Boise, ID March 2023

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March 2023 PUBLISHER

LIFESTYLE LETTER

What makes your home unique?

Home is a special place that holds a unique meaning and value for all of us.

It is where we feel comfort, security, and stability, and it is the place where we start and end each day. As a publisher of a Lifestyle magazine, we understand the importance of home, and that’s why we strive to bring you the best in home design, food, drinks, and most importantly, people.

Our goal is to create a resource that is valued in our community, and that is why we are always seeking out new and exciting ways to showcase what makes the home environment special to our readers. That’s why we have dedicated a significant portion of this issue to showcasing the businesses and individuals that make up this city and bring the community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you will feel encouraged and connected to the people around you, from your city to your neighborhood, and most of all, your home.

We are proud to say that every month, we receive feedback from readers who appreciate the value of our magazine. They tell us that they keep our magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover and that it serves as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication that we put into every issue, and it motivates us to continue delivering the best in home design, food, drinks, and people.

We are grateful to be a part of your home, and we hope that this latest issue brings you joy and inspiration. As we move into the month of March, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and for allowing us to be a part of your home.

Vince Gewalt | vince.gewalt@citylifestyle.com STAFF WR ITER

Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Kendall Houlton | kendall.houlton@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Ashley Loeb, Chelsea Chambers, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Jordan Gray, Kurt Orzeck CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Ashley Loeb, Neamah Ahmed, Phil Davis

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

V I N C E G E W A LT , P U B L I S H E R @BOISELIFSTYLE Boise Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Boise Metro Chamber, 1101 W. Front St.

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/BOISE |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Boise Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Boise area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Boise Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

16

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Made in Idaho since 1986 FRAGRANCES OF THE MONTH MARCH White Lilac

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17

MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

54

60

32

24

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

24 Iraq-Boise and Thriving

16

Lifestyle Letter

After surviving years of war in Baghdad, Neamah Ahmed created

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Locally Sourced LI FE + C U LT U R E

a fledgling business in Boise.

24

Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E

32

Decor Trends HO ME + DES I GN

40

Curb Appeal R EA L ESTAT E

46

Expert Help R EA L ESTAT E

54

Open House R EA L ESTAT E

60

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

66

Our Town ENT ERTA I NMENT

32 Organic Beauty in the Home Fulfilling a Dream of Horticulture and Home Design

54 Bespoke Homes

Chomo Santana Offers a New Approach to Home Construction

60 The Baking of a Sensation Meet Mathieu Choux of Gaston’s Bakery

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Bmak Photography Bespoke construction is the experience of true customization in home design, where clients handpick every aspect, from architecture to finish colors. Every detail is tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

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Newsworthy in Idaho A ROUND UP OF EXCITING NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES ARTICLE BY EDITORIAL STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

HEARTH & HOME, JAMES CASTLE HOUSE EXHIBITION James Castle (1899-1977) chronicled his life in Idaho with thousands of soot-and-spit drawings, creating works using a unique technique of scraping carbon from his family’s woodstove and mixing it with his saliva. Castle’s monochromatic artworks range from realistic renderings of his home and daily views to abstract and invented imagery, offering a glimpse into the artist’s talent and imagination. The exhibition, Hearth & Home, on view exclusively at the James Castle House in Boise, Idaho, through July 29, features nearly 30 original artworks from the City of Boise’s collection, donated by the James Castle Collection and Archive, including a never-before displayed artwork donated by James W. Gilles in 2021. The exhibition can be viewed during open hours Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. 5 p.m. or through a digital exhibition companion. Image courtesy of the James Castle Collection & Archive.

JamesCastleHouse.org

WHAT IS THE BOISE FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW?

-

th Be

The housing market in Ada County, Idaho, faced challenges and opportunities in 2022. The pandemic led to a peak in demand for housing, with too many buyers chasing too few homes, resulting in bidding wars and a highly competitive market. However, the Federal Reserve’s efforts to reset the market and slow price appreciation made 2022 a transitional year. Mortgage rates increased due to Federal Reserve rate hikes in the second half of 2022, leading to a decrease in demand for housing, resulting in lower home sales and downward pressure on home prices. Ada County ended the year with 20.8% fewer total sales than in 2021. The higher mortgage interest rates and swift home price appreciation impacted buyers’ purchasing power, some made budget adjustments, and others put their home search on hold. The Boise Regional REALTORS® helps guide buyers and sellers through the changes. BoiRealtors.com

N E W S R E L E A S E A N D S TO RY I D E A S :

We’re always interested to hear about new business openings, upcoming events, local news items, and community members contributing in new and exciting ways. Email: E D I TO R I A L @ B O I S E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E .C O M @BOISELIFEST YLE

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A TRANSITIONAL YEAR FOR THE MARKET

Trott

Laws and R os

es

The Boise Flower and Garden Show has been a spring staple in the Treasure Valley for 25 years. With over 100 exhibits featuring local nurseries, landscaping companies, new products, arts and crafts, and locally sourced

food from Idaho, the event has something for everyone.

