Boise & Garden City

Micron Foundation has big plans for Boise’s River Street. What, exactly? Details are murky

Boise bought the Erma Hayman House at 617 Ash St., on the northwest corner of River Street, in 2018. The 1907 sandstone house was the last single-family home on its block. “The preservation and interpretation of the 617 Ash Street property are critical components for representing those whose stories are often omitted from standard historical research,” the city’s Arts and History Department says.
Boise bought the Erma Hayman House at 617 Ash St., on the northwest corner of River Street, in 2018. The 1907 sandstone house was the last single-family home on its block. “The preservation and interpretation of the 617 Ash Street property are critical components for representing those whose stories are often omitted from standard historical research,” the city’s Arts and History Department says. John Bertram Special to the Statesman

The Micron Foundation, the charitable wing of the large Boise technology company, is planning philanthropic spending in the River Street area, one of Boise’s most historic neighborhoods. The foundation is staying mum on what that could mean for the area and its residents, though it may include building a house.

Dee Mooney, executive director of the foundation, told city of Boise officials in a Sept. 22 email that the nonprofit would focus its efforts on the River Street neighborhood as part of a wider effort to focus its efforts on specific areas.

“This area was chosen due to the rich cultural history, available community assets, and readiness for impact,” Mooney said.

Early in Boise’s development history, River Street, located just south of downtown, was known as one of the main areas that non-white residents settled in the city. The area includes the historic Erma Hayman House, home to an African American woman who lived there from 1948 until her death in 2009.

The area eventually became known for its large number of neglected buildings, although it has been increasingly developed in recent years. The street stretches from Capitol Boulevard, at Boise’s main library, west to Americana Boulevard, near the Interfaith Sanctuary shelter for people who are homeless.

A map of the River Street neighborhood and its subdistricts, which are divided into five areas.
A map of the River Street neighborhood and its subdistricts, which are divided into five areas. PROVIDED BY BOISE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

The details on what exactly the project entails and what will be involved is still unclear. Micron officials have met with city officials but declined to speak to the Statesman regarding the project itself. City officials did not respond to requests for comment.

“We have been looking at ways to bring the Boise community together through a variety of projects,” foundation spokesperson Tate Tran said in a Nov. 9 email. “We have no further details to share at this time.”

Emails sent between Boise City Hall and the Micron Foundation could provide some hints.

City officials, including Mayor Lauren McLean and Chief of Staff Courtney Washburn, met with a team from the Micron Foundation about the River Street project on Oct. 7, according to the mayor’s agenda.

Strategic Initiative Program Manager Chloe Ross wrote in an Oct. 4 email ahead of the meeting that the city was looking to discuss the use of “$300,000 for house construction,” although what house exactly is unknown.

This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 4:00 AM.

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Joni Auden Land
Idaho Statesman
Joni Auden Land covers Boise, Garden City and Ada County. Have a story suggestion or a question? Email Land at newsroom@idahostatesman.com.
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