47th Orchids and Onions Preservation Awards

CELEBRATE THOSE WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN IDAHO!

Join Us!

When: Saturday, August 10th, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: Purpose Center 224 N. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho 83204

Event Schedule:

• 12:00 PM: Doors open

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

• Following the Presentation: Buffet lunch with beer and wine

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 buffet lunch accompanied by selections of beer and wine.

• Optional Self-Guided Tour: Explore the Purpose Center during the event, recipient of the 2023 Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Details: Elevator is available. Street parking along Main Street and surrounding areas. 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.

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 ceremony designed to celebrate to 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.

Orchids

Outstanding examples of preservation projects or practices were awarded this year 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).

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.

Announcing This Year’s Awardees

The Avery Hotel – Boise

Excellence in Historic Preservation

The historic 1910 Averyl Building, now home to The Avery Hotel, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally the Boz Theater and Hotel Manitou, this Renaissance Revival Style building had fallen into disrepair over the last 60 years. The recent restoration project, a collaborative effort by all three principals of Carver Thornton Young (CTY), has brought new life to this Boise landmark. Dwaine Carver  was the design lead on the project, working closely with owners, Chef Cal Elliott, Ms. Ashley Elliott, and Mr. Mike Hormachea to establish the overall vision for the hotel. Elizabeth Young, CTY's preservation specialist, acted as the liaison between historic consultants and governmental agencies, handling applications and entitlements to ensure compliance with preservation standards. Rob Thorton managed design development, blueprints, and construction, serving as both project manager and project architect through to the project's completion. The combined efforts and expertise of Dwaine, Elizabeth, and Rob were crucial to the successful restoration of The Avery Hotel. Key efforts included restoring the masonry, repairing the roof, and installing new windows that match the original design. The project also preserved historic interior features such as the winding staircase and the original elevator core.

The renovation reestablished the building’s hotel use, with the first-floor housing a new bar and restaurant, and the upper floors featuring boutique hotel rooms. By retaining and restoring historical elements while meeting modern standards, the project exemplifies excellence in historic preservation and successfully integrates the building's storied past with contemporary needs. This project meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, the highest benchmark for the treatment of historic buildings. Taking advantage of federal historic preservation tax incentives, this project reactivates one of the last remaining vacant historic buildings in downtown Boise.

The Avery Hotel stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between preservationists, architects, and developers, making it a deserving recipient of an Orchid Award in Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Photos: Rob Thorton and The Avery Hotel

Longfellow Elementary School Renovation and Addition - Boise

Excellence in Historic Preservation

Longfellow Elementary, built in 1906, is a historic landmark in Boise’s North End district, reflecting significant changes in educational design and Boise’s growth. Located at 1511 N. 9th Street, the school was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The building features a sandstone basement, smooth brick facade, hipped roof with intricate brackets, and large grouped windows. Initially serving grades 1-8, it included 12 classrooms, a principal’s office, library, manual training room, and custodian quarters.

The Boise School District needed additional learning space while preserving the historic integrity of the school. The project involved removing unsightly additions and portables, replacing inappropriate modern windows with historically accurate replicas, and rerouting utilities underground to clean up the property. A new addition was carefully designed at the rear of the building to minimize disruption to the original structure, using materials that complement but do not replicate the historic elements.

Interior renovations included uncovering original stairs and railings, restoring wood floors, and preserving original drinking fountains, doors, and trim. New mechanical units were discreetly placed in the attic or new addition, maintaining the historical intent of the design.

The recent renovation involved significant infrastructure updates, full window replacement, interior improvements, and a large addition. The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) supported the project, ensuring compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

This project exemplifies the successful collaboration between the Boise School District, LKV Architects, and the historic preservation community, balancing modern needs with preservation priorities. Longfellow Elementary School remains a vital educational and historical asset, deserving recognition with this Orchid Award.

Photos: Brook Thorton, LKV Architects

Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead Barn Restoration by Frank Eld – Boise

Excellence in Historic Preservation

Preservation Idaho recognizes Frank Eld’s restoration of the Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead Barn, a project of the Dry Creek Historical Society, for an Orchid Award in Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Frank Eld epitomizes the spirit of preservation through his tireless advocacy and hands-on restoration of historic structures. His extensive work includes saving and restoring numerous buildings in Roseberry, moving and restoring the Jones House in Boise, and, most recently, the meticulous restoration of the Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead Barn.

