48th Annual Orchids and Onions Awards

Nominate an Individual, Project, or Organization

This year marks the forty-eighth year that Preservation Idaho has hosted the Orchids and Onions Awards are a statewide hallmark, showcasing and celebrating individuals and organizations that have contributed positively to historic preservation in Idaho, as well as to bring awareness to those projects that have shown insensitivity to Idaho's cultural history. To do this, WE NEED YOUR HELP! We want to hear from our community about what preservation projects you think are worthy of celebrating. Use the form below to submit a nomination by Monday, June 16, 2025. We can't wait to hear from you!

ORCHIDS

Outstanding examples of preservation projects or practices can be awarded in the following categories:

Building Projects & Programs

Excellence in Historic Preservation: Awarded to projects that have demonstrated outstanding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards in preservation, restoration, renovation, or adaptive reuse (residential or commercial).

Contribution to Historic Preservation: Awarded to projects that have been successful in the tasteful restoration, addition, or remodel of an existing building (residential or commercial).

Preservation-Sensitive New Construction: Awarded to new construction that enhances a historic neighborhood or historical theme (residential or commercial).

Cultural Heritage Preservation: Awarded to educational programs and projects that have made a positive impact toward the preservation of cultural heritage and open spaces, as well as the restoration and rehabilitation of historic landmarks and roadside architecture.

Individuals & Organizations

Friend of Preservation: Awarded to non-professional individuals distinguished for service in historic preservation. This would include, but would not be limited to, those who volunteer for preservation organizations, historical societies, or museums.

Awards Distinguished Preservationist: Awarded to professionals distinguished for service in historic preservation. Nominees for this award would be those whose job it is to further the cause of Historic Preservation in Idaho through direct projects or education.

Heritage Stewardship: Awarded to organizations or individuals that have shown dedication to historic preservation through the long-term maintenance and care of historic, architecturally significant, or culturally important sites and structures.

Scott Chandler Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship: Awarded to individuals worthy of acknowledgment for their body of work and contributions to their craft. This award is in memoriam to Scott Chandler, who embodied attention to detail, commitment to quality and integrity, and dedication to historic preservation.

ONIONS

Onions: Examples of projects or programs insensitive to historic preservation can be awarded to individuals or corporations who demolish historically significant buildings or sites, or new construction that is insensitive or ignorant of the neighborhood's history.

 

 NOMINATION DETAILS

Nomination deadline: Monday, June 16, 2025.

Fee to submit nomination application: A $50.00 fee can be paid online at: pay nomination fee. An additional fee of $3.50 is applied to online credit card payments. If you wish to avoid the additional fee, checks can be mailed to Preservation Idaho, P.O. Box 1495, Boise, ID. 83701. Please note the check is for the nomination fee for Orchids and Onions.

Nominations: You may nominate more than one individual or group and you may nominate a single individual or project. Please complete a separate nomination form for each person or project if more than one. Include documentation to support the nomination and select the appropriate award category for the nominees.

Evaluation and selection: An independent review committee will be appointed to review nominations. The committee is made up of preservationists, historians, and architects who review and evaluate nominations for suitability in their category.

AWARDS

Awards ceremony: Awardees will be honored at the 48th Annual Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony on July 26, 2025 at Longfellow Elementary School in Boise.

More details HERE. To purchase tickets to the Awards Reception, click HERE.

Each awardee receives the following benefits:

• A custom award certificate suitable for framing and of archival quality (giclée print)
• For each awarded nomination, the awardee will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony. Additional tickets may be purchased by nominators, friends, and family. Please provide the names and emails of the awardees who will be using the complimentary tickets
• Awards presentation photo with Preservation Idaho President
• Inclusion in awardee press releases
• Recognition on the Preservation Idaho website and e-newsletter
• Awards ceremony with PowerPoint presentation of the project and/or individual
• Facebook and Instagram spotlight story with pictures and link to the awardee's website

Questions: For questions, please contact us at kellie@preservationidaho.org or 208-424-5111. Or visit our website: htps://www.preservationidaho.org/orchids-and-onions-2025

PROJECT NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible, projects must be fully completed, including both interior and exterior work at the time of submission. Only completed projects allow the review committee to properly evaluate the full scope of restoration efforts and the final restored state.

Project must have been completed within the past five (5) years.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All nominations must be accompanied by the following:

1. Completed online nomination application form (see below).
2. One-page summary of the project, description of the building, or personal resume. (Where is the building located? What is its history? Etc).
3. One-page summary describing why the entry is worthy of an award (What outstanding preservation techniques were used in this project? What preservation work has the individual accomplished?).
4. Copies of any reports or articles about the nominee.
5. Digital images of the project, building, or person. Please provide marked "Before" and "After" photos, as well as any historic photos that are available. The preferred image resolution is 300dpi. Please send photos as separate jpg files, as well as a pdfs.
6. Letter of support from a preservation professional or community leader.
7. A nomination fee of $50.00. This can be paid online at: pay nomination fee. An additional fee of $3.50 is applied to online credit card payments. If you wish to avoid the additional fee, checks can be mailed to Preservation Idaho, P.O. Box 1495, Boise, ID. 83701. Please note the check is for the nomination fee for Orchids and Onions Awards.
8. Submit the online nomination application and submit the supporting documents (such as articles, website links, etc, and photos) to kellie@preservationidaho.org.
9. Please let us know what awardees (2) will be attending the event; additional tickets to the awards reception can be purchased online.

