Developer Seeks Facade Changes at Former Rite Aid

ALC Architecture's plans for the mid-century State Street building are under city review, with a public hearing now set for December 9.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Developer Seeks Facade Changes at Former Rite Aid

Live Poll

Should older downtown buildings be modernized even if they lose historic character?

ALC Architecture has submitted plans to the City of Boise for exterior changes to the former Rite Aid building on State Street. The proposal would modernize the facade and make room for multiple tenants, but the city elevated the review to a public hearing.

Why it matters

The city elevated the application because the proposed changes could alter the building's historic character, and the site is considered a contributor to a potential historic district. Downtown Boise residents have a chance to weigh in before a decision is made.

The building dates to the 1960s and has been surveyed as contributing to a potential historic district, though no district currently exists there. The developer's revised plans have not yet been finalized, so the final exterior design is still unknown.

The players

ALC Architecture

ALC Architecture is the firm that submitted the exterior design plans to the City of Boise on behalf of the project.

Boise Design Review Commission

The Boise Design Review Commission is the city body that reviews proposed changes to buildings and has elevated this application to a public hearing.

The details

The proposed exterior plan includes three shades of gray stucco, horizontal siding, and black storefronts. The space previously housed a Safeway and then a Rite Aid, and is currently occupied temporarily by a Spirit Halloween.

1960s: Building constructed with mid-century design.
November 18, 2026, at 6 p.m.: Public testimony before the Design Review Commission at Boise City Hall.
December 9, 2026: Rescheduled design review hearing.

Legal Context

Boise's design review process elevates applications to public hearings when proposed exterior changes could alter a building's historic character. This case follows that pattern for a mid-century building that has been surveyed as contributing to a potential historic district.

Downtown Boise residents can testify at the November 18 meeting at Boise City Hall, starting at 6 p.m. Their input could shape the final exterior design before the December 9 hearing.

The takeaway

Proposed changes to historic-era buildings often draw public review, and early testimony can influence the final design before a commission votes.

What happens next

Neighbors can testify before the Design Review Commission on November 18 at 6 p.m. at Boise City Hall, 150 N. Capitol Blvd., 3rd floor, before the revised review on December 9.