Idaho Fish & Game Building Advocacy Alert!
-Deadline for public input is Thursday, October 31st by 5 pm-
The State of Idaho has stated its intention to demolish the National Register Eligible Idaho Fish & Game building.
A request to demolish the historic and architecturally significant 1965 building and replace it with new construction—a 3-story office building spanning 72,000 square feet and fronted by a broad expanse of surface parking—has been made to the Boise Planning and Zoning Commission. The current Idaho Fish & Game building is a rare example of the Neo-Formalist style in Boise and represents important historic trends in the development of Idaho’s governmental agencies and it’s important that we preserve this structure both for our community heritage and to meet the clearly delineated goals of Blueprint Boise!
Why does this building matter?
The design of the 1965 building embodied the Fish & Game Department’s Five-Point program which was to promote more public access, provide space for hunting and fishing, increase wildlife potential through habitat improvement and fish hatchery production, and provide more service to recreationists. Since its grand opening, presided over by Governor Robert E. Smylie, the Idaho Fish & Game Building has served as the site of much needed educational programs to all ages and provided a space where community members can encounter wildlife in natural habitats without leaving the city.
The building was designed by Idaho architects Thompson & Kolbo and constructed by Jordan-Wilcomb Construction. The architectural layout of this building took into account the ideal use and conservation of land and today we have the opportunity to retain that conservation legacy through the conservation of buildings and the reuse of historic places that support our community and our environment.
What is proposed?
The entire current building would be consigned to the landfill to make way for a 3-story office building. The proposed plan would push the building back away from Walnut Street with 235 parking spaces in the front. Idaho Fish & Game spokesperson Roger Phillips stated that they take seriously their “obligation to honor the history and character of the neighborhood.” However, the proposed design appears to reflect neither the history nor the character of the building or the neighborhood.
Preservation Idaho’s position.
While we understand that the needs of agencies change and more space may be required, this can be readily achieved with creative design solutions that incorporate existing historic buildings into larger redevelopment plans. The current midcentury modern building has a sculptural nature and historic setting that is architecturally significant.
A qualified Architectural Historian can assist the project architects in identifying the significant architectural features that should be preserved and incorporated into the new design. This process can avoid the cost of total demolition and can often save overall buildings costs.
The demolition of this existing building does not follow Idaho’s sustainability measures. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is required to meet the goals of the 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA):
Protect human health and the environment from the potential hazards of waste disposal.
Conserve energy and natural resources.
Reduce the amount of waste generated.
Ensure that wastes are managed in an environmentally sound manner.
The surrounding parking lots provide plenty of parking for the community including space for workers, visitors, park-goers, and more. There is room for additions to the rear and side that would not destroy the front façade, integrity, and usability of the current structure.
What can you do to help?
Time is short. Make your voice heard!
Please send an email to dmoser@cityofboise.org by 5 pm on October 31st
and consider attending the public hearing at Boise City Hall on November 4th at 6 p.m.
You can copy and paste from below or write your own.
"I oppose the requests, CUP19-00065 and CVA19-00054 regarding the demolition of the current Idaho Fish & Game building in favor of a new build. Demolition of the current building contradicts Blueprint Boise plans and sustainability measures. A renovation and reuse of the current building should be incorporated into the plans for a new Idaho Fish & Game structure. The current building built in 1965 represents the values and mission of the Idaho Fish & Game Department and contributes to Boise’s unique built environment and cultural history. Destroying the current building creates a negative impact for the environment and community. "