KEY DATES

• Monday, April 7, 2025: Nomination applications open

• Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST: Nomination applications close

• End of June 2025: Award winners notified and publicly announced

• Saturday, July 26, 2025: Orchids and Onions Awards Reception at Longfellow Elementary School in Boise.

• Awards Reception tickets can be purchased HERE

 

Nomination Application

48th Annual Orchids and Onions

Select An Award Category:

Building Projects & Programs

Excellence in Historic Preservation: Awarded to projects that have demonstrated outstanding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards in preservation, restoration, renovation, or adaptive reuse (residential or commercial).

Contribution to Historic Preservation: Awarded to projects that have been successful in the tasteful restoration, addition, or remodel of an existing building (residential or commercial).

Preservation-Sensitive New Construction: Awarded to new construction that enhances a historic neighborhood or historical theme (residential or commercial).

Cultural Heritage Preservation: Awarded to educational programs and projects that have made a positive impact toward the preservation of cultural heritage and open spaces, as well as the restoration and rehabilitation of historic landmarks and roadside architecture.

Individuals & Organizations

Friend of Preservation: Awarded to non-professional individuals distinguished for service in historic preservation. This would include, but would not be limited to, those who volunteer for preservation organizations, historical societies, or museums.

Awards Distinguished Preservationist: Awarded to professionals distinguished for service in historic preservation. Nominees for this award would be those whose job it is to further the cause of Historic Preservation in Idaho through direct projects or education.

Heritage Stewardship: Awarded to organizations or individuals that have shown dedication to historic preservation through the long-term maintenance and care of historic, architecturally significant, or culturally important sites and structures.

Scott Chandler Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship: Awarded to individuals worthy of acknowledgment for their body of work and contributions to their craft. This award is in memoriam to Scott Chandler, who embodied attention to detail, commitment to quality and integrity, and dedication to historic preservation.

Onions: Examples of projects or programs insensitive to historic preservation can be awarded to individuals or corporations who demolish historically significant buildings or sites, or new construction that is insensitive or ignorant of the neighborhood's history.

Nominate a Building Project or Program or An Organization:

Nominate an Individual or A Group of People:

Contact Information for Nominator:

PROJECT NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible, projects must be fully completed, including both interior and exterior work at the time of submission. Only completed projects allow the review committee to properly evaluate the full scope of restoration efforts and the final restored state.

Project must have been completed within the past five (5) years.

 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS & SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

In a separate document, please clearly explain why the nominee deserves the award indicated above, focusing on what about their work is exemplary and a model for others. Submit this nomination application online and then submit supporting documents (such as articles, website links, etc. to substantiate the achievements of the individual, organization, or project, and photos) to kellie@preservationidaho.org.

All nominations must be accompanied by the following:

1. Completed online nomination application form (see above).
2. One-page summary of the project, description of the building, or personal resume. (Where is the building located? What is its history? Etc.).
3. One-page summary describing why the entry is worthy of an award (What outstanding preservation techniques were used in this project? What preservation work has the individual accomplished?).
4. Copies of any reports or articles about the nominee.
5. Digital images of the project, building, or person. Please provide marked "Before" and "After" photos, as well as any historic photos that are available. The preferred image resolution is 300dpi. Please send photos as separate jpg files, as well as a pdf.
6. Letter of support from a preservation professional or community leader.
7. A nomination fee of $50.00. This can be paid online at: pay nomination fee. An additional fee of $3.50 is applied to online credit card payments. If you wish to avoid the additional fee, checks can be mailed to Preservation Idaho, P.O. Box 1495, Boise, ID. 83701. Please note the check is for the nomination fee for Orchids and Onions Awards.
8. Submit the nomination application online and submit supporting documents (such as articles, website links, etc, and photos) to kellie@preservationidaho.org.
9. Please let us know what awardees (2) will be attending the event; additional tickets to the awards reception can be purchased online HERE.

DEADLINE & NOTES

The deadline to submit this nomination form is Monday, June 16th.

Please let us know if you will be attending the event on July 26, 2025 at Longfellow Elementary School in Boise. Additional tickets to the awards reception can be purchased on our HERE.

Note: All nomination application materials submitted will become the property of Preservation Idaho. The review committee relies on the information submitted to determine awardees in each category. Please ensure your nomination is thorough and complete.

 

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Longfellow Elementary School, 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. In 2024, Longfellow received an Orchid Award in the Excellence in Historic Preservation category.

With special thanks to Roots Family History. “Roots Family History is saving our legacy. Our history is kept on a combination of fragile video tapes, film reels, photographs, negatives, scrapbooks, journals, and art. We aim to archive and preserve as much of it as possible. Welcome to the Family History revolution.”