The Borah Building, also known as the Federal Building, is located on the intersection of Bannock St. and 8th St. In 1899 plans were put forth by the architect James Knox Taylor. Construction began in 1902; it was a very long process to get underway. The Borah Building is Beaux-Arts in style and the exterior consists of sandstone and brick. Walking inside a visitor can expect to experience high ceilings, large windows, and tall doors. The floors are marble tiles while the trim work, moldings, and hard wood give the building a formal sense.

The Borah Building was referred to as the Federal Building because the federal government controlled it. The intended use for the building was to house both state and federal employees. The building from the start was supposed to be used as both a courthouse and post office. It is still in use as a post office, but also contains many government entities that serve both state and federal purposes.

The building that is seen today is much different than the original four story structure that was first built in 1902. The U.S. post office lacked the adequate space to operate efficiently which began two additional projects over the next 30 years that would make the building what it is today. In 1917, William Borah, a senator of Idaho, was successful in attaining government funds to add to the new building, doubling its size. Again in 1929 the building underwent changes. James Wetmore put forth new plans for the addition. He replaced James Taylor as supervising architect for the Treasury Department.

The building is now in controlled by the state government. In 2005 the building was sold to the state for $1. It is now overseen by the Idaho Historical Society because of its age, while still in use by both local and federal government employees.

Pictures taken by Thomas Weis on 11/28/2011. The picture on the left is the westside of the building facing 8th Street. The right is the southside of the building facing Bannock Street.

References:

"Original U.S. Post Office." Boise Architecture Project, Accessed November 25, 2011. <http://boisearchitecture.org/structuredetail.php?id=182>