Idaho State Capitol Building Renovation

Orchid: Excellence in Historic Preservation

Boise, Idaho

The “Capitol of Light”, this building needs no introduction for Idahoans. Designed by the prestigious Idaho architectural firm of Tourtellotte and Hummel in 1905, the initial phase of construction, completed in 1912, consisted of the central section and dome. With the completion of the legislative wings in 1920, the building stood complete for nearly 90 years. With the creation of the Idaho Capitol Commission in 1998, the building’s renovation and eventually, its expansion was envisioned. Through economic and political upheaval, the Capitol Commission completed first an exterior cleaning and renovation followed by the recently completed second phase – a full-scale interior renovation and expansion. Throughout the lengthy and difficult process, adherence to best practices was the hallmark of the work. Preservation Idaho is proud to honor the exemplary completion of the single largest historic renovation and addition project in the history of the state with an Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.