BOISE -- You've probably seen it taking shape just off the connector in downtown Boise. The JUMP project and its three sky-high cranes are creating a lot of buzz.
JUMP stands for "Jack's Urban Meeting Place" and the goal of the project is just that-- to bring people together.
"There's nothing quite like it. It's truly a unique project," said Kathy O'Neill, community engagement director.
From JUMP's unique shape, to what will be housed inside, it can be hard to describe exactly what JUMP is.
"Really the core of the project is built around this helix structure," said O'Neill. "We have different studios...Kitchen Studio, Multimedia Studio, a Maker's Studio."
There will also be an Inspiration Studio and a Movement Studio.
All of those spaces will feature state of the art technology and room for people to collaborate on projects. Anyone can come in to take a class in cooking, storytelling or woodworking, among others.
"It's a creative center and a community gathering place designed to inspire," added O'Neill.
This multi-story playground meets meeting space meets museum was inspired by the late J.R. Simplot. The idea was sparked by his purchase of 110 vintage tractors and steam engines at an auction back in 1998.
That collection will be displayed throughout JUMP as a reminder of the past, right next to rooms built to bring Boise into the future.
Construction started on the JUMP project back in 2012. Now, hundreds of construction workers are on site each day helping make it a reality.
Project Supervisor John Beck keeps everyone in line, even though the JUMP project is anything but.
"So it's really a unique challenge in that nothing's aligned with each other," said Beck.
The soon-to-be multimedia creative studio is a good example. It juts out from the side of the main structure. Around the corner, huge glass panels are going up providing views of the valley.
"It's really changed from what's this going to look like? To wow, this is really cool," added Beck.
Every nook and cranny will hold something new to explore. There will be gardens to gather in, rooms to rent for fundraisers and wedding parties. Plus, exciting experiences to jump-start new ideas.
That includes a five-story spiral slide that will give people a chance to take a risk.
"Because every time you try something new or enter into a new activity it requires a certain element of risk," said O'Neill.
That slide won't be installed until construction on JUMP is finished in 2015.
The cost to create JUMP is estimated around $70 million. The JUMP site will also be home to Simplot Corporate Headquarters.
