Boise City National Bank
| Company type | Bank (former) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | April 1, 1886 in Boise City, Idaho, United States |
| Defunct | August 1, 1932 |
| Fate | Failed; assets transferred to the Comptroller of the Currency |
| Headquarters | Boise City , United States |
The Boise City National Bank edifice in Boise, Idaho, crafted by architect James King, is a three-story commercial building exhibiting the Richardsonian Romanesque style, influenced by Chicago’s Marshall Field's Wholesale Store. Construction commenced in April 1891 and reached completion in 1892.
Frequently referred to as the Simplot Building, Baird Building, or Capital Security Building, it is colloquially known as the 801 or 805 Building. This structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 28, 1978.
Architecture
Situated on a corner parcel measuring 70 by 60 feet, the bank occupied a commercial area of 25 by 53 feet, with additional retail spaces along both adjoining streets. The upper two floors contained eleven offices each, all illuminated by a central skylight.
Originally, the facade’s sandstone was intended to rise six feet above street level with brickwork above; however, early in construction this plan was altered to feature an entirely sandstone exterior. The sandstone blocks sourced from Table Rock quarries required extensive effort and coordination for placement.
In 1904, Tourtellotte & Co. expanded the building by adding a fourth story and increasing the frontage to 150 feet, which included space for Boise Butcher Co. The depth was extended to 122 feet, and an elevator was installed. The new upper floor was designed by Wayland & Fennell to serve as quarters for the Boise Commercial Club.
The entrance was redesigned in 1912 by Tourtellotte & Hummel, relocating it along 8th Street and enlarging it into adjacent retail space that had previously been occupied by Ballou & Latimer Drug Store.
History of Boise City National Bank
The Boise City National Bank commenced operations on April 1, 1886, at the intersection of 7th and Main Streets in Boise City. By July of that year, it began issuing interest on term deposits and became a federal depository by November. By year-end, demand deposits approached $64,000 and term deposits exceeded $20,000, indicating robust early financial growth. This expansion necessitated plans for a larger facility.
Initial designs in 1891 were made by a Chicago architect linked to Marshall Field's Wholesale Store; however, concerns regarding local construction capabilities led to James King assuming architectural responsibilities. The new building officially opened on March 26, 1892, serving as the bank’s headquarters until its failure on August 1, 1932, when its assets were transferred to the Comptroller of the Currency.
Beyond banking functions, the building accommodated important federal offices in 1892 including the United States district court, Marshals Service, and Surveyor General's office.
See also
Further reading
- The Banking Panics of the Great Depression, Elmus Wicker (Cambridge University Press, 2000), pp. 114–5