Heritage Square: Downtown Meridian’s Long-Vacant Union 93 Site Is Finally Getting a New Beginning

For years, one of the most noticeable properties in downtown Meridian has been the unfinished Union 93 development. Sitting at the prominent corner of Main Street and Broadway, the site became a symbol of a project that never quite crossed the finish line. Residents watched construction stall, plans fade into uncertainty, and one of the city's most valuable downtown locations remain largely unused.

Now, that’s finally changing.

On July 14, developers officially unveiled Heritage Square, a new mixed-use development that aims to transform the long-vacant property into a vibrant destination featuring restaurants, retail shops, office space, housing, a hotel, and public gathering areas.

For Meridian residents, this isn't just another development announcement. It's an opportunity to breathe new life into the heart of downtown and continue the city's transformation into one of Idaho's fastest-growing communities.

Here's what Heritage Square is, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of downtown Meridian.

A Fresh Start for a Site That Has Waited Years

Anyone familiar with downtown Meridian likely knows the story of the former Union 93 site.

Originally envisioned as a major mixed-use project, Union 93 generated excitement when it was first announced. The goal was to create a destination where people could live, work, shop, and gather in one central location.

Unfortunately, construction never reached completion.

Instead, the property remained unfinished for years, leaving residents wondering if anything would ever happen there. Because of its location at Main Street and Broadway—arguably one of downtown Meridian's most visible intersections—the unfinished site became difficult to ignore.

Now, Heritage Square represents an entirely new vision for the property.

Rather than allowing another key piece of downtown to sit vacant, developers are moving forward with a plan designed to better connect with Meridian's growing downtown district and evolving community needs.

What Is Heritage Square?

Heritage Square is planned as a mixed-use development, meaning it will combine several different types of spaces into one walkable destination instead of focusing on a single purpose.

According to the project announcement, Heritage Square is expected to include:

• Retail shops

• Restaurants

• Office space

• Residential housing

• A hotel

• Public gathering spaces

  
  

Instead of becoming another standalone shopping center or apartment complex, the goal is to create a place where people can spend an afternoon, grab dinner, attend community events, or even live and work—all within the same development.

This type of design has become increasingly popular because it encourages walkability while creating a stronger sense of community.

Why Mixed-Use Developments Are Becoming More Popular

As Meridian continues to grow, city leaders and developers are increasingly looking for projects that maximize land while creating places people actually want to visit.

Mixed-use developments accomplish several goals at once.

Rather than separating shopping, housing, offices, and entertainment into different parts of the city, they bring them together in one location.

That offers several benefits:

More Walkability

Instead of driving from one destination to another, visitors can park once and explore multiple businesses on foot.

For downtown Meridian, that's especially valuable since much of the area is already designed around walkable streets and local businesses.

Supporting Local Businesses

Restaurants and shops benefit from consistent foot traffic created by nearby offices, residents, hotel guests, and community events.

Instead of relying solely on customers driving in, businesses gain a built-in audience throughout the day.

More Activity Throughout the Day

A neighborhood made up entirely of offices often becomes quiet after 5 p.m.

Likewise, shopping centers may only stay busy during weekends.

A mixed-use project creates activity morning, afternoon, and evening because different groups use the space at different times.

Why This Location Matters

The intersection of Main Street and Broadway isn't just another empty lot.

It's located in the heart of downtown Meridian, surrounded by restaurants, small businesses, community events, and historic buildings.

Over the past several years, downtown Meridian has steadily grown into one of the Treasure Valley's most active downtown districts.

Events like farmers markets, seasonal celebrations, concerts, and community festivals regularly draw visitors from across the region.

Because Heritage Square sits at such a prominent location, whatever gets built there has the potential to shape the overall feel of downtown for years to come.

A successful project could strengthen connections between existing businesses while encouraging even more people to spend time downtown.

A Hotel Could Bring More Visitors to Downtown

One of the most interesting parts of the Heritage Square proposal is the planned hotel.

Hotels can have a significant impact on downtown areas because they bring overnight visitors directly into the city's core.

Rather than staying near the interstate or on the outskirts of town, visitors would have easier access to local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and entertainment within walking distance.

For local businesses, that can translate into more customers throughout the year—not just during major events.

As Meridian continues attracting conferences, youth sports tournaments, and regional visitors, additional downtown lodging could also help support tourism while giving visitors a more authentic experience of the city.

Public Gathering Spaces Could Become a New Community Hub

Another key feature planned for Heritage Square is public gathering space.

While new restaurants and shops often receive the most attention, public spaces are what frequently turn developments into true community destinations.

Open plazas, seating areas, landscaped courtyards, and event spaces provide places where people can meet friends, attend community events, or simply spend time outdoors.

As downtown Meridian continues evolving, spaces like these become increasingly valuable because they give residents reasons to return beyond shopping or dining.

Communities often become stronger when they include places designed simply for people to gather.

What This Means for Downtown Meridian

Heritage Square is about more than replacing an unfinished building.

It's about restoring momentum to a part of downtown that has spent years waiting for a new chapter.

If completed as planned, the development could:

• Add new dining and shopping options

• Increase housing opportunities downtown

• Bring more visitors through a new hotel

• Support existing local businesses

• Create new public gathering spaces

• Help strengthen Meridian's downtown identity

  
  

For longtime residents, it represents progress on a property that many had begun to assume would remain unfinished indefinitely.

For newcomers considering a move to Meridian, it signals continued investment in creating a vibrant, walkable downtown that complements the city's rapid residential growth.

Downtown Meridian Continues to Evolve

Meridian has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, becoming one of Idaho's fastest-growing cities.

While much of that growth has occurred through new neighborhoods and commercial development on the city's edges, there's also been a growing focus on investing in downtown.

Projects like Heritage Square reflect a broader effort to create a downtown that serves both longtime residents and newcomers—a place where people can shop locally, enjoy restaurants, attend community events, and spend time together without leaving the city center.

Although construction will take time, simply seeing movement on a site that sat unfinished for years is encouraging for many residents.

The transformation won't happen overnight, but Heritage Square represents a significant step toward completing one of downtown Meridian's most visible unfinished stories.

Looking Ahead

There's still plenty to learn about Heritage Square as planning and development move forward, including construction timelines, future tenants, and the overall build-out schedule.

Even so, the project's unveiling marks an important milestone.

After years of uncertainty surrounding the former Union 93 site, downtown Meridian finally has a new vision—and one that aims to create a destination where people can live, work, shop, dine, and gather all in one place.

If everything comes together as planned, Heritage Square could become one of the defining additions to downtown Meridian over the coming years, helping turn a long-vacant property into a vibrant centerpiece for the community.

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