The Lucy Apartments
Boise, ID | 114 Units | 100,000 GSF | 9,000 SF Retail | Public/Private Partnership
Reviving Boise's Historic Core
In the heart of Boise, Idaho, a groundbreaking project emerged to redefine urban housing: The Lucy Apartments. Spearheaded by deChase Miksis in partnership with Clay Carley of Old Boise, this development aimed to create a holistic approach to housing, welcoming people from diverse age groups and economic backgrounds. A revolutionary idea for Boise, The Lucy and Thomas Logan Apartments was conceived to offer a spectrum of housing options within a single community—blending workforce housing, market-rate living, and vibrant shared spaces.
Situated on Grove Street, once a stretch of small farms and historic canals, the project embraced Boise's rich history. Drawing from the Basque heritage deeply rooted in the area, deChase Miksis and the team worked closely with the city and Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) to design a pedestrian-friendly streetscape that extended the charm of the Basque Block. The Lucy’s streetscape encouraged community engagement, featuring open areas and walkable corridors that honored Boise’s past while meeting the city’s modern need for sustainable, higher-density living.
Innovating Housing for All
The Lucy Apartments were as daring as they were visionary. The first of their kind in Boise, the development featured zero on-site residential parking—a bold move made possible by city code and Boise’s growing focus on sustainable, car-free urban living. The design prioritized alternative transportation, with transient parking, ample bike storage, and proximity to key pedestrian routes.
The project’s name, The Lucy, pays homage to Lucianna “Lucy” Aboitiz Garatea, a Basque immigrant who, at the age of 15, came to Boise to work at her aunt’s boarding house. Lucy embodied the spirit of community, offering refuge and sustenance to countless locals—a legacy mirrored in the design and mission of the apartments. Focused on smaller units with enhanced amenities, The Lucy fostered a sense of community over isolation, encouraging residents to engage with one another and the vibrant downtown around them.
In recognition of its commitment to sustainability, The Lucy achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting its energy-efficient design and eco-conscious practices. The building’s rooftop deck provided breathtaking views of the Boise skyline, foothills, and state capitol, offering residents a connection to their city that was as modern as it was inspiring.
A Home That Honors the Past and Inspires the Future
The Lucy’s immediate success—leasing at record speeds—spoke volumes about Boise’s hunger for thoughtful, community-driven housing. Residents embraced the bike- and pedestrian-friendly ethos, seamlessly integrating with the vibrant downtown culture. Alongside its sister project, Thomas Logan, The Lucy proved that Boise was ready to innovate, blending history and modernity into a housing model that served diverse needs.
deChase Miksis’s work on The Lucy Apartments has set a new benchmark for urban development in Boise. By drawing inspiration from the area’s history, honoring figures like Lucy Garatea, and reimagining how people live together, the project transformed a stretch of Grove Street into a thriving, inclusive neighborhood. More than just a building, The Lucy symbolizes a vision for Boise’s future: one that respects its past, celebrates its present, and embraces what’s to come.