When looking for an investment property in commercial real estate, we should often be concerned not only with the quantity of the income stream, but also the quality.  For public companies, we can often use the credit rating or look at the companies financials ourselves to determine if the price and the tenant credit "match up."  

A common quote to this regard is "Price is what you pay.  Value is what you get."  I've done a little digging around with tenants commonly found in the commercial real estate market, and have included them on the chart below.  In addition, I've included both Moody's and S&P ratings systems as a reference.   Remember, these companies credit can change over time, and I'd suggest you do your own research before making the purchase.

1.    Green Stormwater Infrastructure Design
ACHD has been working with a technical consultant, Tetratech, to look at designing green stormwater infrastructure in the Main/Fairview corridor.  We received the draft report in December, and it is being reviewed by both the City and ACHD.  In this report, the block between 24th and 25th Street on Fairview Avenue were designed to determine how much stormwater could be handled and how much this infrastructure would cost to implement.  This report shows a reduction in 1 travel lane (from 4 to 3 lanes) and the addition of on street parking, which also coincides with the City’s master plan vision. 

2.    Boise School District & Success at Whittier Elementary
We met with the leaders at Boise School District to discuss the urban renewal district, as well as the long term needs of Whittier Elementary.  During this meeting, it was great to hear that Whittier has a dual language program, which has been tremendously successful.  The school is now at capacity and has a waiting list for those wanting to enroll.  Great news for the West End!

3.    Utilizing the DEQ Brownfield Program
As we work with the Department of Environmental Quality and their brownfield program to evaluate the 2 city owned properties in the West End, it is becoming apparent that this program is a great asset for our community.  This program is great at helping to determine the environmental impacts our past activities have on our current development desires. 

4.    Connectivity in the West End
As you drive down Main Street or Fairview Avenue in the West End, you quickly realize that this area is dominated by the automobile with large, wide roads, and big blocks.  The Main and Fairview corridors are great at moving a lot of cars, but they are not so good at making a bicyclist feel safe.  In addition, because the blocks are so large, the pedestrian scale is lost.  We have been looking at various scenarios and meeting with ACHD to investigate breaking up the super blocks to help improve connectivity, give the area a more pedestrian scale, and improve safety for our bicyclists.

1.    Historic Guernsey Milk Depot Sold!
For the first time in 39 years, the historic Guernsey Milk Depot building has been sold!  A local investor purchased the prominent West End building designed by Tourtellotte & Hummel and built in 1937.  They plan on making upgrades to the building and keeping the current offices in place.  This building is on the Historic West End Walking Trail and sits at the corner of 25th & State Street.

2.    Due Diligence on City Properties Continues
In preparation for property disposition, we have started receiving the environmental studies coordinated through the DEQ brownfield program.  These studies provide valuable information on property history and future development. 

3.    West End Website & Continued Branding
The West End is a great place to live, work, or play and we’d like to spread the message.  As a part of this effort, we have engaged Stephanie Worrell to help us coordinate website updates as well as some video messaging for the West End.  Because the West End has a long history of established businesses along with exciting features like the whitewater park, we want to share our vision and let people know what the West End has to offer.

4.    Esther Simplot Park Getting Closer
We all know permitting sometimes takes longer than anticipated, but word is that final permitting for Esther Simplot Park is close.  This park will be like no other in Boise with a strong emphasis on water and will be a great compliment to the Boise River Park.  Once construction starts on this project, it is anticipated to take approximately 1 year to complete.

5.    ACHD’s Commitment to the West End
ACHD has already spent over $9.5 million to improve transportation in the West End with the construction of Whitewater Park Boulevard and re-configuring 27th Street, and they plan on more projects.  Both Madison and Jefferson are slated for curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements west of 27th in 2016 and 2017.