MERIDIAN — Brighton Corp. has filed a formal development application with the City of Meridian for Ibaia, a large North Meridian neighborhood planned on more than 584 acres along the city’s northern edge. The filing moves the project from early concept work into Meridian’s official review process, according to reporting by BoiseDev (Sept. 24, 2026).

Ibaia — Basque for “river” — was previously marketed as Basque Ranch. The site sits east of Highway 16 and north of Chinden Boulevard, between the Phyllis Canal and the Boise River. Brighton is asking Meridian to annex the land into the city’s northern limits and to handle the property under a single development agreement, design standard, and community identity.

Map: Courtesy Brighton (via BoiseDev). Updated site plan for the Ibaia application.

Preliminary plat: 471 homes and four commercial lots

The submitted preliminary plat covers the Adalape (Aldape) family portion of the project and shows 471 residential lots plus four commercial lots. BoiseDev reports that an earlier denser concept along much of the southern edge has been redesigned toward medium density, with townhomes and duplexes still planned on a southwestern tip.

Homes outside the age-restricted pocket are described in the application as roughly 2,500 to 5,000 square feet. A separate 55+ neighborhood called Cadence would take just under 48 acres, with homes in the 1,500- to 2,100-square-foot range. Plans call for mostly single-level floor plans with two- and three-car garages, along with some two-story homes.

The land is split between SpurWing-related ownership and the Adalape family property (shown largely under Altec Holdings on Ada County assessor records, per BoiseDev). A preliminary plat for the SpurWing portion is expected later.

Cadence, parks, and amenities

Amenities listed in application materials include new and existing ponds, multi-use pathways, a pool, a clubhouse, and event space for food trucks and block parties. Commercial lots are tied to the future Margaret Aldape Park, a private event center, and a well site. Earlier Idaho Press coverage of the concept also described a roughly 60-acre riverside park named for Margaret Aldape, the matriarch of the family that farmed the land.

Cadence would have its own pool, clubhouse, and sports court for the 55+ community.

Six phases, first homes eyed for 2028

This portion of Ibaia is planned in six phases. Brighton’s application says the developer hopes to deliver the first homes in 2028, then continue at about 60 to 80 homes per year until build-out. Extending Black Cat Road, Joplin Road, and sewer and water service is required; the application states Brighton will pay for those extensions.

The property currently straddles Meridian and Star areas of impact. Brighton is requesting a comprehensive plan amendment so the full site can sit inside Meridian city limits and says it has spoken with Star about that shift.

Neighbor concerns and next city steps

Some nearby residents have organized petitions and raised traffic, emergency-access, and density questions as the concept advanced earlier this year. Idaho Press reported in early September that organizers collected more than 600 signatures seeking extra review. City and agency review of the formal filing is still underway; BoiseDev and later local coverage note that a Planning and Zoning public hearing has not yet been scheduled. Approvals would still need Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission review and City Council action.

Treasure Idaho will continue following Meridian’s public process as hearing dates are set.

Project quick facts

• Name: Ibaia (formerly Basque Ranch)
• Developer: Brighton Corp. / Brighton Development
• Location: North Meridian — east of Hwy 16, north of Chinden, between Phyllis Canal and Boise River
• Annexation request: ~584 acres into Meridian
• Preliminary plat (Adalape portion): 471 residential lots + 4 commercial lots
• Cadence: 55+ pocket on just under 48 acres; homes ~1,500–2,100 sq ft
• Other homes: ~2,500–5,000 sq ft; mostly single-level with 2–3 car garages
• Phasing: six phases; first homes eyed 2028; ~60–80 homes/year thereafter
• Park / open space: Margaret Aldape Park tied to commercial lots; riverside park concept previously described at ~60 acres
• Status: Formal Meridian application filed; hearing not yet scheduled
• Sources: BoiseDev (Sept. 24, 2026); Idaho Press (Sept. 9, 2026); Idaho News local coverage of the Meridian review

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