Paula Benson
Paula Benson's projects
Recent Activity
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years ago
I was quite surprised to hear Mr. Safdie refer to those in Boise who are concerned about the fate of the cabin as being unnecessarily "excited" about it. He states that he thought we should, or would, be more concerned about the money. He says that "as an outsider" he has determined that we should not care about the cabin because no one will remember where it was in a year. Is it appropriate to dictate what we should think and what we should care about as a city? I appreciate his expertise in architecture but I am dismayed at his tone-deaf approach to legitimate concerns voiced about the moving of a historic building. He may not have meant to but his remarks, as can be seen on video, seem dismissive and patronizing. Respectfully, his vision should be our vision not the other way around.
Supported a comment by Ted Jewell on
Main Library Campus
3 years ago
Ted Jewell
The new library should be more than a monument to the architect. It should respect the city's history and modify the design to include the Cabin in its original location. The test of the project's success will be the long-time usage and acceptance of the overall site and the library.
The new library should be more than a monument to the architect. It should respect the city's history and modify the design to include the Cabin in its original location. The test of the project's success will be the long-time usage and acceptance of the overall site and the library.
Supported a comment by Diane Ronayne on
Main Library Campus
3 years ago
Diane Ronayne
You obviously have built many buildings on bare land. Have you ever built a building that incorporates and honors another building that was already standing on that land? Is there a way the spirit of the Boise library--historical archive, performance center and materials repository--that you and City Council envision can include the living history of the Log Cabin, too?
You obviously have built many buildings on bare land. Have you ever built a building that incorporates and honors another building that was already standing on that land? Is there a way the spirit of the Boise library--historical archive, performance center and materials repository--that you and City Council envision can include the living history of the Log Cabin, too?
Supported a comment by J Crowe on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
J Crowe
this building is beautiful but can but can Boise/Boise citizens afford it? On top of the current projected costs, has the city considered the cost of affordable parking for citizens? Has the city considered projected maintenance/utility costs for a south facing wall of windows in our desert climate? And has the City considered the cost of moving the Cabin which is all about the history of our community?
this building is beautiful but can but can Boise/Boise citizens afford it? On top of the current projected costs, has the city considered the cost of affordable parking for citizens? Has the city considered projected maintenance/utility costs for a south facing wall of windows in our desert climate? And has the City considered the cost of moving the Cabin which is all about the history of our community?
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Diane Plastino Graves
It lords over the river. The glass and concrete are very stern, and are the antithesis of the lush, welcoming riparian environment. Can you imagine how hot that entrance courtyard will be during our routine 95+ degree days?
It lords over the river. The glass and concrete are very stern, and are the antithesis of the lush, welcoming riparian environment. Can you imagine how hot that entrance courtyard will be during our routine 95+ degree days?
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Is it true that you won't be able to "browse" books? All the books are mechanically brought out to you only upon request? I've heard this but it seems contrary to the whole point of the library which is to roam among books, look for and discover new books and resources, and enjoying the process as well as the reading. Will all our looking be done online?
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Diane Plastino Graves
Have permanent parking next to our beautiful Anne Frank Memorial does not sound like an aesthetically appropriate location. And what about this Biomark Building. Isn't that on City property? Why was it leased long term when the library scheme has been in the works for so long?
Have permanent parking next to our beautiful Anne Frank Memorial does not sound like an aesthetically appropriate location. And what about this Biomark Building. Isn't that on City property? Why was it leased long term when the library scheme has been in the works for so long?
Supported a comment by Kay Hummel on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Kay Hummel
Please redesign the site plan with more simplicity to meet customers’ true needs. Substantially downsize the northern entrance plaza along River Street and move the building north. A smaller plaza would allow retention of The Cabin, which plays a vital role in the cultural district. The proposed 20,000 sq.ft. outdoor plaza is not useable at least 7 months of the year, whereas other Library functions are needed year-round. There is adequate green space with the 2 rooftop outdoor gardens and other open space indicated on the west side. While the design is initially exciting, I urge reconsideration of truly necessary library functions vs. some community “priorities” listed. For example, a “connection with the River” does not merit top priority when there is abundant access to the Boise River at many nearby locations. Our Library’s two highest functions are library services and space for the Arts and History Dept. Focus on these functions, and proper design will follow. Likewise, I am unclear on the necessity for ‘maker spaces.’ Given the under utilization of Jump’s maker spaces, this is a head scratcher. Adequate parking and auditorium space are the next highest functions that must be designed for, again more vital year-round than a cement-clad plaza (which also will be too hot in two summer months, essentially a baking, reflecting desert). Citizens are not excited about paying for more outdoor gathering spaces when the Downtown core provides ample outdoor sites nearby – Julia Davis, Ann Morrison, the Grove Plaza, and Jump.
Please redesign the site plan with more simplicity to meet customers’ true needs. Substantially downsize the northern entrance plaza along River Street and move the building north. A smaller plaza would allow retention of The Cabin, which plays a vital role in the cultural district. The proposed 20,000 sq.ft. outdoor plaza is not useable at least 7 months of the year, whereas other Library functions are needed year-round. There is adequate green space with the 2 rooftop outdoor gardens and other open space indicated on the west side. While the design is initially exciting, I urge reconsideration of truly necessary library functions vs. some community “priorities” listed. For example, a “connection with the River” does not merit top priority when there is abundant access to the Boise River at many nearby locations. Our Library’s two highest functions are library services and space for the Arts and History Dept. Focus on these functions, and proper design will follow. Likewise, I am unclear on the necessity for ‘maker spaces.’ Given the under utilization of Jump’s maker spaces, this is a head scratcher. Adequate parking and auditorium space are the next highest functions that must be designed for, again more vital year-round than a cement-clad plaza (which also will be too hot in two summer months, essentially a baking, reflecting desert). Citizens are not excited about paying for more outdoor gathering spaces when the Downtown core provides ample outdoor sites nearby – Julia Davis, Ann Morrison, the Grove Plaza, and Jump.
