Central Boise Bench
Not that long ago, the Boise Bench was a mixture of 1950s brick bungalows and grand homes overlooking downtown Boise and its string of parks. Today, the Bench's character has changed because of Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of Boise's largest private employers, and the Boise Towne Square Mall. Divided by Highway 184, the Bench includes the West Bench, dominated by HP and the Boise Towne Square Mall, and the Central Bench, home to quiet bungalows. Boise's largest parks, Ann Morrison Park and Kathryn Albertson Park, are found in the Central Bench. The Boise Train Depot, with its priceless views of downtown Boise and surrounding mountains, and the Stage Coach Theatre, home to entertaining community theater, also call this district home.