One of the most fascinating and unique tours that Boise offers though Preservation Idaho is the “New Deal Architecture Tour” This tour offers two means of delivery, one is a downloadable brochure that highlights the buildings that were built by the Work Projects Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps and other works projects that were undertaken during the 1930’s and early 1940’s. The other is an online delivery of the buildings/locations as they are presented at the website.

This tour is quite fascinating as it lists most of the sites that are still standing, and those that have been demolished, due to harmful substances that were used in the interiors to make them flame proof such as asbestos.

Some of these buildings have been put on the preservation registry, such as the Ada County Courthouse and are undergoing restoration. Others are in serious need of repair such as the National Guard Armory that is now owned by the City of Boise.

One of the most interesting stops on the tour is what was comprised of the Boise Junior College Campus. It is interesting to note that the Hemingway Center was called the Assembly Hall. Concerts, dances and other activities were presented there before the Spec Center and the Morrison Center were built. The Administration Building still looks the same on the outside with a few minor changes to accommodate handicapped access.

This tour is very interesting and enjoyable and is recommended to be done by bicycle or automobile, due to the distance between the buildings. So take an afternoon or a few days and learn about the historical architecture that is part of Boise’s unique past.

Click on this link to view the tour and download the tour brochure: http://preservationidaho.org/tours-events/self-guided-tours/new-deal-architecture