Terra Cotta Park Set to Open in Downtown Twin Falls, Idaho, Offering Food, Art and Community Space
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A long-vacant building in downtown Twin Falls is on the verge of a new chapter. Terra Cotta Park, a one-of-a-kind community gathering space envisioned by founder Tara Rueda, is expected to open on May 1 at 602 2nd Ave. S. — the former location of Gertie’s Pizza.
The building sat vacant for five years following Gertie’s closure and has undergone extensive cleaning and renovation in preparation for its new life. From the outside in, the structure has been cleaned, pressure-washed, and its kitchen renewed. Artists have been busy transforming ductwork into decorative artwork throughout the interior. Some of the décor incorporates historical pieces from around Twin Falls, including windows salvaged from the Rogerson Hotel.
A Cooperative Vision, Not Just a Business
Rueda is careful about how she describes Terra Cotta Park. It is not, she says, simply a business. The venture is licensed as a co-op — a detail that reflects her broader philosophy about what the space should be for the Magic Valley community.
“I might be the one bringing this together, but this isn’t my company,” Rueda wrote on social media. “This is ours.”
Rather than competing with one another, workers at Terra Cotta Park will build together. Rueda envisions the space as a welcoming, evolving social experiment — one that she says will never truly be complete.
When fully operational, Terra Cotta Park will offer food trucks, indoor restaurants, workshops, a farmer’s market, a bar, retail space, a reading nook, and live music. Rueda’s goal is to give people a comfortable home away from home — a place to relax, grab a bite, read a book, or get some remote work done.
“There’s no limit to the classes,” Rueda said. “If somebody has a skill and they want to teach it, we are set up to do that, and we’ll sell the tickets for them.”
Local Vendors, Local Ingredients, Local Roots
Several vendors are already setting up shop ahead of the May 1 soft opening. Milk & Honey Coffee Co. and Baked N Loaded Potato Co. are among those preparing their spaces inside the building. Additional vendors will offer treats such as gelato. An in-house sourdough baker will provide fresh bread.
Rueda praised both vendors for their community-minded approach. “Baked N Loaded is just a wonderful family-oriented company,” she said. “They are extremely loved in the community and help those in need. Milk & Honey Coffee has a wonderful, warm vibe.”
As a tribute to Gertie’s, a salad bar and pizza will be served using locally sourced ingredients, with a few pizza varieties intended to be reminiscent of Gertie’s recipes.
Sustainability is woven throughout the concept. Organic waste from restaurants will be composted and used to grow produce at a lot in Buhl. Food trucks are expected to operate year-round.
The first scheduled workshop is set for May 15–17, when Boise Mosaic Works will teach the art of making glass mosaics. A retail space will showcase the work of local artisans. There is also talk of a kids’ summer camp program.
Community support, Rueda said, made the entire undertaking possible. Volunteers came together to lend a hand during the renovation process. Her own roots in the Magic Valley run deep — she recalled experiences from 15 years ago during the first Art and Soul of Magic Valley event that helped shape her path.
Twin Falls residents looking for more outdoor recreation options downtown may also be interested in new pickleball court lighting recently activated in the area, adding another layer of community amenity to the city’s public spaces.
What Comes Next
Terra Cotta Park is scheduled to begin welcoming the public on May 1 at 602 2nd Ave. S. in downtown Twin Falls. The first formal workshop — the glass mosaic class with Boise Mosaic Works — is slated for May 15–17. Rueda has expressed hopes that Terra Cotta Park will eventually expand, playing a role in launching similar co-op locations at sites across the region. “We don’t plan on being the only one,” she said.
Residents interested in following the buildout can visit Terra Cotta Park’s Facebook page for updates. For more statewide community and economic development news, visit Idaho News and the Idaho News Network.