From Art Deco to Victorian, architecture enthusiasts will discover a variety of buildings to explore in Boise. We have compiled a list of just a few of our favorite buildings in the City of Trees. Read on to see if you learn a new thing or two about the buildings surrounding you.
Idahna
First on our list is the Idahna. This “castle” catches the eye of visitors to downtown Boise. The Idahna opened January 1, 1901 and once housed 200 guest rooms. Now it is the home of apartments and businesses. Don’t miss one of our favorites, Guru Donuts!
There is no better place to glimpse the beauty of Boise than at the Boise Depot. After you have surveyed the view, make sure to appreciate the depot itself. The breathtaking Spanish-style building was built in 1925 to be used as a Union Pacific railroad depot.
The Egyptian Theatre opened to fanfare and a performance by John Barrymore (a relative of Drew Barrymore) in “Don Juan.” The theater’s architecture was inspired by the newly-discovered King Tut tomb and still boasts its original Egyptian revival style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hoff Building
This Art Deco building was Boise’s first skyscraper when it opened in 1930. The building functioned as Hotel Boise from its opening until 1976 when it was purchased and turned into office space. The Hoff Building is notorious for housing lobbyists and politicians, making it a hub of Idaho politics with its proximity to the capitol.
The crown of Boise is the Idaho State Capitol. Construction on the capitol began in 1905, with completion of both wings occurring in 1920. The building boasts Renaissance Revival architecture with Greek features. Make sure to look up and catch a glimpse of the dome topped by a 5 foot 7 inch bronze eagle.
The Cathedral of St. John is a work of art thanks to its many stained glass windows, paintings, and plaster work. Visitors are welcome to take a tour of the only Roman Catholic Cathedral in the Diocese of Idaho, with scheduled tours occurring on Sunday and group tours offered separately.
The temple was not originally constructed on its current location on Latah Street. Instead, the building was taken apart and physically moved on dollies from the location it was built in downtown Boise. Idaho’s first temple was founded in 1895, with construction on the building completed in 1896. It is the oldest synagogue in continuous use west of the Mississippi River.
For those who prefer historic homes when viewing architecture, the Bishops’ House is the place to be. This gorgeous home once housed the Episcopal Bishops of Idaho. The Queen Anne Victorian was built in the late 1880s and is available for tours and event rentals.
801 Idaho
The 801 Idaho Building was actually built on the opposite corner of where it sits now on 8th Street. Built in 1886, the building housed the Boise City National Bank. Visitors can fully enjoy the sandstone building and its history while grabbing a delicious meal at Fork Restaurant, located on the first floor.
Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, or JUMP as it is known, is the newest building on this list with construction completed in 2015. JUMP is a creative facility that is open to the public. But not only will you be inspired by the various classes and equipment available, but the building itself is a work of art surrounded by vintage tractors and interactive elements to explore.
If your favorite building did not make the list, that is probably because we ran out of room listing all the amazing places in Boise! Please leave a comment below with your favorite building in Boise so that our readers can explore it.
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