Frank’s journey with the Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead Barn began during a tour with his public history class at Boise State University. His keen observation and discovery of an old broad axe, coupled with diligent research, allowed him to uncover the barn’s history and determine its original construction methods. Using this knowledge, Frank spearheaded the restoration of one of Idaho’s oldest barns. He sourced period-appropriate materials, coordinated volunteer efforts, and enlisted skilled craftsmen to preserve the barn’s original beams and exterior siding.

The restoration of the barn has added significant educational value to the Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead, complementing the historic farmhouse on the site. The barn now serves as a venue for exhibits, providing the public and school children with a vivid glimpse into late 19th-century farm life.

The Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead Barn restoration is a testament to Frank’s dedication and the collective effort of many volunteers. It showcases how historic preservation can be achieved through passion, collaboration, and respect for our heritage. This project, managed by the Dry Creek Historical Society, not only preserves an important piece of Idaho’s agricultural history but also educates future generations about the state’s homesteading past.

We encourage you to visit the Farmstead on a Saturday afternoon to witness the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication that went into this remarkable restoration – a project worthy of an Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Photos: Dry Creek Historical Society

Washington County Courthouse New Security Entrance – Weiser

Excellence in Historic Preservation

The Washington County Courthouse, a 1941 masterpiece designed by Tourtellotte & Hummel, has maintained its architectural integrity since its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Despite minor updates, including window replacements and an ADA access ramp, the courthouse's exterior and grounds have largely remained true to the original Art Moderne design.

In response to growing security concerns, the Washington County commissioners decided to construct a new security entrance. This presented a challenge due to the building's solid concrete structure. Initially, the proposal also included removing part of the historic lawn for additional parking, sparking public opposition.

Local preservationists and the Weiser and Washington County Historic Preservation Commissions advocated against the loss of greenspace and requested a review of the new wing design. To their delight, the new security entrance design, conceived by Design West Architects, harmoniously integrates architectural cues from the original building with modern security needs. The addition respects the Tourtellotte design with thoughtful scale and a lower elevation, minimizing visual impacts to the existing structure and surrounding landscape.

The community and local preservation commissions are pleased with how the new addition and landscaping blend seamlessly with the courthouse's original vision, making it deserving of an Orchid Award. The Washington County Commission and Design West Architects should be commended for their leadership and dedication to preserving the historic integrity of this significant landmark. For their efforts, which resulted in an addition that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, Preservation Idaho is pleased to recognize their efforts with an Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Photos: Tony Edmondson

St. James Hotel Building / Belwood Building Renovation - Sandpoint

Contribution to Historic Preservation

The historic property at the corner of Cedar Street and 3rd Avenue in Sandpoint, Idaho, has undergone numerous transformations since its inception as a blacksmith shop in 1905. Today, it stands as the Belwood 301 Building, home to the Pend d'Oreille Winery and Fat Pig restaurant. This renovation by Julie and Steve Meyer, who purchased the building in 2010, makes it a strong candidate for Contribution to Historic Preservation.

Originally constructed in 1907 as a brick and timber one-story mercantile building, the structure soon evolved into the St. James Hotel with the addition of a second and third floor in 1908. Over the decades, the building was altered to house various businesses, including Williams Mercantile, Crescent Pharmacy, J.C. Penney, Golden Rule, Stebbin and Nesbitt House of Furniture, Sandpoint Table Supply, and Savon Cash Grocery. More recently, it was known as the Furniture Exchange and finally, Belwood Furniture.

Recognizing its historic significance and potential community value, the Meyers embarked on a thoughtful and meticulous renovation. They focused on reusing and recycling materials to preserve the building's historical texture and quality.

