Mid mod gems across the country bear their own regional twist. TJ Pierce of Mid-Century Homes by Anthology shares some insight into Idaho’s Mid Century Modern homes. “Boise’s mid-century inventory is something special: There are just over 11,000 mid-century homes spread across some of the city’s most distinctive neighborhoods,” TJ says.
The homes range from $600K to $1.5M and surround downtown Boise in The Highlands, Warm Springs Mesa, Winstead Park, Cruzen Mountain View, Central Bench, Depot Bench, Franklin Park, Randolph Robertson and Hillcrest. “These neighborhoods, developed in the 1950s and ’60s, are all within 5 to 15 minutes of each other, surrounding downtown Boise and the river that runs through our big little city,” TJ says. “As the city grew, some of these areas took advantage of the natural elevation, offering incredible views: north to the snowcapped foothills or south over the city skyline.”
Idaho’s Mid Century Modern: The Architects
“The homes here reflect the work of some incredible architects, including Art Troutner, Charles Hummel, Nat Adams, Joe LaMarche, Jed Jones, Victor Hosford and Bradford Shaw,” TJ says. And, of course, there’s Clarence Reinhardt, who was the corporate architect for Phillips Petroleum. In his objective to brand the company’s stations, Reinhardts buildings (which dotted the country) took shape with the Googie movement and he often employed dramatic parabolic rooflines and what he called a batwing roof which was a dramatic sloping roof that reached skyward at an angle. “Clarence Rienhardt even designed the original gas station building that now functions as the office for Mid-Century Homes,” TJ says.
Victor Hosford is another of Idaho’s Mid Century Modern architects who designed civid buildings like the Idaho Supreme Court building but also residences like this one. “Hosford believed in homes that lived well,” TJ says. “His work often blended clean horizontal lines with warm, natural materials—like the original mahogany wall paneling in this home, which the owners love and have thoughtfully preserved. He paid close attention to how spaces felt—not just how they looked. Windows were placed to frame the outdoors like art, floor plans encouraged flow and connection, and there was always a sense of harmony between form and function.”
What makes Idaho’s Mid Century Modern unique?
Often time, local materials become the hallmark of region’s vernacular. “One of the most notable features is the use of Oakley stone, quarried from Oakley, Idaho, which appears frequently in both exterior and interior designs, TJ says. For Boise, there’s also an individual that inspired. “Another unique aspect of Boise’s MCM history is the influence of Art Troutner,” TJ says. “He’s a local architect and innovator. Troutner used several residential projects, like the Phillips House, as experimental spaces for his Trust Joist manufacturing techniques.” Troutner’s innovations in engineered wood products eventually contributed to the creation of the Kibbie Dome at the University of Idaho—an impressive engineering accomplishment, he adds.
Looking for your own mid mod gem in the Boise area? Reach out to Mid-Century Homes to make your dream home a reality: mid-centuryhomes.com or on Instagram @boisemidcenturyhomes.
