Basques in Boise

Nearly 60 university students from several colleges in Idaho shared their vision of the Basque block in an exhibition on November 6th in the Basque Center and the Basque museum in downtown Boise.

The students, from the College of Art &' || 'amp; Architecture, the Department of Interior Design and the Department of Virtual Technology &' || 'amp; Design of the University of Idaho and the College of Engineering &' || 'amp; Department of Construction Management of Boise State University, presented a total of sixteen renderings and models showing their visions for the buildings on the Basque block.

The creation process involved working with the Basque Center Euzkaldunak and the Basque Museum to find out what things are important for Basques and their culture. Then, the students created a vision of what might be developed on the south side of the Basque Block to allow for the growth and the expansion of services.

Grove street is one of Boise''s oldest established neighborhoods and is a tapestry of historic buildings, restaurants, businesses and culture. The Basque presence on the street dates back to the early 1900''s and continues to demonstrate its living culture through activities, organizations and businesses that thrive there today.

Expansion project

This summer, Basque Center Euzkaldunak approved plans for the expansion of the Basque Center building. The process, still in an early stage, intends to continue and enhance the Basque center''s social and cultural activities and to provide the opportunity for more events and participation over the next 30-40 years.

The students'' vision, though not part of the official expansion project, will certainly help the designer of the future Basque center see the different ways to view this area.