Garden District moves closer to National Register of Historic Places

COEUR d’ALENE — Walter Burns rested his hand on the antique lamppost in his front yard Monday afternoon.

When asked how old it is, he responded that he wasn't sure if it was installed at the same time his 1907 colonial revival home was built at the corner of Ninth Street and Foster Avenue in Coeur d'Alene's Downtown Garden District.

"All I know is it doesn't work," he said with a chuckle.

Populated with classic craftsman, Tudor, art deco, Queen Anne homes and more that were mostly built between 1895 and 1950, the Garden District is one step closer to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In January, a survey of the Garden District was submitted to the Idaho State Preservation Office to see if it qualifies for the NRHP, which is the official national list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.

The process started in 2018 when the Garden District Board of Directors brought the idea of seeking historic status to the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission. It was funded the following year by a National Park Service Certified Local Government program grant. Monies were used to engage architectural historian Sharon Boswell, who conducted the survey with the KCHPC and Garden District volunteers.

Everything was delayed by COVID, but is now back on track.

"I’m delighted," said Burns, who serves as the KCHPC chairman. "This is something we've been working at for quite a while."

The Garden District comprises 530 buildings roughly bounded by Lakeside and Montana avenues and Fourth and 11th streets. It contains many of the Lake City's oldest buildings, as well as an abundance of beautiful lawns and gardens.

"It represents the growth of this city, in its early days," Burns said. "In 1900, Coeur d'Alene had a population of roughly 500 people. By 1910 it was like 7,500. It was a population explosion, and that's when a lot of these houses were built."

Burns's home is where Ralph Nelson, Coeur d'Alene's fourth mayor, and his family lived for about 50 years.

"These are also the houses where the people who founded Coeur d’Alene lived. These are their houses," Burns said. "Neighborhoods like the Garden District provide Coeur d'Alene with a lot of its character, and helps preserve the small-town feel that it has as it grows to a much larger city."

Structures must be at least 50 years old to be eligible for the National Register. According to Boswell, there is a significant concentration of such structures within the Garden District that contribute to a potential National Register-eligible historic district.

While some replacement of historic residences is occurring, much of the original housing remains. The survey indicates that the number of contributing buildings make up about 67% of the total number of buildings surveyed.

The State Historic Preservation Office will determine whether the neighborhood, as expected, merits nomination to the Register.

Assuming it's approved, the next step is for the newly formed Coeur d’Alene Historic Preservation Commission to prepare nomination documents for the NRHP.

While its goal is preservation, listing on the NRHP does not prohibit owners of designated properties from modifying or even replacing the buildings they own, but it does designate historical significance and honors to the listed site.

Burns said the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission is hoping to hear back from the state office sometime this year.

"It took longer than we expected it to, but everybody's excited about it," he said. "It's something that needed to happen and we’re happy it did."

SIDEBAR

The Idaho State Historical Society is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Idaho State Historic Sites Review Board.

The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of Idaho history, an understanding of architecture and familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places.

In fulfillment of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Idaho State Historic Sites Review Board serves in an advisory role to the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office in matters regarding historic preservation programs and policy. Key duties include: review of National Register of Historic Places nominations for accuracy and adequacy; review and comment about the state’s comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan; and general advice and guidance to the State Historic Preservation officer as needed.

At least one member must be professionally qualified in: archaeology, architectural history and history.

The board holds one formal meeting per year on the first Saturday in June. Additional meetings are called as needed. Members serve in a volunteer capacity. Travel and per diem reimbursement are provided.

Those interested may send a letter of interest and resume to tricia.canaday@ishs.idaho.gov by April 15.