Alexanders
9th and Main Sts., Boise, IDThe Alexander building is architecturally significant as one of Idaho's best examples of the second Rennaissance Revival style applied to a commercial building. The terra cotta veneer with its high quality of design and attention to detail further makes this building worthy of preservation.
Alexander's Men's Store was founded by Moses Alexander, who served as mayor of Boise and governor of Idaho. He holds the distinction of being the first Jewish governor in the nation. His clothing stores occupied a number of different locations in Boise from 1890 onward. This building, erected in 1924, served as the company's main store, offices and warehouse until 1975 when the Redevelopment Agency purchased the property. The Alexander family still operates their company.
In 1924 the Union Pacific decided to place Boise on its main line. This in part prompted Moses Alexander to build this structure in a period of agricultural depression. He proclaimed a "confidence in Boise's future" and desired "something new in architectural construction"1 in the city. This shining white terra cotta building was the result of that desire. It remains a unique architectural statement in downtown Boise and a community and commercial landmark.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.