Mountain Home honored for historic preservation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa Wallace
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Mountain Home Air Force Base recently garnered the Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation from Preservation Idaho May 14.

This honor is given to the residential or commercial projects that have demonstrated outstanding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's standards in preservation, restoration, renovation or adaptive reuse.

The base received this award from its efforts to preserve the history of the Capehart-Wherry Senior Officer Housing -- buildings designed by a well-known architect, Richard Neutra.

"Their importance is reflected in the years of consultation between Mountain Home, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, State Historic Preservation Office, Idaho Universities, Dion Neutra (Richard Neutra's son) and others for proposed demolition."

Although the buildings themselves were not preserved, Sherri Robertson was able to compile a magazine that consisted of pertinent information about the homes.

"It has taken a long time for the SHPO to gain trust in the base's management of cultural resources, and for the base to win the Orchid Award for excellence in historic preservation is a huge accomplishment," said Lt. Col. Michal Holliday, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "Sheri Robertson's years of effort -- from the HABS/HAER and especially the work on the educational booklet -- has been recognized."

Although not the preferred outcome for the three houses, Sheri has worked very hard to respect not only the history of the houses but all whom she consulted. In the end, MHAFB is recognized by Preservation Idaho for its efforts to preserve the history of our Nation's significant properties through our educational booklet. To view the booklet, visit https://newafpims.afnews.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110518-020.pdf