2008 Orchids & Onions

The 31st Annual Orchids & Onions Awards was held on Saturday, June 21st, 2008 at the Wilson Theater in the Historic Town Square of Rupert, Idaho.

This year we received a record number of nominations and many for projects that were of the highest quality. Thus, the 31st Annual Orchids & Onions Awards represents one of our biggest award years to date.

Congratulations to all our award recipients!

Orchids

Excellence in Historic Preservation

Awarded to projects that have demonstrated outstanding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards in preservation, restoration, renovation, or adaptive reuse (residential or commercial).

Greg Contos - For the restoration of the John and Melissa Atkinson House in Boise.
Charlie and Lori Creason – For the restoration of the 1917 Rupert First National Bank (Drift Inn) in Rupert.
Clayton Area Historical Association – For the restoration of the Idaho Mining and Smelter Company Store in Clayton.
Idaho Transportation Department – For the restoration of the historic Rainbow Bridge on SH55.
Brian Runberg – For the restoration of the Beardmore Block in Priest River.
Jim and Monica Walker – For the rescue and restoration of the Beck House in Boise.

Contribution to Historic Preservation

Awarded to projects that have been successful in the tasteful restoration, addition, or remodel of an existing building (residential or commercial).

Richard Castagna and Pamela Harmon – For the renovation of a historic warehouse for residential use in Pocatello.
Hale Development – For the renovation of the Linen Building in Boise
Rob Thornton and Insight Architects – For the renovation and landscaping of Saint John the Evangelist Cathedral in Boise.

Friend of Preservation

Awarded to non-professional individuals distinguished for service in historic preservation. This would include, but not be limited to, those who volunteer for preservation organizations, historical societies or museums.

Andy Bond - Challis
Dorsey Hill - Pocatello
Robert Lonning - Hailey
Audrey Neiwerth - Rupert

Distinguished Preservationist

Awarded to professionals distinguished for service in historic preservation. Nominees for this award would be those whose job it is to further the cause of historic preservation in Idaho through direct projects or education.

Dorothy Dahlgren - Coeur d'Alene

Cultural Heritage Preservation

Awarded to educational programs and projects that have made a positive impact toward the preservation of cultural heritage and open spaces, as well as the restoration and rehabilitation of historic landmarks and roadside architecture.

Heyburn State Park and the North Region of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation – For and exemplary job in hosting the 2007 Pacific Northwest Field School.
Douglas Stanwiens and the Boise Architecture Project – For the creation and implementation of an architectural history program at Timberline High School in Boise

Onion

Examples of projects or programs insensitive to historic preservation can be awarded in the following categories: individuals or corporations who demolish historically significant buildings or sites; new construction that is insensitive or ignorant of the neighborhood's history.

The Buhl School District - For the unnecessary and shortsighted demolition of the historic 1920 Buhl High School Building in Buhl.

Judging

An impartial jury was appointed by the IHPC and reviewed all nominations. This jury was made up of architects, preservationists and historians. Evaluation were based upon information submitted in the nomination.