Attendees can also learn about planting techniques and how to take care of plants through 15 educational classes and seminars offered every hour. The event is from March 24 to 26 at the Boise Centre and online tickets are available at iblEvents.com.

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | L IF E + CULTURE

R ES ID EN TIA L | H O SPITAL ITY | MULTI-FAMILY | COMMERCIAL ASPEN 605 East Main Street CARBONDALE 311 Main Street BOISE 911 West Jefferson Street 970 925 4755 billposs.com

IRAQ TO BOISE AND THRIVING AFTER SURVIVING YEARS OF WAR IN BAGHDAD, NEAMAH AHMED CREATED A FLEDGLING BUSINESS IN BOISE.

Neamah in the early days

ARTICLE BY KURT ORZECK PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEAMAH AHMED

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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

Haydar Khana Mosque in Baghdad, Iraq

Neamah Ahmed — a barber who fled Iraq with his family and eventually became a Boise resident — is not a macho guy. His mild-mannered, peaceful and gentle personality belies what they experienced in their homeland.

In other words, Neamah is way tougher than most “tough guys.”

For decades, Neamah and his family endured the turmoil and refused to leave their homeland. They chose to do so despite living in a battle zone, a 5-mile radius that encircled his home, his barber shop, his tae kwon do studio — and the Republican Palace where Saddam Hussein resided.

It’s even harder to fathom that Neamah and his family stuck it out in Baghdad for as long as they did. Residing in the capital was a virtually impossible proposition, as unspeakably horrific events took place there.

By the grace of God, his family survived — and Neamah even maintained his remarkably warm personality — despite what they witnessed.

It wasn’t until his young daughter suffered a severe injury during the events that unfolded in Iraq, and when his eldest son no longer felt safe in school, that Neamah decided they needed to flee Baghdad pronto.

Shortly thereafter, Neamah fled with his wife and five children — along with his mother-in-law, and four of his nieces and nephews — to Amman, Jordan.

They left behind everything that wasn’t on their person or in their vehicle.

Neamah in his tae kwon do uniform

Neamah working in his new shop

“It was time to leave,” Neamah tells me on a November afternoon while seated at a table overlooking Quinn’s Pond in Boise. (He openly described the terrifying details in Iraq’s capital at the time of his family’s escape.)

Neamah said that, since age 10 — when he was working on landscape and construction at Saddam Hussein’s palace — he started to become acclimated to the dangerous surroundings where he spent most of his life.

With that in mind, his initial coping method was to seek refuge in his barber shop. After opening the business at a young age, he discovered the therapeutic effects of bonding with his customers over their shared experiences.

At the same time, it was during that precarious period that Neamah discovered his purpose in life: helping others, not just by listening to their stories but by providing them with the essential service of cutting hair.

Neamah enjoyed hearing his customers tell his stories and update him on what had happened in their lives over the previous two or three months. When not practicing martial arts, he could lose himself in those stories after working for 16 hours, day after day.

“I always kept my business open,” he recalls, continuing to elaborate on why he waited so long to leave Baghdad.

CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / BO I S E

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Aerial of Baghdad

Happy Neamah inside his new shop

The first few years weren’t easy. It took him years to cultivate a clientele, hone his craft and teach others — mostly students from the neighboring university — the art of cutting hair.

“Most people, when they try to pursue being a barber, they quit in two to three years,” he comments. “It can be stressful. Everyone has different hair. They have their own style and personality too.”

As 2022 comes to a close, Neamah has notched nearly 35 years as a barber. He carries his skill not with arrogance but with a quiet reassurance that exudes comfort throughout his barber shop — now located on 116 E Myrtle St. in Boise.

His is the first Iraqi-owned barber shop in Idaho, as far as Neamah knows. In fact, his business is one of the only ones in the state where Arabic is fluently spoken.

After leaving his fledgling enterprise in Baghdad, Neamah opened a shop in Amman. Anyone who speaks with him would be stunned to discover he didn’t speak any English before relocating with his family to Jordan.

It was there that he linked up with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations-affiliated organization that eventually resettled him and his family in Boise in 2008. He also embarked on a master’s program in business management and learned English through rigorous studies.

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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

“ I WA N T T O G I V E B AC K T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y T H AT HAS GIVEN SO M U C H T O M E .”

-NEAMAH AHMED

Perhaps because of how Jordan provided him and his family with refuge, Neamah maintains a rule that isn’t universally shared among barbers.

