A plan to preserve Ketchum?s history
Commentary by Ned Hogan
Ned Hogan is a member of the Ketchum Historical Preservation Commission.
Historical preservation has to be more than identifying old buildings and preserving those that have a significant linkage to the past. Rather, it has to do with preserving the character of the town, as it has developed over time: protecting and projecting the soul of the community and the inhabitants that have dwelled here. Ketchum and environs have a number of significant historical threads: Native American settlements, pioneers, ranchers, farmers, miners, sportsmen and women, the Union Pacific, Hollywood and Hemingway, to name a few. All of us were, and are, immigrants of one kind or another, and it is our heritage that the Historical Preservation Commission is chartered to protect.
In the past several decades, or so, there have been changes, both subtle and dramatic, to the town. More traffic, denser, higher and view-blocking buildings in the main street and arteries and more vibrant and diverse social and commercial activities and associated development challenges. Perhaps the best example(s) of the range and disparity of issues and options are on display at the entrance and exit to the town. Coming up the hill on to Ketchum?s southern gateway, we have the half demolished remnants of the former Bald Mountain Lodge, a designated historical site, listed on the National Historic Register; the product of a failed multi-story, high-density, view-blocking, commercial venture now for sale in whole or in part to any interested party. At the town?s northern exit is Memory Park, a gracious memorial donated by Jim Cimino in an open space setting for all citizens and tourists to enjoy; with a great view of Baldy, the towns principal vista. How do we get the Cimino option in play?
Basically, what is needed, is a commitment of citizens, private commercial developers and elected officials to preserve Ketchum's unique identity and not have it transformed into a Rodeo Drive or a mid-town Manhattan 44th Street.
I see several comprehensive steps that would move us in the right direction:
First, the City Council should mandate that all development proposals and projects submitted to planning and zoning contain a ?Heritage Protection Impact Statement,? not only to sustain historical preservation of existing properties but also to enhance the heritage atmospherics of the town and connect with the city's comprehensive plan.
Second, that the City Council develop tax incentives to promote private sector investment in the preservation of Ketchum's heritage.
Third, when considering issues in an historical context, that Band-Aid solutions be avoided. The question should not be ?where to put Louie's church?? but, rather, ?where to put the church so that it enhances the heritage linkages of the town?? Think comprehensively and optimize the total not the particular.
Fourth, when it comes to historical preservation and heritage protection, ?De-Balkanize? the various fiefdoms in the Wood River Valley and engage state, regional and national institutions of a like mind to garner both ideas and money.
Finally, refresh our collective memory on the subject and read the brochure printed in 1998--it needs updating--by the Ketchum-Sun Valley Historical Society titled ?Ketchum, Idaho, Where the Pioneer Spirit Lives On.?
Let?s make sure that the spirit does live on.
