Boise, ID

Background: The Boise Train Depot was built in 1925 and operated until 1971. When the trains quit running, it was abandoned. Over the years, weather took a toll. In 1990 MK-Morrison Knudsen purchased it and renovated it to near original condition. The city of Boise took it over in 1996 and rents it out for special events.

Last week, I read a short blip in the Statesman that the old Boise Train Depot would be open for tours. (Hours of Operation) I hadn’t been inside, since the mid-sixties. The last time I was there, I had driven my mother to the depot to check on train tickets to California.

I decided to make my visit Sunday morning before they opened. I had planned on walking the gardens and snapping pictures before going inside. To my shock a dozen vehicles had already arrived and the gardens were full of people. I changed plans instantly and made my way up the brick walk, to the front glass doors of the depot.

As soon as I entered, I was struck by the enormity of the place. Unlike the sixties when it was full of wooden bench’s and people waiting for the train to arrive, this day found it all but empty. I was awestruck at the renovations that MK had done back in the 90’s. It was nothing like what I had remembered.

The entire floor was covered in an ornate tile, which ran up the sidewalls and used as a wainscot. Wooden’ bench’s that I thought were located in the center of the room, were now lined up against the outside walls. (This is probably due to the use of the space, for such things as weddings and receptions).

Early morning sunlight, penetrated the space though large arched windows on either side of the building. Porthole like windows high up on the gables also bathed the space in a warm glow.

High up above my head, I was surprised to see the ornate patterns painted on the open frame beams and trusses of the ceiling. Below the beams and lined up in rows were chandeliers. Hanging like wagon wheels on their sides, dozen of bright yellow bulbs, helped illuminate the space, though they seemed too much in the midst of all the natural lighting.

Alongside the exterior walls, were several glass cubicles. Behind each one, was a history lesson of the depot-the trains and the times. Almost covering the entire width of the West wall was the ticket booth. Besides purchasing tickets, one could have bought a newspaper, magazine or even something to eat. Above this area was a stairwell, accessible from either the North or South sides, which gave access to an anteroom above. I’m not sure what it was used for, but my guess is it was a waiting room for the well heeled.

One particular reason I wanted to make the visit was to go up the tower and see the view. The nice lady at the volunteer desk, offered to take me up. “We have to hurry,” She said. “We only have ten minutes before the bell goes off, and believe me you don’t want to be up there when it does!”

Thinking we were going to go up flights of stairs, I was shocked to see a glass walled elevator. I learned MK had put it in, during the renovation. It made short work of the trip and in no time I was at the top of the tower. Looking out one of the arched windows gave a fantastic view of Capital Blvd., and the Capital building itself.

Looking down at Platt Garden’s, one could clearly see the ponds with colorful KOI fish swimming about. One pleasant surprise, was spotting an Osprey, sitting atop the flag pole, clearly intent on swooping down on the unsuspecting fish. I quickly snapped a few pictures of the bells, and the ceiling above. “We got one minute to get out of here, “ My
guide implored.

My last stop, was to see the old steam locomotive-“Big Mike”, which was moved from Julia Davis Park to the Depot this past year. I learned from my guide that they had been collecting money for the last five years for restoration. It’s going to be one heck of a job!She informed me.

Some thoughtful people renovated this historic place so that other generations could view and use a historic building in the heart of our city. If you go, stop by the donation box by the front door and pay your respect for those whom renovated it and whom now maintain it.