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Meridian, ID March 2026

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Home, Inside and Out

This Home issue looks at how people in and around Meridian are shaping the way they live. You’ll find stories on thoughtful design and building, including interiors that feel calmer and more functional, smart approaches to wine storage, and communities taking shape over time through long-term planning.

We also step beyond the home. This issue includes a closer look at a Meridian athlete pushing the limits of competitive swimming, how gardening and native plants connect health and landscape, Snowfort’s return to Tamarack, and local families giving back through hands-on service. Together, these stories reflect the routines, creativity, and care that define life here. Thanks for reading and for being part of this community.

GREG GEWALT, PUBLISHER @MERIDIAN.LIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jill Trotter | jill.trotter@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jordan Gray, Denise Llorente, Emily Foster, Kimber Patterson, Chelsea Chambers, Dana Biberston

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Meridian Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, 215 E. Franklin Rd.

Community Starts With Service

Swimming His Own Way

Noteworthy in Idaho

Pink With Purpose

The third annual Make It Pink Gala returns May 2, 2026 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, supporting scholarships and kindness initiatives through an elegant evening of auctions, performances, and community impact. madewithkindnessfoundation.com

Tacos Underground

Toros Tacos opened its first Boise brickand-mortar inside Shrine Social Club, bringing late-night street tacos, burritos, and classic LA-inspired comfort food to downtown during live shows and evening hours. theduckclub.com

Year of Riesling

Idaho names 2026 the Year of Riesling, spotlighting a versatile grape that has shaped the state’s wine history for decades. From dry to sweet styles, winemakers celebrate its range and food-friendly appeal. idahowines.org

Snowfort 2026

March 6–7: Two nights of live music at Tamarack Resort blend winter days on the mountain with evening performances by national and regional artists, followed by late-night village afterparties. treefortmusicfest.com

Construction continues at The Village at Meridian, with a six-building expansion adding shops and restaurants. Planned tenants include Alo Yoga, Vuori, and Kendra Scott, reshaping the Eagle Road entrance. thevillageatmeridian.com

Community Starts with Service

The National Charity League’s Treasure Valley chapter brings families together to support local causes, foster leadership, and build lasting bonds through purposeful volunteer work

On a weekday afternoon in the Treasure Valley, service often happens quietly. A group of mothers and daughters might be sorting donations behind the scenes at a local nonprofit, assembling care packages, or helping prepare for a community event that most people will never realize took weeks of planning. These moments rarely make headlines, yet they form the backbone of many organizations doing meaningful work across the region.

That steady, hands-on approach defines the National Charity League Treasure Valley Chapter, the first and only chapter of the organization in Idaho. Established locally in 2022, the chapter brings together mothers and their daughters from Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Star with a shared commitment to community service, leadership development, and strengthening the mother-daughter relationship through action.

Since its founding, the Treasure Valley Chapter has contributed nearly 9,000 volunteer hours to more than 25 local nonprofit partners. Those partnerships include organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Idaho Food Bank, Community Cakes, Idaho Senior Games, the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County, and Women’s and Children’s Alliance. The work spans a wide range of needs, from food insecurity and family support to community events and advocacy.

For local partners, the value of that commitment goes beyond the number of hours logged.

Courtney Otto, Volunteer Coordinator at Women’s and Children’s Alliance, describes the chapter as dependable, engaged, and willing to step in wherever help is needed. Whether organizing in-kind drives, supporting fundraisers, or assisting with logistics, the mothers and daughters consistently show up with energy and purpose. That reliability, she notes, allows nonprofits to focus more fully on serving their clients.

At its core, National Charity League is designed to develop socially responsible young women while reinforcing the importance of shared service within families. Daughters participate during their middle and high school years, gaining experience in leadership, accountability, and civic involvement. By volunteering alongside their mothers, service becomes less abstract and more personal, rooted in shared experience rather than obligation.

