East Boise armory redevelopment as church draws opposition

The Armory in East Boise has sat empty, collecting dust for almost three decades. What was once the headquarters of the Idaho National Guard has now been left with several unfinished plans for redevelopment.

Now a new plan is in place. Boise’s Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a conditional use permit for River House Ministries’ redevelopment plans on the site.

The church, based in Garden City, plans to use the property for worship. The plans include enough space for 700 people to attend services. They also include blueprints for offices and a cafe.

Riley Verner, who works in the church and is heading the redevelopment effort, says he is “excited” to call the Armory home after so many years of it sitting “largely dilapidated and falling apart.”

But some East End Boiseans are