Belwood 301 sets a high standard for repurposing, reuse, and recycling in historic preservation. Notable examples include repurposing red fir flooring as interior siding and transforming two large 8" beams from the front of the store into light fixtures for the restaurant. Elements from the winery's previous venue were incorporated into the courtyard, and roof vents were converted into exterior light fixtures. A non-abrasive process was used to remove paint from exterior bricks, preserving the bricks and grout, which revealed historic signage ("Sandpoint Motor Company") that was highlighted with new lighting and protected by a new roof structure and glass wall. Unique metal shutter hardware on an exterior wall was preserved, and the walls of a cinder block addition were insulated from the inside, creating deep windowsills. The brick walls were reinforced with steel, and date-appropriate materials were used to maintain the building's historical look and feel. Tim Boden of Boden Mountain Architecture received a Citation Award from the American Institute of Architects Idaho for the renovation, adaptive use, and preservation of the building.

This renovation is a testament to the successful blending of historic preservation with modern functionality. The commitment to maintaining the building's historic integrity while repurposing it for contemporary use makes Belwood 301 a great choice for this Orchid Award.

Photos: Sandpoint Art, Culture, and Historic Preservation Commission

Hummel Architects / Donation of the Hummel Collection to the Idaho State Archives - Boise

Cultural Heritage Preservation

Preservation Idaho recognizes Hummel Architects with an Orchid Award in Cultural Heritage Preservation. This award honors educational programs and projects that have made a positive impact toward the preservation of cultural heritage. Hummel Architects' recent donation of their comprehensive archive to the Idaho State Archives exemplifies their extraordinary commitment to preserving our shared heritage.

Hummel Architects, with a legacy spanning 128 years, has donated a collection that includes hand-drawn building plans and drawings for thousands of structures that define Idaho's built identity. This significant contribution preserves a rich mix of architectural, social, and economic history and highlights Hummel’s dedication to maintaining Idaho's cultural heritage.

The Idaho State Historical Society will house this extensive collection, which includes original drawings of iconic buildings like the Idaho State Capitol, the Egyptian Theatre, and St. John’s Cathedral. The collection's integration was facilitated by Hummel Architects’ proactive support, ensuring these invaluable documents are ready for public access. This donation not only underscores their commitment to preservation but also enhances the Idaho State Archives as a premier resource for researching Idaho's architectural history. Just as significant as the documents' research value is the opportunity for their use in future historic preservation projects.

Hummel Architects’ actions demonstrate a profound sense of corporate social responsibility and set a high standard for others to follow. Their donation enriches our understanding of Idaho's architectural past and inspires future generations. This exceptional contribution to preserving our architectural and cultural legacy makes Hummel Architects a deserving recipient of this Orchid Award.

Photos: Carrie Applegate

Tony Edmondson – Weiser

Friend of Preservation

Preservation Idaho recognizes Tony Edmondson for his outstanding leadership and dedication to historic preservation in Weiser. Tony's leadership and tireless efforts with the Weiser Historical Society have been instrumental in preserving key historical landmarks such as Weiser's Train Depot, the Pythian Castle, and his own historic home. His advocacy and dedication have significantly raised awareness about the importance of preserving Weiser's history, promoting historical homes, and fostering a deep appreciation for the rich past enjoyed by Weiser residents.

Tony's commitment extends beyond these individual projects. As a current Planning and Zoning Commissioner for the City of Weiser, he ensures that the city's development respects and maintains its historical character. He also serves on the Design Review Committee for incoming businesses, guiding them to incorporate a distinctive "Weiser" feel into their properties. This committee has developed a landscaping ordinance for future development and is working on ordinances for signage and lighting.

Known for his boundless energy and passion, Tony's influence is evident in every corner of Weiser. His proactive approach has saved numerous buildings from demolition and ensured the sensitive renovation of many structures. His leadership roles in the City Council, City Planning and Zoning Commission, Washington County Board of Commissioners, and Idaho State Historical Society’s Board of Trustees showcase his unwavering dedication to preserving our architectural heritage.

