National Register Listing

Boise Junior College Administration Building

Boise State University campus, Boise, ID
The Boise Junior College Administration Building is of exceptional architectural significance, not only as a building of unusual institutional importance to the state of Idaho but as one of the two very large-scale federally assisted projects with which Tourtellotte and Hummel closed out the Depression years. Both projects were carried out jointly with Boise's other major architectural firm, Wayland and Fennell; the Boise Junior College building is the only example included in the Thematic Group from among a number of such joint projects in the last several years of the firm's activity as Tourtellotte and Hummel. A comparison between the design for the Boise Junior College Administration Building, for which Tourtellotte and Hummel took primary design responsibility, and the Ada County Courthouse (National Register 1976, Boise Capitol Area Historic District), in which Wayland and Fennell took the lead, points up very clearly the conservative tendencies of the first firm and places it in a somewhat wide context.

In contrast to the tall, monochromatic, modernistic courthouse, the administration building for Boise Junior College is strongly evocative of the Tudor revival style. of the firm's University of Idaho administration building of 1907: long dimensions around a central tower, contrasting materials, flattened arches, medievalizing ornament.

This contrast suggests once more that modern approaches to exterior design were picturesque options rather than ideological imperatives to these architects. This was probably true for most architects of the period; Wayland and Fennell too designed many "Unprogressive" buildings in the 1930s. But the contrast revealed here suggests a particular bias toward revivalism on the part of Tourtellotte and Hummel. That apparent bias cannot be explained wholly in terms of appropriateness to particular projects.
The Boise Junior College Administration Building has substantial significance on a state level as the principal early building of an Idaho state institution of higher learning--and eventually its third university. During 1940-1941 the college conducted a great building campaign. The $180,000 administration building was completed in 1940 by contractor J. 0. Jordan.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government architecture
The town of Wallace, Idaho, was once known as the "silver capital of the world." During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town was a major producer of silver, and it was home to more than 5,000 people at its peak. Today, Wallace is a popular destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, and it's known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.
Idaho random facts
Ada County is located in southwestern Idaho and was established in 1864. It is named after Ada Riggs, daughter of the first settler in the area, H.C. Riggs. The region was originally inhabited by the Shoshone and Bannock Native American tribes. In the early 1800s, European fur traders and explorers began to arrive in the area.

The discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in the 1860s led to a population boom in Ada County and its county seat, Boise City. The area became a major supply center for miners, and many settlers moved to the county in search of prosperity. Agriculture also thrived in the fertile Boise River Valley, with farmers growing crops such as potatoes, grains, and orchard fruits.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ada County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in 1887 boosted the local economy, opening up new markets for agricultural products and facilitating transportation. The city of Boise became a regional economic hub, attracting businesses, government institutions, and educational facilities.

Throughout the 20th century, Ada County continued to grow, with an increasing population and expanding infrastructure. The county's economy diversified, and industries such as manufacturing, technology, and healthcare emerged. Today, Ada County is known for its thriving economy, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a desirable place to live and visit in Idaho.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ada County, Idaho.

  • 1805 - Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through the area now known as Ada County.
  • 1812 - The first fur trading post, known as Fort Boise, is established by the British Hudson's Bay Company.
  • 1843 - The Oregon Trail is established, bringing settlers to the region.
  • 1863 - Ada County is created as one of the original counties of Idaho Territory.
  • 1864 - Boise becomes the capital of the Idaho Territory.
  • 1872 - The first railroad reaches Boise, spurring growth and development in the area.
  • 1892 - The Idaho State Penitentiary is constructed in Boise.
  • 1912 - Idaho becomes a state, and Boise remains its capital.
  • 1959 - The East End Historic District in Boise is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1973 - The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center opens, providing educational programs about the area's wildlife and natural resources.
  • 1996 - The World Center for Birds of Prey, operated by The Peregrine Fund, opens in Boise.
  • 2020 - Ada County experiences rapid population growth and becomes a thriving economic center.