2012 Orchids & Onions
Since 1977, Preservation Idaho has hosted the annual Orchids & Onions Awards, a ceremony designed to celebrate those individuals and organizations that have made a positive contribution to historic preservation, and in turn, to bring awareness to those projects which have shown an insensitivity to historic preservation.
Watch the Awards Ceremony
2012 Recipients
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).
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Silver City School House, Silver City, ID An authentic historic restoration of an important landmark by the Historic Silver City Foundation, Inc. |
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Weiser Union Pacific Railroad Train Depot, Weiser, ID The combined efforts of the City of Weiser and the Weiser Architectural Preservation Committee renovated this historic depot under the direction of ZGA Architects & Planners, Chartered. |
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).
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A renovation of a building dating from Hailey’s early history by the Wood River Land Trust. |
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A.G. Changnon Residence, Idaho Falls, ID A success story of refurbishment and renovation by the Carr Foundation that strengthened a neighborhood in the process. |
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.
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Leadership and distinguished work as a preservation-minded architect. |
Friend of Preservation
Awarded to non-professional individuals distinguished for service in historic preservation. This includes, but is not limited to, those who volunteer for preservation organizations, historical societies or museums.
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Long-term commitment to civic projects providing accessibility to Meridian history. |
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Downtown Wallace historic preservationist noted for Pulaski Tunnel Trail. |
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Diligent researcher who combed the history of Ola Cemetery. |
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.
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Re-creation of a memorial to Japanese-American WWII veterans from the Minidoka Relocation Center by the Friends of Minidoka. |
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“The Hat” at The College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID Renovation of Caldwell’s early interurban transportation history by the College of Idaho and the Caldwell Historic Preservation Commission. |
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St. Mary’s Catholic Church Addition/Remodel, Boise, ID Addition to the church which allowed it to maintain its historic presence at 26th and State. |
Heritage Stewardship
Awarded to organizations or individuals that have shown dedication to historic preservation through the long-term maintenance and care of historic, architecturally significant, or culturally important sites and structures.
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Masonic Temple Association of Boise, Boise, ID Decades of maintenance and upkeep to this ninety year old building, and the Association’s commitment to their history. |
2012 Onion Award
Awarded to individuals or corporations who demolish historically significant buildings or sites or new construction that is insensitive or ignorant of the neighborhood’s history.
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Demolition of H.K. Linger House, Idaho Falls, ID An unnecessary demolition by the First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls that undermines the historic and aesthetic character of an adjacent residential neighborhood despite public opposition to the demolition. |
Awards Ceremony
The 35th Annual Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Masonic Temple, 215 N 10th St in Boise.
Press Releases
- Download the press release announcing the recipients.
- Download the post-awards press release announcing the Masonic Temple as a surprise Orchid Award recipient.
Evaluation and Selection
Each year, an impartial jury is appointed by Preservation Idaho to review all nominations. This jury is typically made up of architects, preservationists, and historians. Evaluations are based upon information submitted in the nomination application.
Event Photos
All event photos were taken by Sarah McGuire of Everhart Photography. Please credit Everhart Photography if you use any of these images. For higher resolution photos, please contact Kathleen Barrett at kathleen@preservationidaho.org or 208-424-5111