For Tammi Sharp, president of the Treasure Valley Chapter, that shared experience is what makes the organization stand out. Having spent years involved with National Charity League, she has seen firsthand how service shapes confidence, perspective, and connection. She speaks not just about the impact on the community, but about the quieter moments that happen during volunteer work, conversations while sorting food, laughter while baking cakes, and the sense of pride that comes from doing something meaningful together.

The Treasure Valley Chapter is part of a much larger national organization with a long history. National Charity League was founded in Los Angeles in 1925 and today includes more than 320 chapters across 32 states. While its reach is national, the organization’s focus remains local, with each chapter responding to the specific needs of its community.

In the Treasure Valley, that local focus has translated into a culture of service that feels both intentional and lasting. For the families involved, participation is not about recognition or résumé building. It is about showing up consistently, learning through doing, and passing along values that extend beyond any single project.

As the chapter continues to grow, its impact is already visible in the organizations it supports and in the young women who are learning, early on, what it means to lead with empathy and purpose.

Families interested in learning more about National Charity League Treasure Valley Chapter and future membership opportunities can inquire directly by emailing membershiptreasurevalley@nclonline.org.

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SWIMMING HIS OWN WAY

With the scent of chlorine heavy in the air, Bowen Toomey takes a leap off the starting block and into the pool. The 17-year-old orients himself and begins gliding swiftly between the floating, two-tone lane barriers. When he comes up for air, he hears his team, family, and friends cheering him on, rallying him forward. Before the meet, Toomey listened to his hype playlist to get excited. Now, he’s focused on beating the target time he picked out beforehand.

The water parts beneath his partial left arm and slips past him as he flexes his torso – movements he’s honed since he was a kid to accommodate the right arm and legs he wasn’t born with.

A last push.

A new time on the scoreboard.

And another personal best for the S2 para-class swimmer, who has swum his way into the record books.

Bowen Toomey Breaks American Records and Boundaries
Photo Credit: Joan Wong

ONE STROKE AT A TIME

“When I was younger, my mom taught me to float on my back and I just took off from there,” Toomey said. “I personally developed my way of swimming. I’m unique. I just figured out my own way.”

Toomey’s strokes must account for his different buoyancy.

“For instance, my hips like to sink and stop me in my tracks,” he said. “I try to work through it. I don’t ever stop swimming. I just keep trying.”

That persistence is something that stood out to Coach Linda Conger, the head site coach at the South Meridian YMCA of the Boise YMCA swim team. Toomey’s brother Heath, now 19, used to swim for the team, while brother Brooks, 17, started a few years ago. Conger encouraged all the siblings to join the team. Initially, Toomey was satisfied with doing his own thing.

“A little over a year ago, I saw (Bowen) at the South Y and I said, ‘When are you going to come swimming with me?’ And he finally said, ‘Well, I want to start now.’ So that's kind of how we got him going.” And being part of the team has created new opportunities for Toomey.

“(I enjoy) swimming competitively with other swimmers and standing out,” he said.

RECORD-SETTING TRENDSETTER

Conger said for S2 para swimming events, the longest race is a 200 freestyle. But Toomey was ready for more. Since joining the Boise YMCA team in January 2025, he’s swum longer and longer distances, quickly marking out the 1650 as his favorite.

“We did the 1650 a couple times in practice,” Conger said. “And he just kind of gets in a rhythm and it's like the Energizer Bunny: he just keeps going and going. While we were doing that, I went and got a little curious. So I looked up to see what the American records for the S2s were. And it's like, ‘Wait a minute, he just would have broken the 200-yard freestyle by a minute.’ And there were no American records in the 500, the 1000 yards, and the 1650 yards. It's like, ‘Hey, we can swim a meet where he swims the mile, and we can set four American records in one race.’”

Which is exactly what Toomey did at the November 2025 SR Boise YMCA Swim Team Intrasquad meet.

