ORCHIDS AND ONIONS

Announcing This Year’s Awardees & awards reception in boise

Join us in a celebration that honors both the past and the future of historic preservation in Idaho!

Since 1977, Preservation Idaho has hosted the Orchids and Onions event, an awards reception designed to celebrate individuals and organizations that have made a positive contribution to historic preservation (Orchids), as well as to bring awareness to those projects that have shown insensitivity to the state’s cultural history (Onions). Each year, an independent review committee selects awardees from a pool of submitted nominations. We are thrilled to announce this year's Orchids and Onions Awardees.

These projects, organizations, and individuals are powerful extensions of our mission: to preserve Idaho's historic places through collaboration, education, and advocacy. We invite you to join us in celebrating how each of these awardees contribute to making Idaho a better place to live, work, visit, and enjoy.

When: Saturday, July 26th, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: Longfellow Elementary School 1511 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702

Event Schedule:

• 12:00 PM: Doors open

• 12:30 PM: Awards presentation by volunteer and emcee, Dan Everhart

• Following the Presentation: Lunch provided, self-guided tour

Event Highlights:

• Awards Ceremony: Celebrating the positive contributions to historic preservation and highlighting projects that may have not fully honored Idaho's cultural heritage. Orchids and Onions began in 1977 and continues to be a pivotal event for awareness and celebration of historic preservation in Idaho.

• Reception: Enjoy a delicious lunch

• Optional Self-Guided Tour: Following the Presentation

Details: You do not need to bring event tickets or a receipt. Your name(s) will be on a list at the checkin table when you arrive. Street parking only in this area so plan ahead. There is an elevator available in the building. Dress code: Come as you are.

Tickets:

• Preservation Idaho Members: $20 per person

• Non-Members: $25 per person

• Note: Credit card processing fees apply. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Member Discount: Preservation Idaho members can log in for member benefits to access a $5 discount on ticket prices, click LOGIN FOR MEMBER BENEFITS to access and purchase through your online membership account.

For tickets by phone and for more information, please contact us at kellie@preservationidaho.org or call (208) 424-5111.

Orchids and Onions Awards Archive

Announcing This Year’s Awardees

1912 Center – Moscow

Excellence in Historic Preservation

1912 Center, built in 1912 in Latah County, has been honored with a 2025 Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. Originally built as the city’s high school, this building has undergone a decades-long, community-led transformation into a vibrant, multi-generational civic hub. Designed by Clarence H. Hubbel in the Neo-Classical Revival style, this historic building was saved from demolition thanks to passionate grassroots advocacy and private donations led by Heart of Arts, Inc. With thoughtful, phase-by-phase renovations guided by preservation best practices, the building retains its original floors, doors, and chalkboards, while integrating modern systems and accessibility.

The recently completed second-floor restoration, which includes the Lecompte Auditorium, a historic classroom, gallery, and gathering spaces, exemplifies how adaptive reuse can honor a building’s legacy while enriching public life. Managed by Heart of the Arts, Inc., the 1912 Center now hosts community programs, art exhibits, senior meals, and educational initiatives like the Pen & Primer Project.

The 1912 Center is a testament to the power of community preservation and a shining example of Excellence in Historic Preservation in Idaho.

Project Acknowledgements:

• City of Moscow, fantastic stewards of this living history experience

• Heart of the Arts, Inc.

• Latah County Historical Society

Photos: Latah County Historical Society and Heart of the Arts, Inc.

U.S Assay office building – Boise

Excellence in Historic Preservation

The U.S. Assay Office in downtown Boise, one of only three National Historic Landmark buildings in Idaho, has been carefully and comprehensively restored, earning it a 2025 Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. Originally built in 1871 to serve Idaho’s booming gold and silver mining industry, the Assay Office played a vital role in connecting the Idaho Territory to the federal treasury. Designed by renowned architect Alfred B. Mullett and constructed from locally quarried sandstone, the building is a rare and significant example of Italian Villa–style architecture in the region.

The recent restoration, led by CSHQA and the Idaho State Historical Society, prioritized preserving original materials, repairing damaged sandstone, restoring historic plaster, refinishing wood floors, and updating mechanical systems with sensitivity to the building’s legacy. Funded through a combination of state and federal grants, including Save America’s Treasures, the project also included landscape enhancements funded by St. Luke’s, interpretive signage, and archaeological discoveries from the building’s mining past.

Now home to the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, the Assay Office continues to educate and inspire, standing as a lasting symbol of Idaho’s early mining economy and its enduring architectural heritage.

