Boise’s North End neighborhood could be expanding by several homes. Plans are in the works to turn a historic property once owned by the Salvation Army into a residential development.
The land on 24th Street houses the Marian Pritchett School for pregnant teens as well as the historic Booth Home. Operated by the Salvation Army since the 1920s, the home was a “lying in” hospital for unwed mothers in a bygone age. According to BoiseDev, the red-brick Booth Home will be part of the new development with 13 housing units.
The house, as well as a nearby chapel on the property, will both be converted to condos. The exterior of the home, which is in a Colonial Revival style, would be restored and maintained. The mid-century modern chapel would also only receive a light renovation.
“We’re very happy that they’re going to maintain the original hospital and the chapel,” says Paula Benson. “Those are two beautiful buildings.”
Benson is the board president of Preservation Idaho.
“In terms of how it’s going to be used, it is important that it be saved, and we’re pleased that they picked a developer who is willing to save those two buildings,” says the preservationist.
Locally-owned development company Westminster II plans to divide the hospital building into three condos while the chapel would be divided into two. Additionally, eight single-family homes would go on the property encompassing an entire block.
The Marian Pritchett School plans to relocate to relocate to a new west Boise campus in 2020.
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