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Diane Plastino Graves
Can you imagine how hot that concrete plaza would be in our routine 90+ degree days?
Can you imagine how hot that concrete plaza would be in our routine 90+ degree days?
Supported a comment by Brooke O. on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Brooke O.
too flashy and does not compliment the environment or other buildings nearby.
too flashy and does not compliment the environment or other buildings nearby.
Supported a comment by Pamela B. on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Pamela B.
While moving The Cabin would be better than not saving it at all by moving to a new site it may lose some of it's historical value. Plus, this can jeopardize the building’s placement on the National Historic Register. Since the only thing going into that space is a plaza I don't understand why The Cabin can't just stay in it's original historical location.
While moving The Cabin would be better than not saving it at all by moving to a new site it may lose some of it's historical value. Plus, this can jeopardize the building’s placement on the National Historic Register. Since the only thing going into that space is a plaza I don't understand why The Cabin can't just stay in it's original historical location.
Supported a comment by Jeff Fereday on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Jeff Fereday
It would be unfortunate to remove The Cabin from its current site. This 1930s-era building is part of the visitor's welcome to the City on Capitol Blvd, and is an icon for the locals. Its log construction echoes the Capitol Building itself, with its log motif at its base. It announces Boise's concern for history, and for our frontier roots. Joint Library-Cabin programming obviously would be aided by leaving it in place. It does not significantly impair the view of the river and instead anchors a point in Idaho's past and in Boise's commitment to literacy. Again, a highly compatible purpose. Please leave The Cabin in place. The City has undermined meaningful public input by failing to include The Cabin in any rendering or as an option in the model. The new building should celebrate, not simply discard, this venerable building. Both parking and Cabin preservation could be enhanced by shrinking the proposed library plaza on the north and perhaps rotating the building clockwise (or slightly re-designing it) so as to create more parking space to the south of the BioMark building and more setback for The Cabin. I recognize that an off-site parking garage probably will be necessary, but I urge the City to plan for public transit in and out of this area and consider that option in this design. The new library should invite, not stand as a barrier to, mass transit in the Boise area.
It would be unfortunate to remove The Cabin from its current site. This 1930s-era building is part of the visitor's welcome to the City on Capitol Blvd, and is an icon for the locals. Its log construction echoes the Capitol Building itself, with its log motif at its base. It announces Boise's concern for history, and for our frontier roots. Joint Library-Cabin programming obviously would be aided by leaving it in place. It does not significantly impair the view of the river and instead anchors a point in Idaho's past and in Boise's commitment to literacy. Again, a highly compatible purpose. Please leave The Cabin in place. The City has undermined meaningful public input by failing to include The Cabin in any rendering or as an option in the model. The new building should celebrate, not simply discard, this venerable building. Both parking and Cabin preservation could be enhanced by shrinking the proposed library plaza on the north and perhaps rotating the building clockwise (or slightly re-designing it) so as to create more parking space to the south of the BioMark building and more setback for The Cabin. I recognize that an off-site parking garage probably will be necessary, but I urge the City to plan for public transit in and out of this area and consider that option in this design. The new library should invite, not stand as a barrier to, mass transit in the Boise area.
Supported a comment by Kathy Kustra on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Kathy Kustra
I'm greatly disappointed you didn't figure out a way to incorporate The Cabin in its original location into this design or campus. This new building should not forget our history.
I'm greatly disappointed you didn't figure out a way to incorporate The Cabin in its original location into this design or campus. This new building should not forget our history.
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
The cabin was built as the Forester's Office and its site was specifically chosen because proximity to the river and the trees both reflect the timber history of the State of Idaho. Its location is germane to its original purpose and to its history. The Cabin Writer's Center has programs all over the city and could use another building if it needed to but the the cabin itself would be forever changed if it was moved to another site.
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 1 month ago
Diane Plastino Graves
What the cabin is and where it is is the same thing. It is not an issue of moving the nonprofit The Cabin. But moving the cabin building itself, which was built by the CCC on that spot in 1939., would be a tragedy. It would be like moving the Boise Depot to west Boise, or the Statue of Liberty to New Jersey. It is at home in that spot, and has been for 7 decades. We need these special places to remain untouched, so that Boise has representations of all its history, intact. https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article214439969.html
What the cabin is and where it is is the same thing. It is not an issue of moving the nonprofit The Cabin. But moving the cabin building itself, which was built by the CCC on that spot in 1939., would be a tragedy. It would be like moving the Boise Depot to west Boise, or the Statue of Liberty to New Jersey. It is at home in that spot, and has been for 7 decades. We need these special places to remain untouched, so that Boise has representations of all its history, intact. https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article214439969.html
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 2 months ago
The Foothills School is also in a historic warehouse adjacent to the 8th St. Historic District. Could the design for the new building incorporat some of the exterior walls and features so that building is not lost along with the library?
Followed Main Library Campus
3 years, 2 months ago