The building was built in a Missionary Revival/Neoclassical style. The Missionary Revival style was very popular from 1890-1915 throughout the United States. It originated from Spanish missions in California. This style is characterized by arched entryways and windows as well as arches on the roof. A good example of this can be seen in the front of Longfellow Elementary with its array of arches facing the street. The Neoclassical style is characterized by the use of round columns in entryways or walls. Longfellow Elementary’s entrance is a good example of this with its ornately capitaled columns. Inside the school is characterized by its large arched doorways and open stairwells with copious amounts of windows. The hallways are open and are now used as second rooms for recess along with arts and crafts. Although they were recently taken down in lieu of cheaper more efficient fluorescent lights, the school was lit by huge hanging 300 watt lamps.
Historic photos courtesy of Longfellow
2024 PI Orchid Award Narrative:
Longfellow Elementary, built in 1906, is a historic landmark in Boise’s North End district, reflecting significant changes in educational design and Boise’s growth. Located at 1511 N. 9th Street, the school was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The building features a sandstone basement, smooth brick facade, hipped roof with intricate brackets, and large grouped windows. Initially serving grades 1-8, it included 12 classrooms, a principal’s office, library, manual training room, and custodian quarters.
The Boise School District needed additional learning space while preserving the historic integrity of the school. The project involved removing unsightly additions and portables, replacing inappropriate modern windows with historically accurate replicas, and rerouting utilities underground to clean up the property. A new addition was carefully designed at the rear of the building to minimize disruption to the original structure, using materials that complement but do not replicate the historic elements.
Interior renovations included uncovering original stairs and railings, restoring wood floors, and preserving original drinking fountains, doors, and trim. New mechanical units were discreetly placed in the attic or new addition, maintaining the historical intent of the design.
The recent renovation involved significant infrastructure updates, full window replacement, interior improvements, and a large addition. The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) supported the project, ensuring compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
This project exemplifies the successful collaboration between the Boise School District, LKV Architects, and the historic preservation community, balancing modern needs with preservation priorities. Longfellow Elementary School remains a vital educational and historical asset, deserving recognition with this Orchid Award.
For more information about Longfellow Elementary School: https://longfellow.boiseschools.org