Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct year (1944) that AAA Sign Company was founded.
A historic building in Boise’s North End neighborhood is about to get new life. lease But rather about life.
The former AAA Sign Building will become a self-service dog washing station called The Hydrant.
The building’s owners have submitted their first application to convert the building into a new bathhouse business in September 2022. Owner Rod Adams said the project was a major undertaking that took a significant amount of time and renovation to get the former barn in good enough condition to run a business. The renovations included a complete overhaul of the HVAC, reorienting the staircase, replacing electrical, drywall and plumbing.
“It was a lot more work than starting from scratch, but it was really important to us to preserve as much of the building as possible and not change too much, especially the aesthetic of the exterior,” Adams said.
Not only is the building historic, it also holds sentimental value to Adams, as his great-uncle Paul Ashley founded the AAA Sign Company here in 1944. Adams purchased the building from Ashley’s grandson in 2020.
The downstairs space will have seven dog wash tubs with dryers, a drying room for “very hairy dogs” and a grooming room in the back. Adams says his love of dogs inspired him to start a dog-washing business; his dog, Hank, will be featured on The Hydrant’s signage. He also noticed that the North End didn’t have a self-service dog-washing station for dog owners.
“Self-serve dog shampoos are so much easier because you don’t have to put your dog in the tub or shower and get them all messy, with hair going down the drain and hard to dry,” Adams says. “It’s a great opportunity to bond with your dog and get out with a clean dog.”
Adams said he is aiming to open the store the week of July 8. The store will be located at 1210 W Sherman St. in Boise.
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