Nampa Development Corporation

Library Square Development Project

Library Square

Nampa's current library, which resides in an historic building constructed in 1919, is about 23,000 square feet. With Nampa's growing population of 80,000 plus, the community has long outgrown the space. The library currently sees about 1,000 patrons each day, which is expected to at least double with the new library, providing an “anchor” for a variety of retail, office and residential demand. The new library will feature computers, meeting rooms, public art and modern campus-style amenities to serve as a cultural beacon to the city.

The plan for a new library came out of extensive meetings with community members in 2003, and stems from the Downtown Redevelopment Blueprint, a guiding document that was reviewed in public hearings and adopted by City Council.

Additionally, a new library was identified as a priority in 2006, under the community development of the Nampa Development Corporation Development/Redevelopment Plan. In December 2007, the NDC voted to move forward with the construction of the new Public Safety Building first in order to vacate the downtown City-owned block between 11th Ave. and 12th Ave. and 2nd St. and 3rd St. so that the library could be built in conjunction with private development on the Pivot Block. This is the next step in implementing a plan that is nearly six years old.

Selecting a Developer for the Project

Through a formal Request for Qualifications process, NDC selected the Gardner Company as the Master Developer of the Library Square Project in February 2012. NDC approved the Design Build Contract in January of 2013.

Library Location and Project Details

The Gardner Company examined all of the available parcels and reviewed the original land use plans NDC had created when purchasing property in 2008. With current market demands and traffic patterns, the Gardner Company, in conjunction with City staff and NDC, determined that it made the most sense to combine all of the features onto the downtown block bordered by 11th Ave. and 12th Ave. and 2nd St. and 3rd St. The project includes the new library, public parking garage and office and retail space.