LKV Architects’ appeal letter called the Boise Design Review Committee’s denial of the state’s application “inappropriate and unacceptable.”

At a January hearing, committee members said the proposed garage’s architecture is inconsistent with the surrounding area and its landscaping design didn’t do enough to hide it from neighbors’ sight.

According to LKV's letter, the design of the garage structure and landscaping was meant to address concerns the committee raised.

The Capitol Mall Parking Garage, mandated by the Idaho Legislature, would provide 580 parking spots just north of the Capitol on the 600 block of Washington Street. Money to pay for it would come from bonds issued by the Idaho State Building Authority.

In denying the state’s application, the committee went against city staff, which recommended approval, as long as the state met six conditions. Those conditions included elimination of stalls designated for compact cars, the placement of trees around the outside of the parking garage and outdoor parking lot, and the inclusion of at least 64 bicycle spaces and 13 spaces accessible to disabled drivers or passengers.

The state, through LKV’s letter, said it was willing to meet those conditions.

Idaho Public Works Project Manager Martin Santoyo said he expects the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission to take up the matter in March.