Linen District plans to add more restaurants to the mix By James Patrick Kelly Idaho Statesman | Edition Date: 11/03/06 View the original article on idahostatesman.com David Hale has ambitious plans for the Linen District, Boise's latest urban development on the industrial edge of downtown. The Portland native, who moved to Boise in the late '90s, runs Hale Development Inc. in the heart of the project. He envisions a smaller-scale Pearl District, which is Portland's newest industrial neighborhood. "The Pearl," as locals there call it, is a cool mix of residential (mostly loft apartments), retail shops, coffeehouses and restaurants. Hale thinks a concept like this is long overdue in Downtown Boise. "The Pearl District is a good model for urban development of industrial settings," Hale says. The Linen District is already home to some pretty hip businesses and organizations. Donnie Mac's Trailer Park Cuisine (1515 W. Grove St., 573-0534) has been wildly popular since opening one year ago in a former Goodyear tire store. The Visual Arts Collective (1419 W. Grove St., 424-8297) has held many events that support the local art scene. Yet the burgeoning district needs more dining options to favorably compare to the Pearl District. "I would definitely like to see more restaurants. Our goal is to get more people down here. Food traffic is essential for success," Hale says. Big City Coffee and Café (1414 W. Grove St.) plans to open in the Linen District at the end of the month in a former farm store. This urban coffeehouse will serve house-baked goods, light entrees and espresso drinks. Hale and a business partner are currently revamping the former Guest Lodge on 14th and Grove streets, turning it into a 41-room boutique hotel with a classy cocktail lounge. The Modern Hotel is slated to open next spring. "The bar is going to be really swanky, a refreshing break from the beer-guzzling bars on Sixth and Main," Hale says.