“I felt like a trendsetter because I am the only one in my S2 para classification to race that race,” he said. “I felt victorious. I felt on fire. I felt joyful.”

FROM THE START

Understanding Toomey’s triumphs necessitates revisiting his starting point in an orphanage crib in Belgrade, Serbia.

Devon and Jeremy Toomey were interested in adoption. Devon Toomey had a background as a special education teacher, so a special needs child seemed an obvious fit. But how it would all come together was a mystery.

“But then one day, shortly after giving birth to our second son Brooks, I saw Bowen in a photo and the instant I saw him, I knew he was meant to be our son,” she said.

The entire family traveled to Serbia to pick Bowen Toomey up in June 2010.

Photo Credit: Joan Wong
“I

will keep with competitive sports. I’m not going to quit. I would like to keep working with Coach Conger and make it to the (Paralympics) for swimming. Maybe even LA 2028!”

Photo Credit: Joan Wong
Photo Credit: Joan Wong
Bowen Toomey at the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Nationals.
Photo Credit: Joan Wong

“It was amazing seeing Bowen for the first time,” Devon Toomey said. “We were so grateful to finally be in Serbia, knowing we were there to bring our son home.”

FIND A WAY

The newest member of the Toomey family faced different trials than most.

“When Bowen came home, at 18 months old, he didn’t know how to sit up, chew food, talk, etc.,” Devon Toomey said. “So those first few months were definitely challenging. But at the same time, it was a really big time of growth for him on so many levels, and that was really exciting to see. He handled everything so well and quickly gained all those skills and more.”

Jeremy Toomey told all his sons: “Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.” And whether it was time trials or learning how to get around, Bowen Toomey started succeeding again and again.

“We’ve always raised him to be independent and to dream big,” Devon Toomey said. “We don’t put limitations on him and have taught him from the beginning to not put limitations on himself. We always said, ‘You can do everything that other people are doing. You may just have to find a different way to do it, unique to yourself.’ And he has! That has been amazing to see.”

Swimming was an early priority, as the Toomeys wanted all their children to be safe around water.

“(Bowen) naturally took to the water and quickly started swimming independently, discovering his own individual technique,” Devon Toomey said. “We love the sport of swimming so it has been extremely nice that all three of our boys took to it and have really enjoyed being a part of the swim community.”

DAY-TO-DAY

When not in the pool, you can find Bowen Toomey spending time with his family.

“(I like) watching movies, traveling, and enjoying a meal together.”

The entire family still honors his Serbian roots, with traditions like Serbian Christmas, where they prepare dishes from his homeland.

“We have always made sure Bowen knew about his birth country,” Devon Toomey said. “It’s important for us to celebrate his culture and have that be a part of his life. It’s part of who he is and that is something to cherish.”

School days at Northstar Charter High School are packed and include his favorite subjects (art and philosophy), but Bowen Toomey still finds time for even more hobbies.

“Dance, snowboarding, surfing, baseball, jumping on the trampoline, listening to music, watching movies and tv shows, reading, doing research with my computer on lots of things,” he said.

And there’s nothing like some good-natured sibling rivalry.

“We have good sportsmanship toward each other,” Bowen Toomey said of his brother Brooks. “I like swimming with him.”

Bowen Toomey said he sometimes struggles with articulating his thoughts, but continues to do his best at achieving his goals.

“Fellow athletes say that they are inspired by me and ‘Good job!’”

NEW GOALS

Bowen Toomey has big plans for his future.

“As an adult: Working in aviation, hopefully as a pilot,” he said. “I would also like to try acting.”

But he won’t be abandoning the water.

“I will keep with competitive sports,” he said. “I’m not going to quit. I would like to keep working with Coach Conger and make it to the (Paralympics) for swimming. Maybe even LA 2028!”

Until then, he’ll keep following the advice he loves to give: “Keep doing your best.”

The Toomey Family.
Photo Credit: The Toomey Family

Bringing art to life and offering a space where artistic excellence and quality craftsmanship meet.

