Eoff House - New Historic District for Boise

The Eoff/Brady/Hon House is one of the best examples of Queen Anne architecture in the entire city and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1897 and designed by Tourtellotte and Hummel, it has served as a private home, the Governor’s Mansion, and most recently, as apartment housing. The property is now privately owned and the current owner is seeking an investor to allow the house to remain on-site rather than being moved or salvaged to accommodate a new condominium project.  

Preservation Idaho is working with the owner to find a buyer or a preservation-minded partner to help in the rehabilitation/update of the home in a historically sensitive manner. This project could qualify for the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. The property includes a developable lot next to the existing home.

Read more about this history of this home on the Idaho Architecture Project Site:
http://idahoarchitectureproject.org/s/1398/Eoff-Brady-Hon-House

Property Description

The Subject Property is comprised of three buildings on a 0.42 acre site. The multi-family residential structure encompasses 10,558+- square feet. Two small outbuildings are located at the rear of the site.

Address: 140 W. Main Street, Boise, Idaho, 83702
Location: Boise City Original Townsite, Block 36, Lots 1-3
Type: Multi-family Residential
Number of Units: 10
Building Area: 3 Buildings encompassing 10,558+- SF
Construction: Brick and stone masonry with wood frame
Parcel Size: 0.42 acres
Zoning: R-OD (Residential Office with Design Review overlay)
Year Built: Main Building 1897; Remaining Buildings c. 1920
Parking: 8 spaces
Heating: Geothermal radiators
Roof: Wood shingle
Tax Identification: Parcel R1013002430; located in Tax Code Area 01-6

Boise City - New Historic District

On August 7, 2018 the Boise City Council issued an emergency moratorium on all demolition permits after learning that the building owner had intended to demolish the structure. 

“The owner has explained that the plumbing and wiring in the house are in poor condition and that he does not want to upgrade or reuse the house as part of a larger development. He appears intent on obtaining a demolition permit for the house within the next several months,” Hal Simmons and Ted Vanegas of Boise’s Planning and Development Services wrote in the meeting’s agenda.

While the immediate demolition of the residence is halted Boise City will be considering creation of a new historic district which will incorporate the Eoff House and ten other buildings in a two-block area.

Read more here....

Statesman article: https://www.idahostatesman.com/latest-news/article216277225.html

Boise City press: https://www.livboise.org/liv-stories/2018/boise-city-council-protects-historic-home/

 

Idaho Forester's Building / The Cabin

We love the idea of a new library for Boise and the architect hired is renowned, BUT, if you have seen the initial proposed site plan, you may have noticed that, ALTHOUGH LISTED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES,  THE CABIN IS GONE (replaced by a patio)!

The final design is far from done so this is the time to act!

The city has not made a final decision but, from our discussions, it appears that the architects were NEVER asked to design a library that keeps the Cabin on-site (even though the Human Rights Memorial next door is being left in place).   We think the Memorial and the Cabin are both Boise landmarks and, as preservationists, we are strongly opposed to moving the historic cabin.   National Register Listing means something and recognizes the importance of the Cabin to the history of Boise and the State.  You can read the actual NR Listing below; especially the Statement of Significance.  The creation of the cabin is a great story and underlines why this 1940's building represents an important part of the unique history of Idaho and deserves to be respected in its prominent location on Capital Boulevard.   The city is not proposing to demolish the building,  but has spoken with the Board of The Cabin about a move to Julia Davis Park.  This may seem like a reasonable compromise, but a move negates the integrity of the building and the importance of forestry in Idaho's history.  It also diminishes the value of a literary center adjacent to the library, the significance of the site on the Boise River, and may impact its National Register Listing.  

Cabin 1940.jpg

The cabin was built specifically to house the Idaho Forester's Office.  The story of how it was built and what is inside is just as important as the beautiful exterior and is part of why it is National Register Listed - read more by clicking the button below.

 

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Take a moment to email the Mayor and City Council

Let our elected officials know that...

"I would like the architects to be asked to re-design the library to include the cabin with appropriate access and open space that respects its history and its role as the current home for The Cabin's reading and writing programs."

