Join Ketchum's Discussion on Historic Preservation

KETCHUM, Idaho – On Dec. 2, the city will begin additional outreach on its historic preservation project. A questionnaire and Doodle poll will be launched on the city website where people can sign up for virtual small group sessions.

On Oct. 19, Ketchum City Council adopted an emergency ordinance to place a 90-day pause on the demolition of structures in downtown Ketchum. The purpose of the ordinance is to address the potential loss of key historic resources associated with redevelopment in the downtown core.

The city received over 160 responses to its initial community survey conducted through the month of November. The results represented support for preservation of buildings representative of Ketchum’s character.

Mayor Neil Bradshaw is pleased with the interest from the community. “This is a significant topic to consider,” he said. “It is important to plan the future of Ketchum by paying homage to the past.”

Moving into December, the city will begin the conversation on practical solutions to preserve Ketchum’s character-defining features in the downtown, while also ensuring future growth over time.

Join the city in discussing the realm of possibilities and learn more about what other western communities have considered and implemented.

This effort will influence a potential interim ordinance to be in effect for one year. The city will ask for feedback on the creation of a complete program that includes baseline protections.

This will set the foundation for future public opportunities to begin in January, when the city and community will delve deeper into features and characteristics to help build potential programs and design guidelines to further the preservation efforts. These features may include incentives, guidelines, and other tools for protection that will be part of a permanent ordinance.

If you desire to join the discussion, please sign up on the Doodle poll at www.ketchumidaho.org/communityconversations  for a virtual small group session. 

If you have questions or you are unable to participate via this method of communication, please email participate@ketchumidaho.org or call 726-7803.