Thursday, October 13, 2011

Boise Masonic Temple given Historic Landmark Status

Back in late August, a Past Master (PM), and former janitor of the Masonic Temple, told me that the Boise Masonic Temple was being considered by the Boise City Council as a historical landmark.

Here is an article on the matter:
Council to Consider Masonic Temple as Landmark

The Boise City Council will brush up on a bit of history at its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30. Council members will be asked to consider historic landmark status for the Masonic Temple Lodge at 215 N. 10th St.

The temple, built in 1907 from designs by architect Ross Cartee, has played host to countless dances, weddings and funerals for the past century. At one time, the temple even was a central voting spot for civic elections. The temple was remodeled in 1920 in the Renaissance Revival style by architects Wayland and Fennell.

The Local Historic Landmark program began in 2010 and is completely voluntary. If the Masonic Temple Lodge gains status, there will be a total of 33 local landmarks within the City of Boise. As a landmark, owners agree to notify the Historic Preservation Commission of significant alteration or demolition. In return, a landmark would be given a bronze plaque and featured in future editions of the Shaping Boise book.
When I looked into the Council minutes I found that the ordinance (O-30-11) didn't have its first reading until the September 20th meeting. The second reading was during the September 27th meeting. The third reading was at the October 4th meeting where the council voted on the motion and it passed.

I still haven't heard when or if a ceremony will be held but I will take pictures when it is presented.

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