Boise is the third largest city in the Northwest of the United States and surprisingly it is also home to one of the largest Basque communities in the country. The Basque Center (picture above) was opened in 1949 and serves as a gathering place for Basque people in the area.

The city has preserved its historic features and often refers to its pioneer heritage on buildings across its downtown district. The Modern Hotel and Bar is a must-stop if you are looking for a place that blends classic motel aura with contemporary designs.

Elizabeth Tullis of The Modern Hotel takes Cities x Design on a tour of her remodeled 1950s Travel Lodge pointing out where design solutions changed the face of this classic motel.

Elizabeth Tullis, Owner, The Modern Hotel, talks with Cities x Design about the role of design in renovating a 1950s Travel Lodge into a focal point of creative activities in Boise, Idaho.

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Keywords: Mountains, Quirky, History, Crafty, Basque

Population: 587,689
Founded: 1863
Nicknames: City of Trees

Tourism / Place branding / Historic Landmarks

• City of Boise
• The Modern
• Hotel 43
• Basque festival – Jaialdi

Creative initiatives

• Idaho International Film Festival
• Modern Art Fair

Institutions / Organizations

• Boise Art Museum
• The Basque Museum and Cultural Center
• AIGA Boise Student Chapter
• AIGA Idaho