Stop Ten: 10th and Main

On stop ten of this walking tour, you will learn about an intersection that once had a turreted structure on every corner. The Gem and Noble Block, the Merino building, the Idanha, and the W. E. Pierce building all featured this exciting architectural feature.

GEM AND NOBLE BLOCK (NW Corner - Home to Zen Bento)

Architect John E. Tourtellotte originally designed the Gem and Noble block as three separate buildings. The Romanesque structures were constructed for businessmen Sigmund Falk, John Noble, James Gibbons, and Charles Knight in 1902.

Businesses included a harness and livery shop, as well as one of Boise’s first pharmacies. In 1907, defense witnesses for the “Big Bill” Haywood trials (over the assassination of former Governor Frank Steunenberg) stayed in the Noble Rooming House.

MERINO BUILDING (SW Corner - Now Kount building)

Built around 1904, the Merino building was on the southwest corner of 10th and Main Streets. It was one of the signature turreted buildings located at the intersection. The building was destroyed after a fire on December 30, 1924.

The building’s owner, Robert Noble (who also owned part of the Gem Noble block), was known as the Sheep King of Idaho. He was one of the wealthiest men in the state.

With the Merino building demolished, the Robert Noble estate constructed a new $200,000 structure in 1927.

IDANHA (NE Corner)

This intersection once had a turreted building on each corner, now only the Idanha and Gem and Noble block remain.

The Idanha Hotel opened January 1, 1901. It became known as one of the grandest hotels in Idaho. Designed by William S. Campbell in the French-Chateau style, the hotel all the modern conveniences: private telephones, an electric intercom, an Otis elevator, pharmacy, and soda fountain.

The hotel was built to fill the need of people arriving on the train at the depot on 10th and Front. Over the years, the hotel has hosted many important guests, including attorney Clarence Darrow during the “Big Bill” Haywood trial.

W.E. PIERCE BUILDING (SE Corner - now One Capitol Center)

Businessman W. E. Pierce hired Tourtellotte and Co., to design his offices on the southeast corner. Pierce managed rentals, sales, and purchases of real estate in Boise.

Constructed in 1902, the turreted building also served as a bank, the Union Pacific Stage Depot, and the Men’s Wardrobe store. It was demolished in 1975.

Hart, Arthur A. Historic Boise: An Introduction to the Architecture of Boise, Idaho, 1863-1938. 1993 Reprint, (Boise, ID: Historic Idaho, Inc. 1979).

Department of Planning & Development Services. Shaping Boise: A Selection of Boise's Landmark Buildings, City of Boise, 2010. Accessed August 3, 2023. https://www.cityofboise.org/media/7053/shaping-boise-landmarks.pdf.