Boise’ s Historical Movement
Businesses are taking a unique approach to promote and preserve a town’s midcentury charm.
Businesses are taking a unique approach to promote and preserve a town’s midcentury charm.
Early in 2016, Boise, Idaho based real estate agent TJ Pierce connected his passion for Midcentury Modern history and architecture to an otherwise neglected niche within the city’s residential market. Sticking to a successful strategy focused on identifying Boise’s period properties, TJ has helped to return these architectural jewels and their noted creators to the spotlight.
REDISCOVERING HISTORY
“Art Troutner is our most admired architect and his homes seem to be the most interesting and most desired by those that call themselves midcentury enthusiasts in Boise,” says TJ. “We also had architects like Nat Adams, Joe Lemarche, Victor Hosford, Charles Hummell and even some national players like Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra and Cliff May—who have all influenced our midcentury market with their direct work.”
The quintessential appeal of midcentury architecture lies in the livability of spaces, particularly an emphasis on indoor/outdoor experiences. TJ suggests Boise’s easy access to outdoor recreation enjoyed throughout the four seasons and its picturesque landscape perhaps inspired the city’s original desire to build mid mod style homes. “We are surrounded by streams, rivers, lakes, hills and mountains. This way of living has impacted architectural elements that have come to define Midcentury Modern characteristics.”
“Keep inspiring each other to hold true to what makes this era’s design unique and special. We need more examples of how to bring updates to a home that are timeless and appropriate. The world is watching!”
Homeowners are drawn to open living areas, vaulted ceilings and large widows to embrace the views, coupled with a design dose of original materials—brick, wood and stone—applied throughout the interior and exterior.
HISTORY OF DESIGN
Boise resident Zach Fronk, the market president of Henriksen Butler in Idaho, a specialized commercial interior design firm, notes that the firm’s current projects are influenced by classic midcentury style. Drawing from the open floorplans, clients are requesting that the living room be brought into the work environment. Zach and his team create office spaces with similarities to their retro residential counterparts by including simple materials like glass, wood and stone, and finishing with décor rooted in Midcentury Modern design.
TJ finds the enduring attraction to mid mod homes lies within the context of interaction. “The aspect of these homes I find that most people gravitate toward is the fact that they are unique and have great character. They live differently. Inviting interaction between the inhabitants and the visually inspiring architecture.”
“Midcentury Modern enthusiasts want functionally, simplicity, something aesthetically pleasing, and spaces that invite interaction with each other— both inside their homes and within the context of their neighborhoods.”