x
Breaking News
More () »

Boise city steps in to repair Union Block Building, it's been closed for 8 months

The owner was given 200 days to complete repairs and get them approved. He kept missing the deadline.

BOISE, Idaho — The future of one of the oldest buildings in Boise remains a work in progress. 

Back in November of 2023, the city of Boise ordered everyone in Union Block Building to vacate because of safety concerns. 

"I got a call from the city," Gary Torrey, the owner of Moon's Kitchen told KTVB. "And they told me I couldn't open my restaurant."

That was on Nov. 9 2023.

In January of 2024 the Union Block Building owner, Ken Howell, appealed the city's vacant order. 

City officials said they gave Howell 180 days to get needed repairs done and approved.  When he missed that deadline, they gave him another 30 days. Repairs still haven't been done and approved. 

Now, the city is stepping in to complete repairs, on Howell's dime. 

But, for some of the buildings former tenants ... it's too little, too late. 

"Two days later... the owner of this building called me and said he had a spot for me," Torrey said. "So, we came over and made a deal."

Moon's kitchen, once at the bottom of the Union Block Building, re-opened just around the corner on a second-floor spot of 8th Street. 

"It was perfect," Torrey said. 

And no matter where Moon's go, the regulars will follow. 

 "I originally started working for moons in 2010, when they were over here on Bank Street, and it used to be a storefront news to have the milkshakes in there" Nicholas Burwell told KTVB. 

Then, they expanded and moved into the Union Building. 

"I love Moon's," Burwell said. "I've watched Moon's go through three or four different owners."

Always coming back for his favorites. 

"I love Moon's... their shakes, ... and their Blue Moon burgers, the blue cheese...That has always been the best," Burwell said. "That's the signature style right there."

It took a little while for customers to find Moon's new spot. But now, business is booming. 

"We're all almost twice as busy as we were down there," Torrey said. 

After hearing the city is taking over repairs, and the Union Block Building could open back up, Torrey said they aren't going back. 

"We have a 21-year lease here," he said. 

Good news for Burwell, Moon's Kitchen will be serving milkshakes and burgers for decades to come on the corner 8th street and Main. 

KTVB also reached out Mai Thai, which was another location inside of the Union Block Building. They declined to comment at this time on whether or not they will move back in. 

You can also find Mai Thai in Meridian at 2900 W Excursion Lane

Watch more Local News:

See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:

HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:

Download the KTVB News Mobile App

Apple iOS:  Click here to download

Google Play: Click here to download

Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel

Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.

Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTERFACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

Before You Leave, Check This Out