222-Acre ‘District at Ten Mile’ Mixed-Use Development Planned for Meridian, Idaho, to Feature Super Target and Life Time Fitness
A massive mixed-use development is taking shape in Meridian, Idaho, as Idaho-based developer Ahlquist prepares to break ground on “The District at Ten Mile” — a 222-acre project near Highway 16 and Interstate 84 that promises to reshape the commercial and residential landscape of the Treasure Valley. The development is expected to include what developers say will be Idaho’s only “Super Target,” a Life Time fitness center, two hotels, approximately 1,800 residential units, and a broad mix of retail, office, and light industrial space.
A Major Step Forward for Meridian Development
Developers at Ahlquist recently shared an overview of the project with local media, announcing that they have already closed on the first 100 acres of land — a significant milestone for a project that aims to become a central hub for commerce, shopping, and living in the Treasure Valley.
Groundbreaking for The District at Ten Mile is scheduled for May 5, kicking off what Ahlquist describes as a long-term, phased development with more announcements expected in the coming months.
Tommy Ahlquist, the project’s lead developer, described the location as strategically positioned at what he calls the geographic center of the region, with proximity to major transportation corridors serving fast-growing communities across Ada County.
“We think it’s in a perfect spot for people to come and go in the middle of the valley, and we’re really excited for this next phase,” said Ahlquist. “It takes a while to do a Target deal. So we’ve been working with them for a long time and to have them finally closed and having their construction start here in the next couple of months is a big deal.”
What’s Planned at The District at Ten Mile
The development is designed to serve a wide range of needs for Treasure Valley residents and businesses. According to Ahlquist, the project will include:
Retail and Dining: Idaho’s only “Super Target,” an Ashley Furniture store, Panera Bread, In-N-Out Burger, and Taco Bell are among the confirmed tenants. Flower Child is also set to open its first Idaho location at The Village at Meridian, a sign that national restaurant brands are increasingly targeting the Treasure Valley as a growth market.
Health and Fitness: A Life Time fitness location described as a “mothership” concept — suggesting a large, flagship-style facility — is included in the plans.
Hospitality: Two hotels are planned — a Hilton and a Hyatt — positioning the development as a regional destination for business travelers and visitors.
Commercial Space: The project will feature class A office space, premium retail suites, flex office space, and light industrial facilities, offering a range of options for businesses of varying sizes and industries.
Residential: Approximately 1,800 residential units, including apartments and townhomes, are planned as part of the development — a direct response to Meridian’s continued population growth and the Treasure Valley’s housing demand.
As Ahlquist described it: “With a diverse mix of class A office space, premium retail suites and sites, flex office space, and light industrial facilities, this development caters to the dynamic needs of today’s businesses.”
Impact on Ada County Residents and the Surrounding Area
For residents in and around Meridian, the development represents a significant change to the local landscape — one that will bring jobs, services, and thousands of new neighbors to the area near Highway 16 and I-84.
At least some nearby residents appear to welcome the project. Ayden Baker, a Meridian resident who lives across the street from the development, expressed optimism about the added convenience.
“I think it’s kind of cool. It makes it more convenient too,” Baker said.
However, large-scale mixed-use developments of this nature frequently raise questions among established neighborhoods about traffic, infrastructure capacity, and the pace of growth. Residents in other parts of fast-growing Ada County have already pushed back on proposed rezones, signaling that the public appetite for unchecked development is not universal across the region.
With roughly 1,800 residential units planned alongside commercial space, the project will also place demands on local roads and infrastructure — issues that the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) and city planners will need to address as the project moves through its phased build-out.
What Comes Next
The official groundbreaking for The District at Ten Mile in Meridian, Idaho is scheduled for May 5. Ahlquist has indicated that additional tenant and phase announcements are expected in the coming months as the project moves forward.
Residents interested in tracking the development’s progress, or those with concerns about traffic and infrastructure impacts, can follow updates through the City of Meridian Planning and Zoning Department, as well as through ACHD public project pages. Community members who want to weigh in on development-related decisions are encouraged to attend Meridian City Council meetings, where land use and infrastructure matters are regularly discussed.