Neon Grove
Historic Neon Sign Gallery

Photo by Brandon Loureiro

Background

As part of our ongoing commitment to preservation and placemaking, CCDC, alongside Signs of Our Times and the Boise City Department of Arts & History, unveiled the city’s first open-air neon sign gallery in the heart of the Linen District in October 2024. This unique installation brought a curated collection of six restored vintage neon signs back to life, transforming them into a public exhibit that tells the story of Boise’s past.

Neon signs once lit up the streets of Boise, guiding residents and visitors alike to local businesses, theaters, and landmarks. Over the years, many of these signs were lost to time, replaced by modern signage, or removed altogether. “Neon Grove” honors the city’s history while reintroducing these nostalgic icons into the Linen District.

“Neon Grove” was part of the larger Rebuild Linen Blocks on Grove Street project, led by CCDC, to revitalize the area. The Linen District, located between 10th Street and 16th Street, has undergone significant transformation, from an industrial hub to an automotive-focused corridor and now to a thriving district with local businesses, hotels, shops, and cafes.

Project Summary

Located on the north side of Grove Street, between 12th Street and 13th Street, the gallery was made possible through CCDC’s collaboration with local non-profit Signs of Our Times, Boise City Department of Arts and History, YESCO Signs, Classic Design Studio, Rocket Neon, and other partners. Each sign has been carefully restored to preserve its original design while ensuring its structural integrity and long-term durability.

The six signs (in order of placement east to west): L&B Beverage, Blue Bell Auto Park, Sands Motel, Truck Stop Café, Mercury Cleaners, and Chuck Dragoo Auto Sales were donated by Vangie Osborn of Signs of Our Times for the project. Through an extensive visioning and historical verification process, restoration began in June 2024 and was completed in October 2024.

Upon completion, the gallery’s stewardship was given to the City of Boise for continued care.