Saint John the Evangelist Cathedral

Orchid: Contribution to Historic Preservation

Awarded to Rob Thornton and Insight Architects
For the renovation and landscaping of Saint John the Evangelist Cathedral in Boise

Idaho’s most important seat of Catholic authority was designed by Tourtellotte and Hummel and dedicated in 1921. While the building has always been well maintained by the diocese, recurring water damage in the basement and threats to the building’s Boise sandstone exterior as well as accessibility difficulties led the church to undertake a project overseen by Insight Architects and Ivy Design to provide better drainage to the site while allowing ADA access to the basement level. At the same time, a project led by Rob Thornton Architects to renovate the basement level chapel was begun. Both projects have successfully met the needs of the building while remaining true to its character. The exposure of the sandstone walls in the basement is lovely, and the landscaping elements were constructed with very little intrusion on how the building is seen from the street. Preservation Idaho is pleased to honor this project for its Contribution to Historic Preservation.

For additional information please visit: www.stjohnsparishboise.org