Stop Nine: 10th and Idaho

On this stop of the tour, you will learn about the Empire building, the First National Bank Building, the Rialto Theater, and the C. C. Anderson building.

EMPIRE BUILDING (NW Corner - Home to Piece Unique Clothing Co.)

Nisbet & Paradice designed the Empire building to house the Kerr Hardware & Implement Company. Announced in 1909 and started in 1910, the structure was completed in 1912. The first floor served as a retail space and the upper floors were for offices. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING (Next to the Empire Building - Home to US Bank)

The First National Bank of Idaho hired Portland architect A.E. Doyle to design this building in 1927. Doyle sent Pietro Belluschi as his representative to Idaho. Belluschi also helped to desigm the Golden Rule store on the northeast corner of 10th and Idaho Streets.

RIALTO THEATER (Between Main and Idaho on west side of 10th Street)

The Rialto Theater was next to the Gem Noble building on 10th Street. It operated into the 1960s. It was part of Boise’s rich theater history, which included other notable theaters like the Pinney. the Columbia (both formerly on Jefferson Street), and the Egyptian Theater (across from City Hall).

C. C. ANDERSON BUILDING (NE Corner - Home to Athlos Academies)

Architects Tourtellotte and Hummel, together with A. E. Doyle’s firm, designed this iteration of C. C. Anderson Golden Rule department store in 1927. The first Golden Rule was at 627 Main Street.

In 1937, Allied Stores purchased the business from C.C. Anderson. They kept the original name until 1962, when it was changed to the Bon Marche. Originally Spanish Mission Revival style, with a red tile roof, the building lost its signature look in 1963.

Hart, Arthur.“Boise Mayor Pinney’s striking Columbia Theatre brought top shows to Idaho in 1890s." The Idaho Statesman, June 5, 2020. Accessed July 23, 2023. https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/northwest/idaho/history/article243251741.html.