The Issacs House

Orchid: Excellence in Historic Preservation

Caldwell, Idaho

The Queen Anne-styled Victorian home at 823 Albany Street in north Caldwell was constructed in 1889 for William Isaacs, a rancher. Since the addition of the large bay windows in 1898, the structure has remained for the most part unchanged. The same cannot be said however, for the neighborhood in which it sits. Though composed of several large, ornate, historic homes, the neighborhood has lapsed into a state of decay.

This surrounding decay makes the choice of Robert and Nancy Roberts to invest in the Isaac’s House that much more remarkable. Beginning in 2008, the Roberts’ and their contractors systematically restored the exterior of the house and renovated the interior for contemporary residential use. Though the exterior was relatively intact, the interior had been gutted. Work included stripping the entire exterior for new paint, new roofing and chimney stabilization, the construction of an architecturally compatible new garage, and the refurbishment of the interior with new walls, floors, electrical, plumbing, etc.

The result is not just an investment in a home for Robert and Nancy, but an investment in the neighborhood. Local preservationists hope this will be just the start of a neighborhood revitalization and Preservation Idaho is pleased to award the project with an Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.