Boise’s Adelmann opens for corporate and social events

While most other media reported on the restoration of the Adelmann for its historic values and preservation, owner Karen Buich is stressing its location.

“Being from Eagle, I had no experience with the Boise work community,” she said. “Being down there [at the Adelmann Event Center], I realized what a tight community it was and how concerted they were at wanting to maintain, keep and preserve the building. It opened my eyes to the preservation that people of Boise have.”

The newly restored 104-year-old Adelmann Event Center, where modern elegance meets historic grace, according to Rick Carn, director of Marketing and Public Relations, is having their Grand Opening April 30 from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m.

“Everyone is invited to learn more about Boise’s newest, yet oldest event venue,” Buich said. “Come by and meet the team here at the Adelmann and learn the history about the venue, how you can rent the venue for a special occasion or event while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and great music.
Carn said the location is what’s great for businesses, since it’s right downtown.

“There are constant events throughout Boise, and there are a couple of challenges to find an event center on a corporate size,” Carn said. “You either get too big, or not downtown, and, or you get four walls and your traditional florescent lighting from the ceiling.”

He said that is what makes the Adelmann different from other locations.

“You have that history here,” he said. “It’s a piece of Boise history.”

Currently, the three-story building houses a French restaurant (Café de Paris), a coffee house (Tully’s), a nightclub (Catecomb), and now, an event center (The Adelmann – A Woodriver Event Center).

The architecture lends itself to a modern yet San Francisco gold rush feel as it is filled with character from the original brick walls to the pagoda turret which overlooks a good portion of downtown Boise.

The entire building design was influenced by a variety of artistic styles. A Romanesque style is evident mostly in the arched windows while the German influence can be seen in the brick formations. Most notably however, is the Chinese influence found in the Pagoda turret on the front corner of the building. A mural was painted in 2000 by the Letterheads, an international sign painting company to honor the original owner. There was no disclosure on the costs of refurbishing the building. The restoration project took more than two years to complete.

Today, the building is owned by Karen and Dave Buich who own Wood River Cellars in Eagle, Idaho. They purchased the building in 2004 and invested.

Tom Stevenson is CEO for the Adelmann’s Event Center, and Sarah Shoebridge is the event coordinator.