After nearly a decade, the dream of building homes in the hills of Boise, Idaho, comes to an end

Almost ten years after its initial approval, a real estate project located in the hills of the city of Boise, appears to have come to a halt. The company of veteran Boise developer Larry Leasure, White-Leasure Development Co., had initially planned for this project to encompass nearly 100 integrated residences.

Several years ago, the Boise City Council had granted the initial permits for the project, but construction never began.

By 2021, work on the project seemed to be starting when the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved modifications to the plan, including the removal of invasive plant species and the reduction of the number of homes from 96 to 88 units.

On both occasions, in 2016 and 2021, local residents opposed the project’s approval, citing concerns that it would increase traffic and disrupt wildlife.

The property faced foreclosure and was listed for sale by Idaho Land Brokerage for $7 million.

Boise developer Ron Walsh indicates that the development is now unlikely to continue. After meeting with Boise city officials to assess the possibilities, several significant obstacles were identified, including water capacity, necessary road improvements, and expired permits—challenges that increase costs and make the project unfeasible, according to Mr. Walsh.

Mr. Walsh also mentioned that he conducted a land analysis five or six years earlier for Larry Leasure, the former owner. He noted that Leasure eventually sold the property to another firm, which apparently failed to make payments, leading to the foreclosure.

According to the Idaho Statesman, opposition to Foothills developments is common in Boise, and the city has taken measures to preserve these areas. In 1997, a development plan for Foothills was adopted, followed by a 2000 ordinance that imposed additional building restrictions.

Despite this, and according to the plans submitted to the city, much of the project’s design aimed to highlight the natural Foothills environment. The project was planned as a linear development just north of Hill Road. The designs included parks, trails, multiple ponds, a boardwalk and a sunset lookout.

To bring these plans to life, the developer would have had to remove several invasive plant species from the site. As of now, it is unclear whether these plants were removed after the 2021 modification or what the future holds for the land.

Available Foreclosures:

Boise: 21 homes available

By Elías DaSilva | 07 de Marzo de 2025