Early Proposals and Planning
In the 1960s and 1970s, developers discussed building a large regional shopping mall in Boise, Idaho. The first major proposal came in 1973 when Karcher Mall developer Harry Daum attempted to buy land at the intersection of Cole and Franklin Roads. The landowners, Larry and Peg Ott, responded with a lawsuit to stop the project.
In 1976, the Otts agreed to allow the development of a community shopping center and office buildings but resisted a regional shopping mall. In 1980, various developers proposed ideas for a mall in the Boise area.
A notable proposal included an urban renewal project in downtown Boise with Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI) as the anchor store. However, ZCMI withdrew from the project in October 1980.
By 1982, John Price, a Salt Lake City developer, proposed another mall near Interstate 84 and Cloverdale Road. Price secured commitments from J.C. Penney, Lamonts, Sears, and ZCMI as anchor tenants.
The Federal Highway Administration approved a $6 million interchange at Cloverdale, with Price offering to fund the project.
Meanwhile, Boise developer Larry Leasure proposed a shopping mall named Westpark at Cole and Franklin Roads. Zoning and access issues delayed the project. Price said he might drop the Cloverdale project if Leasure agreed to sell him the Westpark site once the issues were resolved.
Construction began on Boise Towne Square in December 1986 at the original site Harry Daum targeted 13 years earlier.
The planned anchor stores included JCPenney, Sears, The Bon Marché, and Mervyn’s. By September 1988, Sears and JCPenney liquidated their downtown Boise locations to prepare for the new mall.
The complex negotiations and persistent efforts eventually led to the establishment of Boise Towne Square, a key destination for things to do in Boise, Idaho.
Opening and Early Years
The first stores opened in October 1988. Sears and The Bon Marché opened on October 9, followed by JCPenney on October 12. The mall’s formal grand opening took place on October 19, 1988. Mayor Dirk Kempthorne cut the ribbon, marking the start of Boise Towne Square’s operation.
Mervyn’s joined as the fourth anchor in February 1989. Despite initial plans, ZCMI II stores did not materialize. The mall drew shoppers from across the region, changing the retail landscape in Boise.
The Bon Marché also continued operating its downtown store until it closed in 2005 when it rebranded as Macy’s. Macy’s operated the downtown location until 2010 before closing due to declining sales.
Boise Towne Square quickly became the go-to shopping destination. The addition of popular stores attracted a diverse range of shoppers. The early years set the stage for future expansions and solidified the mall’s role in Boise’s retail scene.
Expansion and Legal Challenges (1995-1998)
In November 1995, Boise Towne Square announced plans to expand and add a fifth anchor store. Rumors swirled about Dillard’s and ZCMI as potential candidates.
Richard Madsen, president of ZCMI, confirmed that Dillard’s was included in the expansion plans. However, The Bon Marché filed a lawsuit to block the addition, citing lease violations.
Despite these legal challenges, the mall settled the lawsuit in January 1997. Construction on the new Dillard’s store and the 60,000 sq ft expansion began in June 1997.
By August 1998, Dillard’s opened its doors, and many new stores joined the mall. This expansion cemented Boise Towne Square’s place as Idaho‘s largest mall.
During this time, The Bon Marché expanded its own store, adding a 40,000 sq ft space in two phases. The mall continued to thrive, attracting more retailers and increasing its appeal to shoppers.
Further Developments and Changes (1999-2008)
In 1999, Boise Towne Square remodeled its food court, spending $1 million to enhance the dining experience. This period saw several changes, including the closure of the mall’s theater by Loews Cineplex in 2001.
The Reel Theatre reopened the space in 2004 but closed it again in 2007. In 2009, the theater was demolished to make way for PetSmart, which opened in 2010.
From 2006 to 2008, the mall expanded by 35,000 sq ft, bringing in new tenants like Borders and The Cheesecake Factory. Borders relocated from a nearby location, while The Cheesecake Factory introduced a new dining option. Talbots also moved into the expanded area in 2007.
By October 2008, Boise Towne Square had completed an interior renovation, enhancing the overall shopping environment. This period of growth and development helped maintain the mall’s status as a premier retail destination in Idaho.
Modernization and Challenges (2008-2021)
In August 2008, Mervyn’s announced it would close its Boise Towne Square location as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Kohl’s moved into the vacated space in September 2011.
In February 2009, the mall faced a bomb scare. Police evacuated over 2,000 people after finding suspicious devices, which turned out to be fake. The mall reopened the next day.
Apple chose Boise Towne Square for Idaho’s first Apple Store, which opened on September 11, 2010. This addition brought a tech-savvy crowd to the mall.
In early 2011, Nordstrom considered opening its first Idaho Nordstrom Rack at the mall. Later that year, H&M announced it would open its first Idaho store in the former Borders space.
Adjacent to the mall, Boise Towne Plaza has grown with tenants like Nordstrom Rack, which opened in April 2012. The addition of stores like Ulta Beauty and Dave & Buster’s in 2012 further diversified the shopping and entertainment options.
The mall saw more changes in October 2018 when Sears closed as part of a nationwide downsizing plan. The space left by Sears remains one of the biggest retail vacancies at the mall.
October 25, 2021, marked a dark day in the mall’s history. A shooting incident resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries, including a police officer.
The gunman, Jacob James Bergquist, died from self-inflicted injuries the following day. This tragic event shocked the community and raised questions about mall security.
Recent Developments at Boise Towne Square (2023-2024)
The aftermath of the 2021 shooting incident at Boise Towne Square continues to impact mall security policies. A new investigation in January 2023 revealed additional details about the events leading up to the shooting.
This has prompted the mall management to implement stricter security protocols, including increased surveillance and emergency response drills. These measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors.
In September 2023, Boise Towne Square hosted one of the world’s largest bounce houses. The event drew large crowds and was a major attraction for families and children. Events like these enhance the mall’s appeal as a community hub and entertainment destination.
In July 2024, Boise Towne Square received a grant aimed at enhancing the mall’s parking facilities. This initiative includes installing new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, improving lighting, and upgrading security measures.
The improvements are part of a broader effort to modernize the mall’s infrastructure and cater to the growing demand for EV-friendly amenities. These changes are expected to provide a safer and more convenient experience for visitors.