Nampa Approves 300+ Homes Near Demolished Movie Theater

The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission greenlights new apartment and townhome developments in The Sugar District.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A stylized, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a cluster of modern, pastel-colored apartment buildings and townhomes surrounded by lush greenery, with a central amenity building and a glimpse of the nearby freeway in the background, representing the new residential developments planned for Nampa's Sugar District.A conceptual rendering of the new residential developments planned for Nampa's Sugar District, transforming the former commercial area into a vibrant, mixed-use community.Nampa Today

The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission has approved two conditional use permits to allow the construction of 284 apartment homes and 77 townhomes in The Sugar District, a former commercial area that previously housed the now-demolished Edwards Cinema. The developer, Gardner Company, says the new residential elements will help create a 'vibrant community' in the area.

Why it matters

The approval marks a significant shift for The Sugar District, which was previously focused on commercial and retail uses. The addition of hundreds of new homes near the former movie theater site aims to transform the area into a mixed-use community, aligning with Nampa's comprehensive plan goals.

The details

The approved plans include 284 apartment homes in eleven mostly three-story buildings, as well as 77 townhomes. The apartment complex will feature amenities like a clubroom, pool, fitness center, and coworking spaces. Garages will be included for both the apartments and townhomes. While some residents expressed concerns about increased traffic and parking, the commission generally agreed that the site is well-suited for the new multifamily residential development.

  • In October 2025, Gardner Company applied to modify the development agreement to remove a cap on retail square footage, paving the way for future residential construction.
  • In February 2026, Gardner Company received approval to demolish the former Edwards Cinema, which closed in 2022.
  • The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission approved the two conditional use permits for the new apartment and townhome developments on March 24, 2026.

The players

Gardner Company

The developer behind The Sugar District project and the applicant for the new residential developments.

Geoff Wardle

A representative for Gardner Company who presented the plans to the Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission.

David Wali

The managing partner of Gardner Company, who previously stated that the former theater site could be suitable for future apartment and townhome construction.

Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission

The local government body that unanimously approved the conditional use permits for the new residential developments in The Sugar District.

Drew Morgan

A commissioner who expressed support for building housing near the freeway and other services.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that in light of the changes that have happened in the retail market and office and other things, to truly capture the vision of community mixed-use in your comp plan, (the district) needs a robust residential element.”

— Geoff Wardle, Representative for Gardner Company

“If we're going to build housing, let's build it right next to the freeway, right next to other services.”

— Drew Morgan, Commissioner

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The approval of hundreds of new homes in The Sugar District marks a significant shift for the area, transforming it from a primarily commercial district into a mixed-use community. This aligns with Nampa's comprehensive plan goals, but also raises concerns about increased traffic and parking that the city will need to address.