Ada County Courthouse

PWA - 1938-39
Wayland & Fennell / Tourtellotte & Hummel

Ada County Courthouse, Boise

Built on the same site and replacing the courthouse of 1882, this minimalistic Art Deco structure housed the Ada County courts and offices until 2002 when another new courthouse was constructed. A competing proposed architectural plan would have reflected the classical detailing of the adjacent Idaho Capitol, but this spare, reinforced concrete design with an Indiana limestone veneer was chosen instead. The building was constructed for approximately $355,000 and features a unique collection of WPA murals designed by Ivan Bartlett and installed in 1940.

Features to Note

Brass entry and surround
Geometric detailing
Obelisks capping the vertical mass of the upper floors

Additional Resources

Read more about how to help save the historic Ada County Courthouse.
Purchase Echoes from the Ada County Courthouse an Orchid Award winning history of the building or to download a short history of the structure.
Learn more about regarding the amazing collection of “New Deal” murals housed in the historic Ada County Courthouse.
Ada County Courthouse Remodel, Speech by Boise Mayor David H. Bieter - January 26, 2009