Project Acknowledgements:

• CSHQA

• Megumi Haus, John Maulin, Tyler Schram, Danielle Weaver, CSHQA

• Joe Perkins, JP2 Construction

• Chris Dyke and Thad Mason, Musgrove Engineering

• Dave Haugland, AHJ Engineers

• Tricia Canaday, Idaho SHPO and ISHS

• Staff from the Idaho SHPO and ISHS

• Bruce Berry and Nicole Cecil, State of Idaho DPW

Photos: CSHQA and after images © Tobin Rogers Photography

collisTer elementary School – Boise

Contribution to Historic Preservation

Collister Elementary School, a cherished Boise neighborhood school built in 1912, has been honored with a 2025 Orchid Award for Contribution to Historic Preservation. This thoughtful project, led by LKV Architects and the Boise School District, successfully balanced modern educational needs with the sensitive preservation of one of Idaho’s historic public schools, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The renovation preserved and enhanced the original 1912 and 1948 structures while introducing a respectful new two-story addition that supports 21st-century learning. The team prioritized protecting the building’s historic prominence by stepping the addition back from the original facade and restoring key architectural features, including careful cleaning of the original stone entrance, upgrading windows with historically appropriate replacements, and preserving large old-growth trees.

With early collaboration from SHPO and Preservation Idaho, and a deep commitment to honoring the school’s past, the project preserved the building’s integrity while addressing safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Collister Elementary now stands as a great example of how historic schools can be thoughtfully adapted for future generations.

Project Acknowledgements:

• Tom Willis, Boise School District

• Dan Koski Beniton and Matt Forrester, Beniton Construction

• Ron Polintan and Amber Van Ocker, LKV Architects

Photos: LKV Architects

deary mercantile building – deary

Contribution to Historic Preservation

A landmark in the heart of Deary since 1926, the Deary Mercantile Building has been honored with a 2025 Orchid Award for Contribution to Historic Preservation for its extraordinary restoration and adaptive reuse. Once a hardware and grocery store and a gathering place for fraternal organizations, the building had fallen into major disrepair after decades of vacancy. In 2023, new owners and Quality Contractors stepped in with a vision to preserve the building’s historic character while bringing it back to life as the new Deary Butcher Shop.

Over 50 tons of debris was removed, and extensive structural repairs were made using locally sourced Douglas fir timber to replace damaged beams, joists, and rafters. Historic pressed tin ceilings were carefully restored using salvaged material, and original wood floors were refinished to highlight the building’s rich character. Masonry repairs and repointing preserved the original brickwork, while modern systems, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, were seamlessly integrated to support the building’s new life.

The project is a perfect example of rural preservation done right, rooted in community pride, local craftsmanship, and a deep respect for history. Today, the Deary Mercantile Building once again serves as a vibrant community hub, blending past and present with integrity and care.

Project Acknowledgements:

• The Butcher Shop

• Quality Contractors

• Latah Preservation Commission

Photos: Latah Preservation Commission and Quality Contractors

kcid building – caldwell

Contribution to Historic Preservation

A beloved Mid-Century Modern icon in downtown Caldwell, the KCID Building has been honored with a 2025 Orchid Award for Contribution to Historic Preservation. Built in 1959 by Clair B. Hull on the site of a former Sinclair service station, this striking MCM structure became home to radio station KCID and the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce. With its dramatic angular roofline, floor-to-ceiling corner windows, and a signature revolving globe on the roof, the building quickly became a local architectural gem.

KCID, known as “Twin Cities Radio, 1490 AM – On the Corner Where the World Turns,” reflected the station’s service to both Caldwell and Nampa. In 1971, Hull sold the station to his son-in-law Duane Wolfe and Dale Peterson. Before the construction of Interstate 84, Cleveland Boulevard, then part of U.S. Highway 30, was a major route westward, with traffic flowing past or around the building, further cementing its role as a visual anchor for the city.

Over the decades, this once-vibrant corner fell into disrepair, but dedicated owners, Valerie and Steve Hruza, stepped in with a vision to bring the building back to life. Through an ambitious and heartfelt renovation, the structure was stripped down to its bones and thoughtfully restored. Original windows, boarded up for years, were reopened to flood the space with natural light, and the building’s distinctive architectural details were celebrated once again. The full interior renovation included new plumbing, electrical, and surfaces, while carefully maintaining the spirit of the original design.

