If these walls could talk…..

Inside the walls of any Boise real estate office you will hear the words “growth” and “new” countless times. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, we see evidence every time we step out our door. But Boise also has a rich history. At Windermere Powerhouse Group we remember that every day we walk into our office in the historic Powerhouse building. In the midst of this exciting growth, we strive to preserve memories and tradition; the foundation of our great city. 

“In every community, every county, there are certain buildings, certain neighborhoods, open spaces, which traditionally have had special meaning for local residents and which proclaim to all comers the unique character and heritage of that particular place.” Mavis Bryan, Zoning for Community Preservation

                    1939                                                 2019

A Historical Neighborhood

The North End is often the neighborhood that is most reminiscent of Boise’s early years. When Windermere Powerhouse Group listed the home at 1111 N. Harrison Blvd, a home on the National Register of Historical Places in Idaho, we were extra curious. We wondered, “If those walls could talk, what would the story be?”

First, we needed to discover what it means to be on the historical register. Among a number of standards, the most fitting for this one of a kind house is the significance it holds with its master craftsmanship, unique characteristics, artistic features and architecture of its era. It began in 1938 with Robert Newhouse submitting a building permit for what would become this iconic Tudor style home. Although unconfirmed, the house was likely designed by Jedd Jones, an architect who regularly socialized with the Newhouse family. Jones would later be responsible for many residential designs found throughout Boise. The steeply pitched asymmetrical gables, double stacked chimney and leaded glass windows are the quintessential architectural features of a Tudor Revival, a style which borrows design elements from English medieval houses.

The Newhouses, a family with deep Idaho roots and active in Boise society, moved in the summer of 1938. Shortly after, the home was featured in the Idaho Statesman. The reporter noted the majority of rooms were painted in various shades of blue to compliment the family’s antique collection. In a true moment of history repeating itself, the current dining room, a favorite of all who visit, is currently painted a beautiful shade of blue. The Idaho Statesman proclaimed it “one of the city’s most charming houses.” And over 80 years later, we couldn’t agree more!

Complete listing details of 1111 N Harrison Blvd. 

A Historical Workplace

At Windermere Powerhouse Group we often field inquiries about our iconic office building, which is on the National Historical Register. Built in 1913, the building originally housed the Beaver River Power Company, a competitive start-up that produced coal-fired electricity for downtown Boise and the Valley’s trolley system.  Over the years, hydroelectricity replaced steam turbines and the building became reclassified as a “non-performing asset.”  In 2000, the building was restored and transformed into a venue for weddings, proms and special events. More recently, we were blessed with the opportunity to locate our Windermere Powerhouse Group brokerage within these four walls.  Many of our friends and clients previously built fond memories here, and we feel honored to keep that tradition. When you walk through our doors you’ll instantly feel welcome, and see how we embrace our growing city while honoring the past that brought us here.

If you would like a tour of the Windermere Powerhouse Group office, our doors are open. Share a cup of coffee with beans we roast in house and see the beautiful remodel. And, of course, we are always here to help you with all of your real estate needs. 621 S 17th St. Boise, 208-920-5966, powerhousegroup@windermere.com