At Create Gallery and Frames, we’ve built our reputation on a commitment to craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for art.

From contemporary to classic, our passion is to bring out the best in every piece we touch. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service, expert advice, and highquality materials that elevate your artwork and living spaces.

Create Gallery and Frames is dedicated to fostering a vibrant art community by providing a luxurious and welcoming space for artists to showcase their work and for patrons to discover meaningful pieces. Through exceptional framing services, curated events, and a focus on quality and connection, we aim to enrich lives, support artistic expression, and inspire creativity in every interaction.

HOW TO DESIGN A RELAXING SPACE

INVESTING IN HOME DESIGN CAN GIVE YOU A PEACEFUL SANCTUARY WHERE YOU CAN ESCAPE FROM THE STRESSES OF DAILY LIFE. SO GO AHEAD, TAKE THE PLUNGE AND REVAMP YOUR LIVING SPACES – IT’S WORTH EVERY PENNY!

There are many things that can help a room feel relaxing, but let’s keep it simple and focus on my top three. I would say that one must incorporate good lighting, great textures, and a decluttered space to truly get the cozy vibes. Let’s tackle each.

GOOD LIGHTING

It is imperative that there are multiple sources of light in a space. A room needs a soft warm light, so I always like to use a light bulb between 2,700k and 3,000k. Also, and I see this so many times, all lights should have the same temperature light bulb to avoid clashing. It’s not enough to just have recessed or pendant lighting. I always add a table or floor lamp to a space to truly have ambient light.  Also, candles are a must for me. They can be scented candles (an extra way to add relaxation) or I like to use remote control tapered candles, so I don’t have to worry about cleaning up wax later.

GREAT TEXTURES

Textures are seen in toss pillows, rugs, draperies, throw blankets and furniture upholstery. Textures add color, pattern and visual interest. I like to use at least three different textures to help a room feel lived-in and welcoming.

DECLUTTERING

So many times, a person thinks that every nook and cranny and every wall need to have something, and this is not the case. A decluttered space is actually more relaxing because overcrowding of items doesn’t quiet the mind. Decluttering a space can be overwhelming, I get it, so just do it in stages. You’ll love the outcome when the room is tidy, organized and you are only surrounded with what brings you joy.

invest inyour living space

Music Takes Over WHEN WINTER LINGERS

Snowfort blends skiing days with mountain concerts as Tamarack settles into its late-winter rhythm season

By early March, Tamarack feels different. The crowds thin just enough, the snow settles into a reliable rhythm, and the mountain seems to exhale. It is the moment when winter locals linger a little longer, knowing the season is rounding a corner. Snowfort has learned to live comfortably in that space.

Returning March 6 and 7, 2026, Snowfort brings its fourth year of live music to the Village at Tamarack Resort, folding evening concerts into days spent skiing, riding, or wandering the trails. The concept is simple and largely unchanged since its start. Music happens after the lifts slow down. Boots replace ski boots. The mountain becomes a backdrop rather than the main attraction.

Friday night belongs to Blu DeTiger, whose bass-heavy pop leans into funk and movement. Her rise has been steady rather than sudden, built on groove, stage presence, and an ability to hold a crowd without spectacle. It is the kind of set that works outdoors, where people are bundled up, dancing more for warmth than performance. Boise bands Mondo Pondo and Sheep Bridge Jumpers open the night, keeping the evening rooted in the regional scene before the music drifts toward a late afterparty at Seven Devils Taphouse.

Saturday shifts the tone without losing momentum. NEIL FRANCES brings a DJ set shaped by sleek rhythms and melodic restraint. Their sound favors atmosphere over volume, creating a steady pulse rather than a peak-and-drop frenzy. Portland’s Glitterfox adds glam and edge, while Deep Heaven and Red Caroline continue Snowfort’s tradition of giving Boise acts a central role.