Today, the KCID Building stands once again as a point of pride for Caldwell, a brilliant example of Mid-Century Modern preservation and a powerful reminder of the role thoughtful rehabilitation can play in revitalizing our communities.

Project Acknowledgements:

• Dale Peterson, Owner of KCID Radio

• Graye Wolfe, grandson of Clair B. Hull, original builder and developer, and son of Niki Hull Wolfe

• Duane D. Wolfe, son in law of Clair B. Hull co-owner of KCID Radio in Caldwell

• Art Gregory, History of Idaho Broadcasting

• Chuck Randolph, Caldwell Historian

Photos: Jessica Alvarado and Elaine Carpenter

neon grove – Boise

Cultural Heritage Preservation

Neon Grove has been honored with a 2025 Orchid Award for Cultural Heritage Preservation, recognizing a visionary project that reimagines historic preservation in a dynamic, brilliant way. A collaborative effort between Signs of Our Times, Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC), and the Boise City Department of Arts & History, this open-air gallery reintroduces six beautifully restored vintage neon signs to the streets of downtown Boise.

Once glowing across the city as beacons of local businesses, from motels and cafés to cleaners and auto sales, these signs had long been dark. Thanks to the passion of Vangie Osborn, founder of Signs of Our Times, and a talented team of preservationists, they now shine brightly in the heart of the Linen District along Grove Street. Osborn not only donated the signs but led their preservation and historical interpretation, turning them into a glowing tribute to Boise’s mid-century commercial history.

This one-of-a-kind exhibit celebrates Boise’s visual heritage while creating a sense of place and community. Neon Grove is more than a restoration project, it’s a public art destination and cultural experience that invites Boiseans to reflect, connect, and take pride in their city’s past.

Project Acknowledgements:

• Vangie Osborn, Signs of Our Times

• Capital City Development Corp

• Boise City Department of Arts & History

• Restoration and Installation Team

• YESCO, Classic Design Studio, and Rocket Neon

• Claire Dean, Dean & Associates Conservation Services

• Contractor: Guho Corp.

• Project Design Team: GGLO, KPFF, HDR, and Musgrove Engineering

Photos: Capital City Development Corporation

Earl lockie – South Custer County Historical Society, mackay

Friend of Preservation

Preservation Idaho proudly honors Earl Lockie with a 2025 Orchid Award for Friend of Preservation in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and lifelong dedication to preserving Mackay’s rich mining history. Following a distinguished career in nuclear engineering, Earl returned to his roots and poured his passion into saving and interpreting the iconic remnants of White Knob Hill, ensuring that Mackay’s past remains a vivid part of its present.

As president of the South Custer County Historical Society, Earl spearheaded efforts to protect and restore the Shay Railroad Trestles, the historic aerial tramway, miners' cabins, and key structures like the Shay Engine House and Smelter Blacksmith Shop. His work also brought new life to the town’s Clock Cigar Shop and jail, while shaping compelling exhibits for the award-winning Lost River Museum.

Earl's boundless energy galvanized community support, forged partnerships with agencies like the BLM and U.S. Forest Service, and successfully defended historic resources from destructive development. Thanks to his vision and tireless work, Mackay has become a hub for heritage tourism, inviting families and visitors of all ages to ride the trails, walk through history, and discover the stories of Idaho’s mining past.

As Earl begins to pass the torch, Preservation Idaho is proud to celebrate his lasting legacy with this well-deserved Orchid Award.

Photos: Katherine Kirk, Idaho Heritage Trust

tricia l canaday – Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), boise

Distinguished Preservationist

Preservation Idaho proudly honors Tricia L. Canaday with a 2025 Orchid Award for Distinguished Preservationist for her exceptional leadership, collaboration, and enduring contributions to the preservation of Idaho’s cultural heritage.

For over 27 years, Tricia has been a cornerstone of preservation in Idaho, beginning her career as Boise’s Historic Preservation Planner before joining the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), where she served in numerous roles including Architectural Historian, Outreach Historian, and most recently as Deputy SHPO and SHPO Administrator. Her thoughtful leadership has guided some of Idaho’s most complex and meaningful preservation efforts, building trusted partnerships across state and federal agencies, tribal nations, and local communities.

Tricia’s impact spans the restoration of the U.S. Assay Office and historic highway markers, to advancing collaborative exhibits with Idaho Tribes and championing digital preservation tools like the Idaho Cultural Resources Management System (ICRIS). She has also mentored the next generation of preservationists through hands-on field schools and national leadership roles, including service on the board of the National Council of State Historic Preservation Offices (NCSHPO).

