When was the last time you visited the Linen District? This cool corner of downtown has lived a dozen lives, from its industrial roots to its artsy revival. Most recently, the whole stretch of Grove Street got a major facelift. Let’s take a lil walk through what’s old, what’s new, and everything in between.

A little history

The Linen District got its name from the laundries that once lined Grove Street in the early 1900s. The Linen Building, built in 1910, was a commercial steam laundry company called the American Linen Company. It was the only laundry facility in the country using geothermal. Other businesses in the area included tire shops, machine shops, car lots, gas stations, auto repair shops, blacksmiths, and a few retail stores.

By the 1950s, several boarding houses had popped up on Grove Street, home to immigrants from Europe, Spain, and Asia. This neighborhood was also an important transportation corridor for downtown Boise. It was one of the main streets through downtown and was near an Oregon Short Line Railroad depot.

In the 1960s and ’70s, the area started to change along with the rest of downtown Boise. The Linen District we recognize today began to reemerge in the early 2000s, when local entrepreneur David Hale revitalized the Linen Building, and brother-and-sister duo Elizabeth and Robert Tullis turned the old Travelodge into the Modern Hotel.

Grove Street gets a glow-up

Two decades later, the Linen District is home to some of Boise’s best bars, cafes, galleries, and shops. And now it’s easier to get to all of them thanks to the Rebuild Linen Blocks on Grove Street project.

This three-year project reimagined Grove Street from 9th to 16th as a space that’s more walkable, bikeable, and connected to downtown – all without losing the eclectic character that makes it special. Work began in late 2022 and officially wrapped in October 2025.

The improvements include new sidewalks, better lighting, more trees, and upgraded streetscapes with benches, planters, and bike racks. And we need to talk about the bike lane, because it’s my favorite part. It’s a protected bikeway, meaning there’s a little landscaped buffer of trees and planters between the bike lane and parked cars. No more riding between moving traffic and car doors swinging open. It’s really fun to ride and so much safer!

The Rebuild Linen Blocks on Grove Street project is part of CCDC’s broader mission to “improve connectivity, livability, and economic vitality in Boise.” This project was a public-private partnership that layers investment in infrastructure, public art, and mobility improvements to support both growth and accessibility.

Here are a few of the key features that came out of the project:

Better connection to downtown: The new streetscape bridges the Linen District and the downtown core, making it easier (and more fun) to travel in the city.

Improved safety and accessibility: They put in raised and protected bike lanes, rebuilt “linen-patterned” sidewalks, curb extensions for easier crossings, and ADA-accessible ramps.

Inviting public spaces: Street trees and pollinator planter beds help with stormwater management and provide shade. Benches, bike racks, trash cans, and historic-style light posts make it feel polished and people-friendly.

Public art and design: Working with Boise City’s Department of Arts & History, CCDC added Neon Grove, which is Boise’s first-ever outdoor neon sign gallery featuring six restored vintage signs. They also added two rotating “art ports” with Boise State student sculptures and new interpretive signage that tells the story of the Linen District.

Private development: The improvements are paired with private projects like the Sparrow Hotel, Hotel Renegade, and Broadstone Saratoga, bringing new housing and mixed-use spaces to downtown.

Go explore Grove Street

The dust has finally settled and this stretch of downtown has so many cool businesses that you should visit (or re-visit!). Take a lil wander and explore a few of the gems on Grove Street in the Linen District and nearby:

​A’Tavola – A cafe and gourmet marketplace with a great little deli, coffee shop, and bakery that has indoor and patio dining, beer and wine, plus lots of takeaway foods. The a’Tavola Marketplace also features imported specialty foods, unique gifts, and all manner of things “of the table.”

​Art Source Gallery – A cooperative art gallery showcasing the work of more than 40 Idaho artists. You’ll see everything from paintings to bronze and wood sculptures to jewelry and pottery. It’s a fun place to browse or shop for unique gifts.

​Baraboo Supper Club (inside Hotel Renegade) – The new restaurant inside Hotel Renegade is a take on the Wisconsin supper-club tradition. They serve a brunch buffet on weekends and a hearty dinner menu full of old-fashioneds, prime rib, relish trays, and boozy desserts.

​Boise Art Glass – A locally owned glass studio led by a professional artist with a deep passion for the craft. You can stop in to watch artists blow molten glass into chandeliers, vibrant sculptures, wearable art, and one-of-a-kind gifts. They also have classes where you can create your own glass art. It’s really fun!

​Caffeina Kitchen – A new-ish cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Lots of seating plus cozy couches and a cute bookshelf. It’s where Big City Coffee used to be and fans of their food will be pleased.

​Chandler’s – The iconic steakhouse and jazz bar inside Hotel 43. It’s been a downtown staple for over a decade and still feels like a special night out. Everything from apps to entrees to dessert is top notch. Also the 10 minute martini is stellar.

​Crazy Neighbor – There really is no other boutique like it. It’s my go-to shop for quirky gifts and costume supplies. They have a great selection of costume accessories, wigs, cute hats, decor, and colorful treasures you didn’t know you needed.

​Diamond Girls – A locally owned boutique full of sparkle and statement jewelry with excellent personalized service. This is where my wedding ring is from!

​Form & Function – Known for its perfect pour-overs, minimalist design, and community vibe, Form & Function’s second coffee shop is inside The Sparrow Hotel. Compared to the original location on Broad Street, this one has much smaller seating inside and much more patio seating. Same great food and drinks!

​Crisp Food Truck – Speaking of the patio of Form & Function, Crisp Food Truck is a permanent, seasonal food truck on the patio. It’s healthy, fast, and very delicious. A go-to for downtown lunch breaks.

​Hops and Bottles – So much beer! Rotating taps and over 300 bottles and cans. Any kind of beer you can imagine, you can probably find it here. It’s also super dog-friendly.

​The Modern Hotel – A super cool hotel, cocktail bar, and restaurant. The Modern has been an important community hub and cultural cornerstone in Boise. Go for a staycation or swing into the Modern Bar for drinks and dinner. They also have an excellent patio and host a lot of fun events.

​Outdoor Exchange – A consignment shop for outdoor gear. It’s a great place for finding quality secondhand equipment and clothing. I got my rock climbing harness and shoes here, and just scored a bunch of great winter clothes for my kid. They have all kinds of clothes, skis and snowboards, sleeping bags, camping and backpacking gear, climbing gear, and more.

​Rediscovered Books – One of Boise’s beloved indie bookstores, filled with local authors, staff picks, and that lovely local bookstore feeling. Rediscovered just moved into this location in July and the new setup is awesome.

​Scenic. The Storied Home – A home goods store that truly feels like stepping into a magazine. They have expertly curated timeless design and thoughtful finds – all with a Boise touch.

​Sherose Studios – A woman-owned creative studio and co-working space. They have open coworking space plus curated content creation spaces, and a small podcast studio. This is also where Boise Breakfast Club, a monthly networking event, is hosted.

With the new Grove Street improvements complete, it’s the perfect time to rediscover this neighborhood. Walk it, bike it, grab a coffee, shop local, and see why the Linen District is one of the coolest corners of downtown Boise.

Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Marissa

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This story was written in partnership with CCDC

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