Snowfort works because it resists overstatement. Sets run from early evening into night, leaving daylight for the mountain itself. There is no pressure to choose between skiing and music, between winter and culture. The weekend moves easily between both, shaped as much by the setting as the sound.

Snowfort unfolds at Tamarack Resort, a four-season destination, blending skiing, golf, lake recreation, lodging, dining, and year-round programming. Since new ownership took full control in 2021, more than $200 million has reshaped the mountain into a destination. TamarackIdaho.com

The Joy of Tidying

HOW TO GET STARTED AND STAY MOTIVATED

Call it spring cleaning or IG envy, but this is the time of year I want everything – and I mean EVERYTHING –organized in my kitchen and closets.   While I’m pretty good at maintaining an already-tidied space, tackling the not-so-tidy closet is where I need help.  Heather Bifulco of TidyHomes came to the rescue with some great advice on getting started.

“My biggest suggestion is that you start small,” said Heather.  “Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session.  Our clients really struggle with the edit phase of the organization, but by the end they completely loosen up and start to have fun.  For example, start under the kitchen sink.  Lots of wins to be had there!”

Great tip.  Now I had a plan of attack.

Next up?  Creating categories. Organizing a space means taking out EVERYTHING and categorizing. Once that’s done, Heather always thoroughly cleans to inspire the flow of great ideas and have a fresh slate.  Consider everything from dusting the baseboards to replacing light fixtures to adding a coat of paint to change up and freshen the new look.

rid your home of things that don’t work, things you have a better version of, things you never use and things that no longer make you happy,” says Heather.  The key word here is ‘things.’  “Whether it’s an old umbrella or a new pair of rain boots,” she said, “the ask is the same.”  Deep breath.  That green hat I’ve loved forever?  Keep.  Three versions of the same jacket?  Donate.  The pile of single gloves?  Toss.  Once I got going, it became easier and faster to make those decisions.

Once you can actually see everything you’re keeping, you want what you use most often within arm’s reach. Seasonal items can go on higher or lower shelves.  The sweet spot of shelving is dedicated to what I need to grab daily.   Heather found beautiful baskets and bins that make me happy just to look at them.  “Finding containers you love will provide so much motivation toward completing an organization project,” she said.

Now for the fun (and sometimes hard) part: touching every item in the category piles and asking myself whether something actually serves a purpose.   “This is the time to

The whole goal at the end of organizing is to have no clutter.  That’s right, this isn’t an attempt to harness clutter, but to eliminate it entirely.  That being said, some of us live with little people who contribute to clutter every day.  Heather’s advice on that subject turned out to be life-changing.  She suggests creating ONE drop zone, not several.

“My biggest suggestion is that you start small. Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session.”

Finally she revealed her most important tip.

“There are no exceptions to this,” she admits. “Labeling is the key to maintenance and to eliminating the pain of not being able to find something.  We have so many beautiful options for labeling now that it shouldn’t even be a question.  Label.  Always label.”

Great advice from the top of my closet to the bottom. This is why I’ve already scheduled Heather to help me organize the entryway and kitchen! @tidystylehome

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HANDS IN THE SOIL

DISCOVER HOW PUTTING YOUR HANDS IN THE SOIL FOSTERS HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND SUSTAINABILITY, WHILE SUPPORTING POLLINATORS AND THE ENVIRONMENT WITH NATIVE PLANTS

Want to reduce stress, boost your immune system, and support our planet at the same time? It can be as simple as putting your hands in the dirt. Gardening has been proven, time and time again, to have a profoundly impactful effect on the human nervous system, but more recently, the immune system as well. The National Institute of Health found that direct skin-to-soil contact immediately increases the diversity of what is called the ‘microbiota’ of the skin. This diversifying Globemallow

“Gardening nourishes the soul and planet, boosting our immune system, reducing stress, and creating a thriving ecosystem for pollinators and native wildlife.”

contact inspires a powerfully beneficial reaction in our body’s immune system while simultaneously triggering the brain to release serotonin.