Tricia Canaday embodies the very spirit of preservation - steadfast, visionary, and deeply committed to protecting Idaho’s historic and cultural landscapes. Her legacy will continue to shape preservation in our state for generations to come.

Photos: Staff at SHPO

cammie sayer – U.S. Forest Service – Intermountain Region, salmon

Distinguished Preservationist

Preservation Idaho proudly honors Camille “Cammie” Sayer with a 2025 Orchid Award for Distinguished Preservationist for her exceptional career dedicated to preserving Idaho’s historic and cultural treasures, particularly those within the state’s vast public lands.

Over a career spanning more than two decades, Cammie served as an archaeologist with the Salmon-Challis National Forest and later with the U.S. Forest Service’s Intermountain Region headquarters. She led restoration and protection efforts for remote and historically significant sites including the Butts Point and Granite Mountain Lookouts, the Indianola Ranger Station, and Earl Parrott’s cabin along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Her work preserved both historic structures and sacred archaeological sites while fostering partnerships with volunteers, tribal nations, and federal agencies.

Cammie also played a pivotal role in shaping national preservation policy as she helped implement federal infrastructure initiatives with careful attention to cultural resource protection. Throughout her career, she championed historic integrity with clarity, humor, and purpose, and mentored generations of young archaeologists who now carry her preservation ethic forward.

Cammie Sayer’s deep commitment, collaborative leadership, and tireless advocacy for Idaho’s cultural resources make her a true champion of preservation and a deserving recipient of the Distinguished Preservationist Orchid Award.

Photos: U.S. Forest Service

The Bishops’ house at the old idaho penitentiary – boise

Heritage Stewardship

The Bishops’ House, a treasured Victorian, originally built on the corner of 2nd and Idaho Street, but was later moved to its present site at Old Penitentiary Road in Boise, has received a 2025 Orchid Award for Heritage Stewardship, honoring its continued stewardship and recent exterior rehabilitation. Originally constructed in 1889 for the Episcopal Diocese and relocated in 1975 to save it from demolition, the home now serves as a beloved public venue thanks to the tireless efforts of the Friends of the Bishops’ House non-profit.

In 2023–2024, a carefully executed restoration led by LKV Architects and the Idaho State Historical Society addressed deteriorated wood shingles, replaced the complex roof, restored decorative trim and railings, and resolved long-standing drainage issues, all while respecting the house’s historic integrity and active use as an event space. This work not only revived the structure’s grand appearance but ensured its longevity as a cultural asset and gathering place.

The project exemplifies how community dedication and professional preservation expertise can sustain historic places. The Bishops’ House continues to tell Boise’s story, one celebration, one restoration, and one generation at a time.

Project Acknowledgements:

• Idaho State Historical Society

• SHPO

• George, Matt, Charlie and Mike, the Maintenance team at the Old Penitentiary District

• Board of Directors

• Joe Perkins, JP2 Construction

• LKV Architects 

• Katherine Kirk, Idaho Heritage Trust

• Stephen Chesnut

• Volunteers who help take care of the beautiful house and grounds all year round

• Juno Van Ocker

• Amelia Berg

• Friends of the Bishops' House

• Jason Webster, Upson Company

• Brady Smith, BMM Construction

• Kelly Berard, DPW

• Ron Polintan and Amber Van Ocker, LKV Architects

Photos: LKV Architects

Review and Selection Process

Nominations were reviewed and evaluated by an independent review committee comprised of preservationists, historians, and architects. This committee assessed each nomination's suitability for the specified award category. A huge thank you to the jury review committee.

Award Categories

Orchids

Outstanding examples of preservation projects or practices can be awarded in the following categories: 

Building Projects & Programs

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).
 
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).

Preservation-Sensitive New Construction: Awarded to new construction that enhances a historic neighborhood or historical theme (residential or commercial).

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.

Individuals & Organizations

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

Scott Chandler Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship: Awarded to individuals worthy of acknowledgment for their body of work and contributions to their craft. This award is in memoriam to Scott Chandler, who embodied attention to detail, commitment to quality and integrity, and dedication to historic preservation.

Onions

Onions: Examples of projects or programs insensitive to historic preservation can be 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.

A special thanks to THE longfellow elementary school for sponsoring the venue for the 2025 orchids and onions awards!

Coming to Boise for the awards reception?

book your stay at The Avery Hotel – A Boutique Gem in the Heart of Boise