“Former mayor and governor Moses Alexander erected this “big white store” at the corner of Ninth and Main Streets in 1924 after two terms as governor. The white, terra-cotta surface is weather resistant. The owner traveled east to gather input from professional architects, but Tourtellotte and Hummel’s design included plush exterior fabric materials of imported buffed terra-cotta and long rows of display windows that presaged the Egyptian Theater. ” (quoted from Images of America: Boise by Frank Thompson, 2009)

“The Alexander Building is architecturally significant as one of Idaho’s best examples of the second Renaissance Revival style applied to a commercial building. The terra cotta veneer with its high quality of design and attention to detail further makes this building worthy of preservation.

Alexander’s Men’s Store was founded by Moses Alexander, who served as mayor of Boise and governor of Idaho. He holds the distinction of being the first Jewish governor in the nation. His clothing stores occupied a number of different locations in Boise from 1890 onward. This building, erected in 1924, served as the company’s main store, offices, and warehouse until 1975 when the Redevelopment Agency [CCDC] purchased the property….

In 1924 the Union Pacific decided to place Boise on its main line. This in part prompted Moses Alexander to build this structure in a period of agricultural depression. He proclaimed a “confidence in Boise’s future” and desired something new in architectural construction” (Idaho Daily Statesman, April 1, 1924) in the city. This shining white terra cotta building was the result of that desire. It remains a unique architectural statement in downtown Boise and a community and cultural landmark.”

(National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form, June 20 1978)