But beyond the instant immune boost and natural dose of joy, gardening has another profound benefit for our planet and the pollinators that maintain our food supply. “Gardening is one of the most accessible and effective ways we can make positive impacts,” shared Annie Ford, Gardener at Edwards Greenhouse. “Supporting birds and insects, and growing fruits and vegetables, makes a big difference on an individual level, but the cumulative effect of many people doing these things has the potential to make widespread, meaningful change for the better.”

Whether you have a massive in-ground garden, are container planting, or landscaping for aesthetics, it is important to consider local options whenever possible. “Native plants thrive more easily with fewer amendments and sometimes less water. They support local insect and bird populations, and encourage a balanced ecosystem of predators, prey, and pollinators,” explained Robb Smith, Edwards’ Perennials Manager. Some of his recommendations include Penstemons, Rubber Rabbitbush, and Cusick's Giant Hyssop.

Like many of us, Alyson Burleigh’s fascination with plants began when she was a child. “My mom was really into houseplants and gardening, so many Saturdays were spent perusing the local garden centers and nurseries. Some of my fondest memories involve playing in the fountains and getting lost among the plants at the now defunct Union Farm and Garden Store.”

“Some of my fondest memories involve playing in the fountains and getting lost among the plants at the now defunct Union Farm and Garden Store.”

Burleigh, who has been the General Manager of the North End Organic Nursery for 14 years, is also an advocate for planting as native as possible to help support our local environment. Not to mention they just tend to grow a lot better! “They are acclimated to our climate, so they are so much heartier than say a fragile Hydrangea!” Burleigh said. “Native plants also tend to be more drought tolerant, and they are visually appealing.” For native recommendations, Burleigh is also a fan of Penstemons but additionally suggests Globemallow, Blue Eyed Grass, Blue Elderberry, and Yarrow. She offers some advice for planters of all styles as they prepare for the spring season. “Common mistakes I see are planting things that are not suitable for our area. It might be tempting to buy something from a big box store because it’s cheaper, but a lot of those plants have been grown in warmer climates then shipped up here, where they are suddenly thrown into our harsh winters and scalding summers this is a recipe for disaster. Also, customers really need to read the labels and ask questions! Make sure if it is a sun loving plant it doesn’t get planted in the shade or vice versa. It is imperative that you give your plants the right conditions for them to thrive.”

March is a great time to kickstart your lawn health with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and our expert gardeners would suggest waiting until mid-April or later to start your spring cleanup. “Beneficial pollinator insects are sheltering in all that debris until they come out of torpor. The insect larvae that winter beneath the leaves are also a critical food source for the baby birds that will be hatching in spring,” said Ford.

As winter’s chill begins to recede, it’s time to start your research and garden preparations. And this year, try to focus on the mutual benefit that gardening has for both you and your natural environment. Plant native and plant abundantly!

Elderberry syrup from fresh elderberries
Fernbush

P R I M E B O I S E

R I M E B O I S E

DESIGNING COMMUNITY FOR THE LONG TERM

A FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY REFLECTS CHANGING PRIORITIES IN HOW IDAHO GROWS

North of Eagle, beyond established neighborhoods and toward the foothills, a new residential community is gradually taking form. Valnova stretches across roughly 6,000 acres of rolling land at the edge of the Treasure Valley, an area long designated for future growth but only recently beginning to change in visible ways.

The property was annexed into the City of Eagle in 2007, yet development did not move quickly. Ownership changed hands more than once, and for years the land remained largely untouched. That shifted in 2022, when Clyde Capital Group acquired the property and began work that focused less on

The 6,000 acre land plan allows for more than 50% open space

homes and more on what would support them. Roads, utilities, water storage, and wastewater infrastructure were built first, with multiple access points designed to accommodate a community expected to grow over decades rather than years.