“I never refuse any customer, even if they come late,” he insists.

After a pause, he adds, “They pay me more than I deserve to support my business.”

Neamah’s first salient memory of coming to the U.S. was of astonishment at how welcoming Americans were to him and his family. Only a short time before, Americans treated them completely differently in Iraq, with suspicion and scrutiny balanced on a trigger finger.

Coming to America and opening a new barber shop in Boise took time and patience — two elements that a hairdresser must learn to master if they want to run a successful business. Neamah mastered those skills by becoming one of the most skilled Iraqi practitioners of tae kwon do, which he continues to teach and practice.

“When you’re stronger, you become more humble,” he considers. “You learn about defense, defending your family and not harming people. I’ve never been in a fight.”

When he arrived in Boise, Neamah continued going to school, studying every day until the wee hours of the morning. He worked at a restaurant for 10 months, training himself to learn just one new word — and repeat it with proper usage to a different customer — during each shift.

CONTINUED >

Neamah busy at his new shop

Neamah and his tae kwon do students MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / BO I S E

27

“It all sounded like gibberish at first,” he laughs.

Especially challenging was learning the terminology for cutting hair, a craft in which precision and understanding the customer are key. Early on, he would often have to double-check what a customer meant when they said they wanted one or two “finger-lengths” of their hair cut.

“Did they mean finger-length wide or finger-length long?” he demonstrates with his hands.

But eventually, with both patience and a genuine curiosity for knowledge, Neamah established bonds with his customers, most of whom returned.

After spending years near 9th and Myrtle, he relocated his business over the summer to a new spot next door to WinCo on 2nd and Myrtle. He retained most of his customer base by staying close to Boise State University but appreciates seeing new faces too.

“Some guys, their wives drop them off when they go grocery shopping, and they tell me, ‘Make my husband look good!’” he chuckles.

Neamah’s loyal customers showed their true colors during COVID. With lockdowns in place, some of them paid him five months in advance for haircuts. One customer even gave him $1,000, out of concern that he might have to close his shop.

Neamah also relied on his skill at saving money, which he developed at an early age.

Neamah and his crew in their new shop

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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

Now, he is trying to drum up more business from locals, all the while retaining an atmosphere through which someone in Boise can feel like they’re experiencing the entire world. Customers chat in Arabic, English and Spanish while soccer games invariably play on the TV sets.

Neamah’s fellow barbers, including his son Mohammed, bring in a mix of customers that keeps the shop bustling with colorful personalities, and stories from far and wide.

“I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” he says.

The finished signage at Neamah's new shop

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Organic Beauty in the Home

Fulfilling a Dream of Horticulture and Home Design

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY LOEB

Growing up in Chicago, Susan Wynne’s mother threw “the most fabulous dinner parties.” The beautiful nature-inspired accessories, china place settings, the smell of lilies, and melody of the baby grand piano left Susan in “awe of the beautiful transformation the house went through.” To this day, Susan continues to be enthralled with design discoveries, especially during her European travels. “I find myself having a feeling I have been there before. It all just makes sense to me. I get inspired by the way they repurpose items and cherish family heirlooms.”

The first seed of making her design passion into something more came after Susan and her husband, Bill, left the Midwest to follow their hearts out west.

Idaho is reminiscent of where they first met in the 1990s in Boulder, Colorado, and the perfect spot to build her long-awaited retirement dream.

After nearly six years of searching for a place where they could fully immerse themselves in the Boise community, Bill and Susan Wynne settled in the city of Eagle. Eager to leave the “rat race” of her Michigan life behind and seeking to really dive into her passions full time, Susan realized that a home and garden store would be the perfect way to blend her two loves together.

Alongside her passion for design is her first love, horticulture. She has always been particularly fascinated with the structure of trees and the artwork they display throughout the year, especially the colorful fall foliage. Susan completed a university garden program and now enjoys putting together landscapes that highlight the form and structure which are all so appropriate for the Idaho region.

Susan also finds inspiration from historical designers such as Constance Spry from mid 20th century England, who was one of the first mainstream florists to make using unusual material in arrangements fashionable. When asked about her favorite

Susan Wynne “I love making designs and visions come to life.”

Susan Wynne’s former life as a corporate realtor allowed her to grow as a businesswoman, using that knowledge to pursue her passions for design and horticulture.

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D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / BO I S E

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design elements, Susan stated, “Give me a branch, a green and a nest and I’m happy!” Before finding her calling in the home design world, she spent her earlier years building a career as a realtor for corporate executives, which appealed to her because her success or failure was completely up to her. This also taught her the discipline required to run a business, while allowing her to spend countless hours soaking in the designs of different homes.

While most of her time is now devoted to fostering her dream, Susan and Bill enjoy the company of their feline children, including Dolly, a precious kitten recently adopted from the Idaho Humane Society.

