Hemlock Boise

The Challenge: Breathing New Life into a Legacy Space

In the heart of Downtown Boise, within the iconic Inn at 500 Capitol, sat a restaurant space that had become a relic of a previous era. The challenge for Studio H Architects was to take an aging, traditional footprint and transform it into Hemlock—a high-energy, immersive dining destination that bridges the gap between timeless steakhouse traditions and bold, modern innovation.

Hemlock is Boise, Idaho's hottest new bar and restaurant.

The Vision: Layered, Immersive, and Anchored

We worked in close collaboration with the Hemlock ownership team and Wright Brothers, The Building Company, to ensure every architectural detail served the restaurant’s mission: to redefine the fine-dining experience. Our goal was to create a space that didn’t just set a mood but deepened the guest's connection to the cuisine.

  • The Anchor: We designed the central bar to act as the room's gravitational pull. It is a high-impact architectural feature that invites guests to linger over craft mixology, serving as the transition point between the energy of the city and the intimacy of the meal.

  • The Material Palette: We utilized charred wood and custom-engineered lighting to draw the eye upward and create texture. The contrast of these raw, "Grit-infused" materials against rich peacock green accents and warm leather provides a sense of luxury that feels earned and authentic.

  • The Atmosphere: The dining room was realigned to offer intimacy without isolation. By balancing acoustics and sightlines, we created a "space within a space," allowing for private connection in a vibrant, public setting.

The Grit: Navigating the Renovation

Renovating within an active, high-end hotel requires extreme technical grit. Studio H navigated the complexities of structural realignment and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) updates—ensuring the "Path of Service" for the kitchen was optimized for high-volume steakhouse operations while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the guest experience.

Two top dining space at the Hemlock Restaurant in Boise, Idaho.

The Vision: Layered, Immersive, and Anchored

We worked in close collaboration with the Hemlock ownership team and Wright Brothers, The Building Company, to ensure every architectural detail served the restaurant’s mission: to redefine the fine-dining experience. Our goal was to create a space that didn’t just set a mood but deepened the guest's connection to the cuisine.

  • The Anchor: We designed the central bar to act as the room's gravitational pull. It is a high-impact architectural feature that invites guests to linger over craft mixology, serving as the transition point between the energy of the city and the intimacy of the meal.

  • The Material Palette: We utilized charred wood and custom-engineered lighting to draw the eye upward and create texture. The contrast of these raw, "Grit-infused" materials against rich peacock green accents and warm leather provides a sense of luxury that feels earned and authentic.

  • The Atmosphere: The dining room was realigned to offer intimacy without isolation. By balancing acoustics and sightlines, we created a "space within a space," allowing for private connection in a vibrant, public setting.

The new canopy entry for the Hemlock Restaurant in Boise, Idaho.

The Results: A Treasure Valley Landmark

Hemlock didn't just open; it arrived. The project was awarded 3rd Place for Best Renovation in the Treasure Valley (2025), a testament to the power of strategic adaptive reuse.

Today, Hemlock is widely recognized as one of the most talked-about restaurants in Boise. It stands as a prime example of how Studio H Architects realigns aging infrastructure to create spaces where people don't just eat—they arrive, they pause, and they stay awhile.

Project Highlights:

  • Sector: Hospitality / Restaurant & Bar Design

  • Location: Downtown Boise, ID (Inn at 500 Capitol)

  • Collaborators: Wright Brothers, The Building Company

  • Award: 3rd Place, Best Renovation in Treasure Valley (2025)

  • Core Strategy: Adaptive Reuse, Experiential Design, and Color Rich Interior Environment.

  • Interior of a modern restaurant with a black and brown color scheme, round pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, leather booth seating, and a decorative wooden partition with plants and large windows in the background.
  • A dark, modern conference room with a large wooden table and leather chairs. A branch-like chandelier hangs above, and black-and-white framed art pieces are on the wall.
  • Inside a modern bar with dark wood accents, a black marble counter, and glassware and bottles on display. The ceiling has wooden panels with integrated lighting.
  • Decorative wall with illuminated bulbs surrounding a logo with a geometric design and the letter 'H' in the center, part of an upscale interior space.
  • Interior of a modern bar or restaurant with a well-stocked bar on the left, green upholstered chairs around marble-top tables, and a wall-mounted television displaying blue and purple smoke graphics.
  • Decorative desk lamp with a flamingo shape and a feathered shade on a dark wood counter in a modern hotel lobby with black and wood accents.