History
Hyde Park is on the National Historic Register for several reasons. First, the building and architecture of the areas is unique. Secondly, a “sub” urban retail area of the age of Hyde Park is unusual for any community. It rivals such famous areas like the Niles District in Oakland for its character and quality.
The Waymire Building on N. 13th spans the west side between Alturas and Eastman Streets. It is a series of shop bays and storefronts with a two story section at the north end of the development. The Waymire Building was completed in 1902 as was the Odd Fellows building across Eastman.
The two-story brick and stone Odd Fellows building is typical of lodge hall construction at the turn of the century. The commercial style structure housed shops on the ground floor and meeting rooms and hall above. Extensive restoration has been done to return this 1902 structure to its original appearance.
Also check out the Immanuel Methodist Episcopal Church on 14th St. adjacent to Hyde Park where TRICA is located to see another historic North End treasure.
Boise’s Interurban Trolley
Boise was originally a pedestrian city, and the people used bicycles, horses, buggies, their own two feet and streetcars to get around. The trolley system in Boise started operating in 1891, only 3 years after Brooklyn, New York built the first electric trolley line. Boise’s system was on the cutting edge of technology. The streetcar, or the Boise Valley Interurban trolley system, was in business until 1928, when the car forced it out as the dominant means of transportation. The streetcars allowed residents in the valley to move around, and to get their valuable farm goods out to market, as well as build houses farther away from downtown. Hyde Park is/was the epitome of Boise’s streetcar suburbs.
North End Center of Activity
Every day in Hyde Park is filled with activity. It has become the official mountain and touring bike headquarters of the Treasure Valley. With access to the Boise foothills trails and Hill Road, Hyde Park is where the trail ends. As the historic center of the neighborhood, Hyde Park is also a gathering place for kids and the subject and beneficiary of strong community participation from Boise business and schools.
Parilla Grill and the Hyde Park Pub offer music in addition to great food and spirits, and if you’re looking for a special dining experience Hyde Park Pub, Java, Sun Ray Cafe (formerly Lucky 13 Pizza), Goody’s Goodies and Casa Mexico are among the best of Boise.
Hyde Park is the unofficial HQ for cyclists and mountain bikers from all over the region who frequent the many, excellent trails in the Boise Foothills, Hill Road and Bogus Basin to Cartwright Road. Hyde Park is also home to some of the best restaurants and specialty stores in the Treasure Valley.
Click here for more about the Hyde Park Street Fair.
Challenges
North 13th Street in Hyde Park was upgraded in the early 1980s through the cooperation of area property owners like Phil Murelaga and the Hyde Park Merchants Association. Maintaining the area’s character and viability year-round while property values continue to explode is creating new challenges.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Idaho State Historical Society
Hyde Park Businesses
North End businesses that support Northend.org are highlighted with a link to their website or Facebook page.
Eateries
- Casa Mexico
- Goody’s Goodies
- 13th Street Pub and Grill
- Certified Bakery
- Parilla Grill
- Aspericina
- Hyde Park Pub & Grill
- Sun Ray Cafe (closed/for lease)
- Java Hyde Park
- Hyde Perk Coffee House
- North End Pizza
Service Businesses
- Sage Realty
- Duck Club aka Treefort Music Fest
- TRICA – Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Arts
Specialty Shops
- Dunia Marketplace
- Hyde Park Mercantile
- Stinker Station
- Hyde & Seek
- Euphoria Salon *
- Joy Rides Cycles
- G. Willikers Toys
* For information about the Hyde Park Merchant Association contact Dave at: dave@northend.org. To see how to get your business linked to from this page check out the Northend.org Business Support page.