HISTORY
The Boise Bomb Shelter was
constructed in 1961. Funding came from the Federal
Civil Defense Agency and from the sale of stock, which was available on a
family-share basis for $100 each. The facility was designed by Boise
architect Edgar B. Jensen and constructed by Welsh Brothers Construction of
Boise for The Highlands Community Shelter, Inc. Originally called the "Highlands
Community Fallout Shelter", it was the first prototype community fallout
shelter in the United States and was dedicated for use as a center of recreation, business and
youth activities and to be ready to meet the requirements of civil
defense research and a national emergency of any scope for the benefit of
the community. It's an underground concrete building designed to house
multiple families for an extended period of time in the event of nuclear
attack. The structure is two stories, 14,000 square feet, steel
reinforced concrete, and includes a diesel generator, kitchen and, formerly,
dormitories and decontamination showers.
Attendees at the ground breaking ceremonies on December 29, 1960 included:
Idaho Governor Robert E. Smylie
Col. James Keel, State Civil Defense Director
Norman Jones, Ada County-Boise City Civil Defense Director
Members of the Board of The Highlands Community Shelter, Inc.
Boise Chamber of Commerce
Clyde Friend, Spokane Civil Defense Director
Ada County Commissioners
Boise Mayor Robert L. Day
Boise City council members
On September 15, 1972 the facility was purchased
by The Independent School District of Boise City. The School District
used the facility for administrative offices and
storage of school records, furniture, film
reels, etc.
In 2001, the School District consolidated their office
locations into a new building on Victory Road and they no longer needed the
Bomb Shelter. In 2003, the Bomb Shelter was purchased by Jon P. Farren. The facility is now used as an engineering office and
music rehearsal studios.
LOCATION: In the highlands neighborhood on the north end of Boise.
Bogus Basin Ski Resort is about 25 miles north, Highlands Elementary School
is across the steet to the south, Crane Creek Country Club is on the east
side and the Governor's mansion is on the west side.
Prototype Bomb Shelter for Boise.pdf
Ground Breaking.pdf
Governor Breaks Ground.pdf
Tri City Herald
Newspaper Nov 3 1961.pdf
St
Petersburg Times Nov 16 1961.pdf
Lewiston Evening Journal Nov 2 1961.pdf
MUSIC REHEARSAL STUDIOS
600 W. Curling Drive
Boise, Idaho 83702
PHONE: 208-484-5190
jon@BoiseBombShelter.com
MAP: 43°39'95"N 116°11'36"W