Below are the emails for Mayor and City Council. You can cut and paste text above (or craft your own) into the email.  

Mayor Dave Beiter - mayor@cityofboise.org
Council President Lauren McLean - lmclean@cityofboise.org
Council President Pro Tem Elaine Clegg - eclegg@cityofboise.org
Council Member Scot Ludwig - sludwig@cityofboise.org
Council Member Lisa Sánchez - lsanchez@cityofboise.org
Council Member TJ Thomson - tjthomson@cityofboise.org
Council Member Holli Woodings - hwoodings@cityofboise.org

KEEP THE CABIN - ON THE RIVER

cabin early.png

The site of the cabin was chosen as a reflection of its purpose and its connection to the rivers and the rugged timberlands of Idaho.  Each room's walls are covered with a  specific type of lumber from the forests of Idaho.  The National Register tells the story of how the design came to be.

Preservation Idaho supported the formation of the Log Cabin Literary Center (to save the cabin from demolition many years ago) and we do not see the value in moving the structure now when it should rightly stand along side the new library, arts and history facility.  The unnecessary move of the Cabin will further add to the cost of the library and that money could be used to build the new library itself. 

We have the right and the obligation to stand up and speak up for our cultural history and landmarks.  Please make your voice heard today!

The city held Open House Public Meetings for input on the library design. Thanks to all our preservation supporters who attended and provided feedback. The city has compiled comments in a report. 

Highlands and Amity Elementary Schools

Preservation Idaho worked with the Boise School District Administrators as they make decisions about renovating or replacing Boise Schools as a result of a 175 million dollar bond which passed in 2017. 

Highlands Elementary, as a shining example of mid-century school architecture, was the front lines of an ongoing debate about the future of our built environment. In late March, 2018 the School District determined it was in their best interest to demolish and and replace Highlands Elementary. See a collection of images of the property below, with links to local news coverage. 

Amity.jpg

Preservation Idaho also hosted a last look tour of Amity Elementary. This unique 1970's school is slated for demolition when the new school building is completed adjacent to the earth-mounded building. The school reflected the energy-crisis sensibility of the time Boise Architectural Historian Dan Everhart lead the tours.

Treasure Valley Preservation Media Roundup

Preservation Idaho has been on the forefront of several advocacy issues in Boise lately. Local News media has been helping provide a balanced view of the concerns face by the preservation community as well as those who advocate for new buildings and development. Here are some highlights.

Booth House/Marian Prichett Property

This property has long been on the radar of Preservation Idaho. The park-like campus in Boise's Historic North End has been owned by the Salvation Army since the 1920's. The property is currently for sale in order for the Salvation Army to build a new, larger campus further west.   This property is at the heart of the discussion of preservation of history and how to grow while respecting our historic built environment.

Learn more about the property on our Idaho Architecture Project web page.

KIVI did a news report on February 25, 2018

Idaho Statesman ran a story on February 23, 2018

KTVB did a news report on March 6, 2018

Highlands Elementary

Preservation Idaho has been working with the Boise School District Administrators as they make decisions about renovating or replacing Boise Schools as a result of a 175 million dollar bond which passed in 2017.  Highlands Elementary, as a shining example of mid-century school architecture, is on the front lines of an ongoing debate about the future of our built environment and a decision will be made soon to remodel or rebuild from scratch. 

Idaho Statesman ran a story on March 4, 2018

KTVB did a news report on March 6, 2018

Saving The Jones House - Media Coverage

Board Member Frank Eld gave an interview about his work saving, preserving and restoring the Jones House. The interview was part of a workshop sponsored by Radio Boise and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. The goal was to find people who were preserving or practicing folk arts or traditions and then produce a radio piece about them.

If you are located in the Treasure Valley you may tune in on Wednesday January 24th at 4:30 p.m. MST to Radio Boise via 89.9 or 93.5 FM, or via the internet at radioboise.us 

KTVB also interviewed Frank, to watch the video and read about Frank, follow the link. 

http://www.ktvb.com/mobile/article/news/local/jones-house-historic-boise-home-example-of-preservation-amid-growth/277-521860369