Nampa Approves New Apartments and Townhomes to Replace Demolished Edwards Theater

The old Edwards Theater in Nampa's Sugar District has been demolished, making way for 284 apartments and 77 townhomes.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a collection of sleek, geometric objects in muted tones, conceptually representing the transformation of a community through urban redevelopment.The redevelopment of Nampa's former Edwards Theater site aims to breathe new life into the Sugar District through a mix of modern housing and revitalized commercial spaces.Nampa Today

The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission has approved conditional use permits for a new mixed-use development in the city's Sugar District, replacing the former Edwards Theater. The project will include 284 traditional apartments and 77 townhome-style units. While some neighbors miss the old theater, local business owners are optimistic that the new residents will boost foot traffic and sales in the evolving district.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of the former Edwards Theater site represents a significant change for the Sugar District, which has been undergoing revitalization in recent years with the addition of new businesses and amenities. The influx of hundreds of new residents could have a major impact on the local economy and community character of the neighborhood.

The details

The developer, Gardner, received approval for the housing portion of the project, though it still needs to clear the appeal period and obtain the appropriate permits before construction can begin. The new development will include 284 traditional apartments and 77 townhome-style units. Local business owners in the nearby plaza are optimistic about the potential boost in customers the new residents could bring, though some neighbors still miss the old Edwards Theater, which had become a target for vandalism in recent years.

  • The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved the conditional use permits for the new development.
  • The old Edwards Theater has been demolished to make way for the new apartments and townhomes.

The players

Gardner

The developer behind the new mixed-use project in Nampa's Sugar District.

Brian Toone

The owner of Graples, a business in the nearby plaza.

LaDon Reames

The owner of LaDon's Fine Jewelry, a business in the Sugar District.

Mary Ann Toone

A neighbor who recalls the old Edwards Theater.

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What they’re saying

“As a business owner, we want growth. We need people. We always need new people. We love seeing new customers.”

— Brian Toone, Owner, Graples

“That's our biggest change and our best change because they've come in— they've revamped everything. They've done a beautiful job.”

— LaDon Reames, Owner, LaDon's Fine Jewelry

“There was a lot of vandalism, and Gardner was aware of it, and they were putting in security, and they put in cameras, and that kind of thing, but still the kids were just, they'd keep coming.”

— Mary Ann Toone, Neighbor

What’s next

The developer, Gardner, still needs to clear the appeal period and obtain the appropriate permits before construction can begin on the new apartments and townhomes.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the former Edwards Theater site represents a significant shift for Nampa's Sugar District, as the influx of hundreds of new residents could have a major impact on the local economy and community character of the neighborhood. While some neighbors miss the old theater, local business owners are optimistic that the new development will bring a boost in foot traffic and sales.