The Addison

The Addison is a riverfront apartment community that transformed a former parking lot along the Boise River into a vibrant residential destination with direct access to the Greenbelt. The development blends high-density housing with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces inspired by the surrounding riparian environment. The project provides residents with premium amenities while strengthening connections between urban living and the Boise River.

Details

Boise, ID
Gardner Company
STK Architecture
Cushing Terrell
McNeil Engineering
PVE
CTA Group
Okland Construction
2021
Design-Bid-Build

Context

Context
As Boise's population continued to grow, the demand for high-quality housing near downtown and the Boise River increased significantly. The site, previously an underutilized parking lot partially located within the 100-year floodplain, presented both a challenge and an opportunity. The developer's vision was to create a premier residential community that embraced the character of the Boise River corridor while providing residents with exceptional amenities and direct access to the Greenbelt. The project's prominent location required careful consideration of environmental constraints, floodplain requirements, and connections to nearby destinations including downtown Boise and Boise State University.

Process

Process
The Land Group provided planning, surveying, civil engineering, and landscape architecture services from project conception through construction administration. TLG worked closely with the developer and the multidisciplinary design team to establish a program for the outdoor spaces and develop a series of courtyard concepts inspired by the site's natural setting. Coordination among consultants across multiple states required a highly collaborative design process and consistent communication throughout design and construction. TLG led the design and documentation of the site's outdoor environments, integrating stormwater infrastructure, pedestrian circulation, and amenity spaces into a cohesive residential experience.

Solution

Solution
The design framework centered on environmental responsibility, contextual relationship, and functionality. TLG created a network of custom elevated boardwalks spanning landscaped stormwater swales, drawing inspiration from nearby Greenbelt pathways and integrating innovative stormwater management techniques. Outdoor amenities include a resort-style pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen and barbecue area, permanent shade structures, gathering spaces with fire features, open lawn areas, viewing terraces, and a fully fenced dog park. Custom site furnishings, lighting, and landscape elements further reinforce the connection between the development and the Boise River corridor, creating a distinctive residential environment.

Impact

Impact
The Addison transformed a largely impervious and underutilized site into a vibrant residential community that enhances both the urban and natural fabric of Boise. The project expanded housing opportunities near downtown while improving connections to the Boise Greenbelt and riverfront. Through its integration of sustainable stormwater solutions, high-quality landscape design, and community-focused amenities, the development establishes a model for urban infill housing that balances density, livability, and environmental stewardship. Recognition through the 2022 Idaho ASLA Merit Award underscores the project's success in creating meaningful connections between people, place, and nature.