Design Guidelines for Commercial Historic Districts, Boise, Idaho, August 2009

McKibben + Cooper Architects

From introduction: "The City of Boise has three distinctive and charismatic Commercial Historic Districts: Old Boise, South Eighth Street and Hyde Park. Their historic settings and distinctive wood, brick, stone and concrete buildings contribute immeasurably to Boise’s identity, history, unique sense of place, and the quality of life in the neighborhoods around them. The mixed use and compact nature of these areas, plus the comfortable and fascinating streetscape, create walkable streets supporting urban living and counteracting sprawl. These guidelines will help preserve the districts’ important historic qualities while allowing changes and new construction that accommodate our 21st century lifestyles. Preserving these valuable community resources requires careful planning, sensitive rehabilitation and conscientious maintenance. Historic preservation laws, ordinances, and review and approval processes protect the character of historic districts, thereby sustaining or increasing a major source of value for property owners, businesses, and residents. Rather than hinder development, the historic preservation and ‘New Urbanist” (pedestrian-friendly, compact, mixed-use) design principles embodied in these Guidelines encourage creative solutions to enhance the special character of districts, reinforce property values and spur economic development. Additions and new construction within the Old Boise and South Eighth Street Districts will stimulate beneficial retail, entertainment, office and residential development in downtown Boise, and sustain neighborhood activity in the Hyde Park. The Design Guidelines for Commercial Historic Districts clarify requirements for property owners and design professionals, and suggest techniques to preserve and enhance the historic district’s qualities with regard to today’s cultural standards. The Guidelines provide a basis for making informed, consistent decisions about proposed new construction and building or site alterations. When used in conjunction with City staff consultation, the Guidelines can benchmark early stages of project conception and design, and help prevent delays and minimize added costs to developers and builders. Because changes to existing buildings and the design of additions and new construction is sensitive in the Districts, property owners, developers and builders are strongly encouraged to enlist the assistance of qualified design and planning professionals, including architects and preservation consultants. Funding was provided in part by a 2008 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Boise (project number ID-08-004) administered by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 16-08-21717) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Boise, Idaho is a Certified Local Government.

Design Guidelines for Commercial Historic Districts, Boise, Idaho, August 2009

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