Proposed New Downtown Plaza

I propose a new downtown core planned and constructed in the blocks south of the current library. All current (low-income residential) houses and the roads crossing the four-block area should be demolished. The entire spot should become an open plaza, and four tall buildings (6-10 stories each) should be constructed on the four corners of this open plaza.

Why?

• Idaho Falls lacks a skyline. These four buildings would stand tall and be seen by visitors miles away. The distinctive skyline would then be used in promotional graphics.
• Bold architecture in a downtown core becomes a source of municipal pride.
• The architecture would be beautiful and distinctive. One building could be a shimmering glass facade, another could be glass rows alternated with stone panels, another could be a curved side, or the buildings could all be small-scale reproductions of other famous buildings. Examples include Dubai’s hotel, New York City’s Chrysler building or Flatiron building, Malaysia’s Petronas Towers, or something like Boise’s triangular building. As long as we are dreaming big here, why not a Frank Gehry building to really put us on the map?
• There are not enough businesses to populate these spaces? The solution is to make the first floors retail shops, the second floors restaurants, the third-fifth floors office spaces, and all floors above become residential condos. One top floor could be a flexible space to be rented for special occasions (company parties, New Year’s Eve balls, 4th of July Fireworks watching, etc.) The buildings would be skinny enough that everyone gets a great view of the river, the greenbelt, the downtown area, the foothills, even across southeast Idaho.
• The plaza framed between the buildings could be a hot spot for workers, residents, and tourists to gather. Food vendors could be licensed in designed spots, a stage area could be the source of music or lectures, and huge flower pots could beautify the plaza. Plentiful benches would provide ample spaces for people to gather and eat, listen to music, or just relax while watching other people, the beautiful buildings, or the river next to the plaza.


• This plaza is across the street from a seldom-used greenbelt section. This section would undoubtedly become more heavily used.
• This location is in close proximity to the old downtown area, and immediately across from the new Taylor Crossing development. We’ve heard reports of a new greenbelt area being constructed south of Pancheri bridge in the old Monroc area (a perennial favorite teenage drinking spot). This plaza would be in a perfect location in proximity to tie together all these other great locations.
• Tall buildings anywhere in Idaho Falls make better sense to be located on the river’s east side. More people are out and about in the afternoons, and the buildings would not cast long shadows across the greenbelt then.
• Finally, these tall buildings would inspire much more development activity in the area around them. Our old downtown would be more likely to be revitalized in their role as ‘Old Downtown’. The Taylor Crossing area across the river would create a larger and stronger ‘new urban’ community. Developers would see the core activities in this spot, and would be more likely to build 2-3 story buildings in the blocks radiating outwards.

If nothing, Idaho Falls needs to start dreaming bigger. Why dream about YOSM (yet another strip mall) when we can dream about skyscrapers and breathtaking urban environments that provide numerous economic opportunities?

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3. Idaho Falls should expand along Snake River
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5. Downtown needs a parking garage