Tony's efforts have left a lasting impact on the community. His love for history, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and willingness to lead by example have made Weiser a place we are proud to call home. It is clear that Tony embodies the criteria for this Orchid Award, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

Photos: Cheri Clausen and Sheri Freemuth

Hamilton House / Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene – Coeur d’Alene

Friend of Preservation

The Boyd and Alta Hamilton House is a significant historic residence in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, built in 1908. Designed in the Colonial Revival style, this two-story, cross-gabled home features six bedrooms, two bathrooms, bay windows, a large wrap-around porch with eight columns, and a clapboard exterior with shingled gables. Despite its relocation in 1910 due to railroad construction, the Hamilton House has remained at its current site at 627 N. Government Way for over a century, preserving its historic integrity and architectural charm.

The house's preservation journey is a testament to community advocacy and dedication. In 2019, faced with demolition threats for new office space, a passionate group led by Deborah Mitchell, Zoe Ann Thurman, and Cindy Nunn mobilized to save the Hamilton House. Through extensive research, public awareness campaigns, and significant financial support from Steve Widmyer and Don Smock, they secured the house's future. Their efforts culminated in the house's listing in the National Register of Historic Places in October 2021.

Today, the Hamilton House serves as the Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene, a vibrant community space that offers music lessons and hosts concerts. The careful adaptation of the house for this new purpose has ensured that both its exterior and interior historic features remain largely intact. The preservation and adaptive reuse of the Hamilton House stand as a remarkable example of how community effort and commitment can protect and celebrate local heritage. 

Photos: Hilary Patterson

Richa Wilson – US Forest Service, Intermountain Region

Distinguished Preservationist

Richa retired this year as the Heritage Program Leader for Region Four of the United States Forest Service after a distinguished career spanning from 1998 to October 2023. She began her tenure as an architectural historian on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and later served as the Regional Architectural Historian before assuming the role of Heritage Program Leader in 2017.

Throughout her career, Richa made significant contributions to the preservation and management of historic sites across Idaho, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. Her expertise was pivotal in overseeing the documentation, designation, and conservation of thousands of buildings, including fire lookouts, ranger stations, and remote guard stations, ensuring they adhered to historic preservation standards while meeting contemporary needs.

Richa's impact extends beyond physical preservation. She authored essential historic administrative context statements and evaluations for forests such as Salmon-Challis, Sawtooth, and Caribou-Targhee, and facilitated the development of the R4 Developed Recreation Context/Evaluation Guide. Known for her diplomatic acumen, Richa adeptly navigated complex engagements, fostering collaborative solutions that upheld both preservation imperatives and stakeholder interests.

Her mentorship has been invaluable, nurturing countless employees, interns, and volunteers in the nuances of historic preservation and forest heritage management. Even in retirement, Richa continues to contribute actively to the USFS, volunteering her expertise in collections and historic records management.

Richa's enduring commitment to preserving the cultural legacy of the National Forests within the Intermountain Region makes her an exemplary candidate for this Orchid Award.

Photos: Joe Bergstrom

Melba Historical Society / Odd Fellows Lodge - Melba

Heritage Stewardship

We proudly recognize the Melba Valley Historical Society for its work in preserving and maintaining the Melba Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) Lodge Hall/Gardner Hotel, now serving as the Melba Valley Museum.

Located in Melba, a small farming community in Canyon County, the Oddfellows Hall is a cornerstone of the town's heritage. Originally built in 1919 as the Gardner Hotel, the building was acquired by the I.O.O.F. in 1927 and extensively remodeled to serve as a community lodge. In 2013, the Melba Rebekah Lodge No. 105 generously donated the building to the Melba Valley Historical Society to establish a local history museum.

Since taking ownership, the Melba Valley Historical Society has completed numerous restoration and preservation projects to maintain the historic integrity and functionality of the building. Their dedication culminated in the building's listing in the National Register of Historic Places in January 2024, marking it as Canyon County’s newest National Register listing. The museum houses a diverse collection of local memorabilia, including yearbooks, military uniforms, household items, and records from the I.O.O.F. Lodge #150 and Rebekah Lodge #105. The Melba Valley Historical Society’s long-term commitment to preserving the historical fabric of Melba enriches the community and preserves its unique history for future generations.

Photos: Barbara Perry Bauer/Elizabeth Jacox

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.

A special thanks to THE PURPOSE CENTER for sponsoring the venue for this important event!