04/18/2021
As new buildings are envisioned, the skyline rises, and Boise grows in both age and size, conversations about embedding the community’s long-term values into present-day growth are vital.”
Preservation Idaho Intern Savannah Willits recently explored the controversy surrounding Boise’s failed downtown mall and its role in the larger story of Boise’s urban renewal and identity.
Photo Fact: Hotel Boise operated from 1930 until 1976. Atop the structure stood a large, neon “Hotel Boise” sign, each letter a massive eight feet tall. When the building was sold, the new owner changed the name to Hoff Building, renovated the building, added two floors, and removed Art Deco features. Two years later. the building was sold to EBCO Inc., and many of the Art Deco details were reinstalled.
In 1983, the building was sold to Tire Distributors Inc., owned by Paul Resnick, who repainted the exterior, added false skylights to mimic those of the original Hotel Boise, replaced the glass elevator with one more akin to the Art Deco style featuring a gold leaf art piece, installed new porcelain tile floors, and reconfigured the paint scheme.
To read more of Ms. Willits 3-part series of Boise’s historic sites & the urgency of historic preservation in today’s development-driven culture, TapBio (April Edition page 30).
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