by the people and for the people – it came together after countless meetings and input from the entire community was gathered and considered. In addition, the development team considered three key elements it never had before.

The guiding principles laid out the groundwork: “to create a clear vision for the future, establish a strong linkage between land use, transportation and urban design; provide clear guidance at the planning area level and synchronized regulations within the community’s vision.”

McCall-Donnelly High School

Green Building Award

The McCall-Donnelly High School started as a dream that came true after close to a decade. “It was part of a community process that had been going on since 2001,” says Lisa Olsen, marketing coordinator for Design West Architects, the company that turned the idea into reality Dec. 31, 2009. The new high school was created from the former combined elementary and high school. “The building footprint shrunk and the impervious area – the paved areas where surface area water runs off into the storm drain – that was reduced,” Olsen says. One of the reasons the entire community was involved was because the building is more than a high school. It is a gathering place for meetings, events and more for just about any organization or function that needs space for more than 20.

By renovating and expanding a former elementary/high school building, the high school remained downtown. In addition, many materials from the former building were re-used in the renovation.

McCall Lakefront / Legacy Park and 2010 Improvement Project

Small Community Award

Before the City of McCall took on a monumental improvement project, visitors to the resort town had a hard time getting a good look at, and/or enjoying all the recreational and cultural opportunities of its crown jewel, Payette Lake. But things are different now. With a revitalized city park, enhanced public access to Payette Lake, added street lighting, sidewalks, pathways, interpretive panels and more still on the way, visitors, tourists and residents can better reap the benefits of living “where the living is great.”

The project revitalized a city park, enhanced public access to Payette Lake, added interpretive panels, street lighting, sidewalks, pathways and more, creating a downtown focal point.

Crescent Rim

Residential Award

A condominium development was built within walking distance of the city park system, the greenbelt, the arts and the downtown core, using many green-building elements.

As for smart growth principles, Clark says Crescent Rim was built on an infi ll site and has a “high degree of walkability” – it is close to parks, Boise State University and downtown. “And we volunteered to give $100,000 to the neighborhood for pedestrian enhancements and traffic calming,” he says. Parking is tucked underground, and sidewalks and landscaped lawns, gardens and fountains are interwoven throughout the grounds. Every unit has a private outdoor space. There is a swimming pool, community and meeting space, and a fully equipped exercise room. In addition, there are two guest suites for each building to accommodate family and friend overflow at holiday and vacation time.

Moscow Active Living Task Force

Citizen Advocacy Award

The City of Moscow came up with a three-pronged plan: to enhance active living in Moscow through education, to develop a multimodal transportation plan, and to facilitate a greenway assessment that would map out future routes accessible by walking, biking, skateboarding and more.

This project laid the foundation for Moscow to become an increasingly healthier community through education and support of all modes of transportation, including non-motorized options, and provided policies and programs to support active lifestyles.

Boise State University Sustainable Transportation

Transportation Award

Historically, most of BSU’s students have traveled by car. But with the recent rapid growth of the student body came an urgent need for transportation choices. Bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and good old fashioned walking have become welcome alternatives and, as it turns out, thanks to BSU’s sustainable transportation project, all modes of transportation on campus have been given thoughtful consideration – and a lot of help.

The project increased campus housing choices and more transportation alternatives, including more walkways and bicycle paths and “complete streets” – roadways that accommodate all users (motorized vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians), making sure streets can be safely used by everyone.

Stephen Meyer

Charles Hummel Award

The Charles Hummel Award recognizes leaders exemplary in dedication to and implementation of smart growth principles, reflecting a respect for place as well as for design and function.

Among other accomplishments, Meyer is a partner in Parkwood Business Properties real estate development firm in Coeur d’Alene.