Today, early signs of daily life are beginning to emerge. Paved pathways and natural trails run through sections of the foothills, some complete, others still bordered by construction fencing. From higher points, the views extend toward Bogus Basin and across the valley. Nearby, the Eagle Regional Athletic Park has already become part of the area’s routine, drawing families and activity to the surrounding landscape.

For Jacie Mustafić and her family, choosing to build in Valnova was less about marketing materials and more about watching the groundwork take place. They reserved a homesite in early 2024 and followed the progress closely as roads and utilities were installed around them. “We knew what we wanted,” Jacie says. “We saw the development come to life with infrastructure as our home was being built. We wanted the dream home and the dream lifestyle. We found it all in Valnova.”

Several months after moving in, what stands out to her is not a single amenity but the pace of the place itself. Mornings begin with light coming over the hills. At night, the stars are visible in a way that feels increasingly uncommon. She describes a sense of quiet that comes from being far enough removed from the city to notice the absence of traffic and background noise. “There’s just a sense of calm living in a place where the noise pollution from the city cannot be heard,” she says.

Valnova’s long-term plans reflect its scale. At full build-out, the community is expected to include as many as 7,100 homes, along with land set aside for schools, emergency services, and neighborhood centers. Recreation is a central part of the design, with plans that include lakes, pools, fitness spaces, courts, and trails intended to serve both structured activities and everyday use.

Housing options are varied, ranging from townhomes and duplexes to custom homes built into the foothills. Additional plans include an active adult community in the coming years. The intent, according to those behind the project, is to allow residents to remain in the same community as their needs and stages of life change.

For longtime Treasure Valley residents, Valnova reflects broader shifts already underway across the region. Population growth continues, outdoor access remains a priority, and new developments are being asked to think beyond housing alone. For those considering Idaho as a future home, the project offers a look at how growth is being approached in places where land, infrastructure, and time are treated as long-term investments. CONTINUED

The Mustafić family
Outdoor gathering spaces, water, trails, and recreation shape daily life at the center of Valnova.
Bachman Custom Homes PC: CY Gilbert Photography

As construction continues and more residents arrive, Valnova will ultimately be defined less by plans and renderings than by routine. School mornings, evening walks, weekend games at the park, and the small patterns that shape everyday life will determine what the community becomes. In a region still adjusting to its own growth, that slow accumulation of lived experience may prove to be the most meaningful measure of success.

VALNOVA NEIGHBORHOODS AT A GLANCE

Valnova is taking shape as a series of thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, each defined by how it connects residents to the land, the foothills, and a growing network of shared spaces. Kirkhills rests along the Eagle foothills, where broad views and open skies set the tone. The neighborhood is marked

Glencara Recreation Village
Walking paths, greenways, and foothill access

by unusually flat homesites, some as large as half an acre, offering flexibility for semi custom and fully custom single family homes. A neighborhood park and immediate access to surrounding open space give Kirkhills a relaxed, outdoor oriented character without feeling remote.

Higher in elevation, Glenview leans into a quieter foothills experience. Every homesite backs to open space, creating a strong sense of privacy and uninterrupted views toward Bogus Basin. Lots here reach up to an acre, appealing to those who value space and seclusion, while remaining close to Glencara Recreation Village and the future Town Center. Homeowners work with a curated group of builders to shape homes that reflect both place and lifestyle.

Lindale offers a more compact and connected option. Townhomes, duplexes, and smaller single family homes sit within

easy reach of parks, trails, and Glencara Recreation Village, making it an accessible choice for active, walkable living.

At the heart of Valnova, Muirhaven centers on connection. With direct access to Glencara Recreation Village and the Glencara Pathway, the neighborhood blends townhomes, paseo homes, and cottage style residences into a close knit, village inspired setting.

Berkeley Building Co
Core Building Company
Solitude Homes
Townhomes by Hammett Homes

PREMIER BUILDER AT VALNOVA

Meridian + Valley Events

MARCH 2026

1-7 — THE LION KING!

