The Boise City Council voted to move a downtown literary venue to make way for a new library along Capitol Boulevard in the heart of the city.
Tuesday’s city council meeting stretched on for four hours and brought together a vocal crowd of preservationists, advocates of the new library and a faction who just wanted the council to make a decision.
The elected leaders took action and voted to remove The Cabin from its location adjacent to the Greenbelt. The structure, which dates back to 1940, will be moved to the eastern portion of Julia Davis Park across the street from Whole Foods. According to the Statesman, relocating the building will cost around $650,000 dollars.
Officials with The Cabin said they were concerned a new location would limit their ability to host outdoor functions, and preservationists argued part of the building’s historical significance was tied to its riverside location. After the council meeting, the president of The Cabin’s board, Tom Killingsworth, said the organization was committed to making the move work.
The Cabin is being relocated to make way for a new central library designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The city has set a cap of $85 million for the project.
Correction: An earlier version of this story didn't make clear that all council members voted for the proposal to move The Cabin at their February 26 meeting.
For more local news, follow the KBSX newsroom on Twitter @KBSX915
Copyright 2019 Boise State Public Radio