Who knew Boise was such a mecca of mid-century modern?

 

Friends and I are headed to Boise in August. Can’t believe I’ve never been, especially since I keep hearing how cool it is.

• I’ve also heard that Boise is the number one relocation destination for Seattleites moving out of the Puget Sound Region (?).
• In planning this trip I had absolutely no idea the city was a hub of Mid-Century Modern (MCM) – both housing and design (furniture, housewares etc.).
• I should probably not have been so surprised since the initial attraction for me was the city’s Modern Hotel and Bar (where we’ll be staying). I’ve been following this former Travelodge on Instagram for a while and it’s 100% Mid-Century Modern.

Here’s what else I’ve uncovered to date about Boise’s MCM roots:

• Notable architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Cliff May, Charles Hummel, Art Troutner, Nat Adams, Joe LaMarche, and Victor Hosford have all built amazing homes in Boise that many enthusiasts are preserving and living in.
• Art Troutner is considered the Frank Lloyd Wright of Boise.
• I’ve also been following Mid-Century Homes by Moniker Real Estate on Instagram. This Boise realty firm was founded by TJ Pierce as a ‘niche market real-estate team’ specializing in homes built during the 1950s & 1960s.
• They had/have the listing for one of Art Troutner’s most original, unique and untouched homes (above pic, left).
• I also discovered Idaho Modern, an advocacy group for Modern design. The group’s leadership, called the Mod Squad, plans tours, exhibitions and lectures, researches landmarks, and organizes field trips.
• From their site, I learned that Idaho experienced a building boom during the 1950’s thru 70’s which left it with significant architectural gems, as well as many living architects and designers who contributed to the MCM landscape. Sadly, despite their best efforts, Idaho has lost several important mid-century modern buildings due to a lack of awareness of their value.
• Boise Boys, a new HGTV show focusing on two house flippers in Boise has been renewed for a second season and frequently features MidCentury homes as well. It’s produced by the Fixer Upper team.

 

Read on below for more on the booming demand for Mid-Century Modern, PLUS the role Palm Springs’ Modernism Week is playing in raising awareness.

 

MODERNISM in Palm Springs and Boise

 

Modernism Week in Palm Springs was huge this year (despite the torrential rains). I also noticed several of the Boise MCM instagram accounts I follow posting from Palm Springs.

Per the LA Times:

In Palm Springs, a record $9million sale showcases the Midcentury craze

• More than 100,000 people flocked to Palm Springs Feb. 14-24 for Modernism Week
• What began in 2006 with a few hundred attendees has grown into an 11-day experience that, last year, generated $47.25 million in revenue for local businesses.
• Midcentury homes across the city are shattering price records.
• John Nelson, a Compass agent, said millennials with money are spurring the recent string of sales aided by nearby music festivals such as Coachella and Stagecoach.
• “For people in their 30s and 40s, Midcentury style is new to them .Things are kooky and strange. The style isn’t as conforming as it used to be.”

 

Boise Mid-Century Modern

 

Bottom Line.

I love Mid-Century Modern. Am heading to Palm Springs in April (missing Modernism Week but catching Desert X before it closes and getting to stay at the Ace Hotel).

And being in Boise in August feels like the best kind of birthday gift!  Not only amidst plenty of Mid-Century Modern but also attending the Idaho State Fair. My “discovery of America thru the prism of the funnel cake” project, continues. And major thanks to Katharine, Shawn, Rob and Ianthe for helping me to carry on that tradition!