Morrison Center: The return of Disney's THE LION KING! morrisoncenter.com

3 — PRESCHOOL ZOO

Zoo Boise, 9 AM: A nimal encounters for adults and preschoolers. zooboise.org

5 — AMERICA 250 JUMP, 5 PM: Women shaping change and lasting legacies. cityofboise.org

5 — TOBYMAC’S TOUR 2026!

ExtraMile Arena, 7 PM: Celebrate with your favorite hits live. extramilearena.com

5-8 — WINTER SPORTS APEX WEEKEND

Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse: Snow sports fun! challengedathletes.net

6–7 — SNOWFORT 2026

Tamarack Resort: Featuring Blu DeTiger and  NEIL FRANCES, plus regional acts. treefortmusicfest.com

7 — ANNUAL FRANK AND BETHINE CHURCH GALA

Boise Centre, 5:30 PM: A celebration of progress, community, and supporting Idaho Democrats. fb.com

7 — EAT, DRINK, SHOP IDAHO

370 S 8th St suite: Local artisans and foods every Saturday. eatdrinkshopidaho.com

7 — MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR

The Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: Inspiring adventure and culture through documentary films. showclix.com

7-8 — WINTER WINE WEEKENDS

Garden City: Sip and snack your way to a tropical escape. idahowines.org

7-11 — BIG SKY BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Idaho Central Arena: Championship basketball with NCAA spots on the line. bigskyconf.com

9 — SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

The Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: A fairytale ballet. grandkyivballet.com

12 — MERIDIAN CHAMBER  MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Meridian Chamber, 2:30 PM:  Connect, collaborate, and grow with fellow local business owners. meridianchamber.org

14 — ST. PATRICK'S DAY BAR CRAWL

Downtown Boise, 4 PM: Green drinks, shamrocks, and St. Patrick’s Day fun. crawlwith.us

14 — JEFF DUNHAM: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOUR

ExtraMile Arena, 5 PM: Live with all your favorite characters. extramilearena.com

14 — FOOD TRUCK RALLY GOES TO THE DOGS

Lloyd Square, 12 NN: Food, music, and fun supporting local dog parks. idahohumanesociety.org

15-28 — ANNUAL CAPITOL ROTUNDA ART SHOW

Idaho State Capitol: View watercolor art and vote for your favorite. fb.com

16-20 — SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Idaho State Museum: Hands-on fun, creativity, and exploration for kids. downtownboise.org

19 — MERIDIAN VETWORKING

Royal Coffee Co., 8 AM: Real connections for veterans, spouses, and supporters. fb.com

20 — COMMUNITY SQUARE DANCE

Idaho Outdoor Association, 7 PM: Every 3rd Friday for beginner-friendly square dancing with live music. visitboise.com

21 — THE DOSE: A PSYCHEDELIC COMEDY SHOW

The Olympic Venue, 7 PM: An immersive comedy experience. thedosecomedyshow.com

22 — LADIES' DAY

1021 8th St NW, 11 AM:  A day of worship, encouragement, and connection for women. zeffy.com

25-29 — TREEFORT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Downtown Boise: Five days of music, art, and unexpected experiences. treefortmusicfest.com

27 — THE SECRET SHOW

Liquid Lounge, 8 PM: Share secrets and hear others—anonymously. broadwayworld.com

27-29 — BOISE FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

Boise Centre: Kick off spring surrounded by blooms, beauty, and inspiration. iblevents.com

27,29 — THAÏS: MASSENET'S GRAND FRENCH OPERA

The Egyptian Theatre: A lush, dramatic opera exploring desire, redemption, and transformation. operaidaho.org

28 — CARS & COFFEE

Indian Creek Plaza, 9 AM: Cars, coffee, and morning vibes for all. indiancreekplaza.com

28 — HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

Morrison Center, 1 PM: See the story unfold as a full orchestra plays the score live. boisephil.org

Julius M. Kleiner Park

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