Land Protected > Special Projects New The Land Trust and Historic Hailey
July 17, 2009: With the 2001 restoration of its historic Hailey office under its belt, the Land Trust acquired the house next door and over the past year was busy with its renovation. The house was christened the Anderson House in honor of long-time supporters David and Lyn Anderson whose foresight and generosity made the purchase possible. A stained glass panel over the large front window is emblazoned with an “A” to acknowledge the Land Trust’s appreciation.
The Andersons donated a Sun Valley condominium to the Land Trust in October, 2006, with the express intent that the condo be sold and proceeds used for staff housing needs. Just after the condo sold in September, 2007, the Anderson House came up for sale and was purchased by the Land Trust at a below market price.
Speaking of their original gift and intent, Lyn Anderson said, “We wanted to leave a legacy for the Land Trust that would assist current and future staff.” Added David, “It sets an example for others as well - gifts of real estate can help their favorite nonprofits....”
Renovation of the house required structural work and reconfiguration of living spaces. It was hoped, too, that elements of historic Hailey could be restored, since the Anderson House hearkens to the city’s early days. The additions of many previous owners have muddied the historical waters, but rooflines and other building details reflect a cobbling together of structures from Hailey’s mining camp days; rough-hewn timbers, plank walls, and wallpapers indicate a style typical of the 1880s. At least one section of the house is known to be from 1884 because a Salt Lake City newspaper of that date was found in one of the walls.
Commenting on the project, Rob Lonning, Chair of the Hailey Historic Preservation Commission said, “The Wood River Land Trust has been a model of preserving Hailey's 'sense of place.' The remodels of their office building on Bullion and the 'Anderson House' have demonstrated that these old buildings can be saved.”
Finishing details are still in progress but Americorps summer interns for the Land Trust have moved in and are the first residents of the Anderson House.
Kathy Grotto, Executive Administrator for the Blaine County Housing Authority, noted, “The Wood River Land Trust is setting a great example by providing this home for their own staff, right next door to their offices, while renovating historic dwellings as they did for their beautiful office building. Kudos to the Land Trust for going the extra mile!”
Many individuals and companies contributed time, skills, and materials to the renovation work including Erik Nilsen and K&M Construction, Building Material Thrift Store, Eddy Svidgal Architects, Liv Jensen P.E, CAD Drafting Systems Inc., Cliff Iverson and Lei Tile, Legacy Glass Art LLC, and B&G Dirtworks. Furnishings were donated by the amazing Lyn and David Anderson, Michelle and Harry Griffith, Drs. Vicki and Glen Shapiro, the Alternative School, Leslie and Jack Hanks, and Brian and Julie Gallagher.
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| Special Projects are partnerships in which Wood River Land Trust works with local, state, and federal agencies to restore the health of city and county-owned lands.
Special Projects
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