Construction on the Alaska Building, which lies on Main Street between 10th and 11th streets, began in 1906. The building was designed by Tourtellotte and Company. Originally twos stories, the building was expanded to four stories in 1911. The story of how the building got its name has long puzzled Boise residents, but Idaho Statesman columnist Tim Woodward, descendants of John Tate (the original owner) said that John had a lifelong love of Alaska but was unable to travel there due to health issues. Thus when he built the building, he named it the "Alaska" building. In 2010 the building was remodeled to become retail and professional offices as well as home to the Boise State University Main Street Center, where classes, workshops, and events are held.

Links

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/07/18/1271264/so-how-did-alaska-building-get.html http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/PDS/PDF/Historic/General/HP_Landmark_Booklet.pdf