“She smells like magic, if magic had a smell!” Susan exclaimed fondly when asked how they were adjusting to their new member of the family.

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D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Susan Wynne and assistant manager, Sarah Hopper

Not surprisingly, one of Susan’s favorite yearround places to escape to in Boise is the Idaho Botanical Gardens. When the weather is warmer, you may also find her working in her own backyard garden, enjoying the views and sounds of nature.

Carrying on her mother’s tradition, Susan and Bill have also enjoyed hosting events for friends, clients and the community for the last thirty years, beginning when they hosted pre-game events at their first home just two blocks from the Michigan State football stadium. “I just love creating an ambiance for others.” That inviting atmosphere is something she brings into her store, which she describes as an ongoing event with the community.

The idea for the store drew on the beliefs that “people are innately drawn to nature and natural elements” and that the “organic beauty of nature can be part of everyone’s home.” Organic beauty is exactly what resonates within the modern storefront of Acquire and Company, which Susan helped design from the ground up. Warm, earthy

CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / BO I S E

35

tones contrast with textures of wood, brushed metal, and textiles. Beautiful pillows, throw blankets and realistic floral including lilies, a fond reminder of Susan’s mother, are beautifully accented with branches, nests, and greenery. With an approach founded in biophilic design,

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D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Susan’s goal is to connect homes with nature by “bringing the outside in and pairing it with everyday items to help give that ‘calm’ to a home.” Susan is also eager to provide a fully immersive experience by sharing her design expertise to help people bring their visions for their homes to life.

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Your Next Purchase!

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real estate ARTICLE BY EDITORIAL STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF INTERMOUNTAIN MLS

Home Sweet Home HOMES OVER $700K, IN A STATE WITH HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING WITH GREAT OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPTIONS, AND A GROWING ECONOMY 40

C UR B A P P E A L | R EA L ESTATE

homes

why is idaho so desirable A high quality of life, low cost of living, outdoor recreational opportunities, a growing economy, strong sense of community, and beautiful natural landscapes makes Idaho a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for a more laid-back lifestyle.

1.

3.

2.

4.

5.

1. BOISE, IDAHO: 3,054 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Ralston Group Properties. IG: @ralstongrp 2. STAR, IDAHO: 3,630 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Silvercreek Realty Group. DaveKallasAndAssociates.com

6.

3. BOISE, IDAHO: 2,200 square foot home with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Amherst Madison Boise. IG: @amherst_madison 4. WILDER, IDAHO: 3,109 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. West Real Estate Group or John West. IG: @westrealestategroup 5. AURA VISTA: 2,999 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Lysi Bishop Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty Boise.

IG: @lysibishoprealestate 6. KUNA, IDAHO: 3,678 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Better Homes & Gardens 43North. IG: @43bhg

CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / BO I S E

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homes

natural beauty & recreational opportunities A wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, and rafting with numerous national forests, parks and wilderness areas, including the Sawtooth Mountains, the Salmon River, and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

1.

1. EMMETT, IDAHO: 4,307 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Keller Williams Realty Boise. IG: @kwrealtyboise 2. EAGLE, IDAHO: 7,600 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Boise Premier Real Estate. IG: @boisepremierrealestate

2.

3. MERIDIAN, IDAHO: 3,538 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Good Vibes Real Estate. TinaDeBoer.com 4. NAMPA, IDAHO: 4,529 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Silvercreek Realty Group. IG: @silvercreekrealtygroup 5. BOISE, IDAHO: 5,374 square foot home with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Keller Williams Realty Boise. IG: @kwrealtyboise

3.

4.

6. MIDDLETON, IDAHO: 3,038 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Silvercreek Realty Group. IG: @silvercreekrealtygroup

6.

5.

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homes

friendly communities & laid-back lifestyle A small-town feel and a strong connection to nature contribute to a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. With low crime rates and population density, residents tend to be independent and self-sufficient, which makes for a more relaxed and easy-going lifestyle.

3.

1.

2.

4.

5.

1. BOISE, IDAHO: 3,206 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Keller Williams Realty Boise. IG: @kwrealtyboise 2. EAGLE, IDAHO: 3,290 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Boise Premier Real Estate. IG: @boisepremierrealestate 3. MERIDIAN, IDAHO: 3,368 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Amherst Madison. IG: @amherst_madison

6.

4. KUNA, IDAHO: 2,597 square foot home with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Lysi Bishop Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty Boise.

IG: @lysibishoprealestat 5. CALDWELL, IDAHO: 4,102 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Silvercreek Realty Group. IG: @silvercreekrealtygroup 6. STAR, IDAHO: 4,881 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. ALEI International.

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NAVIGATING THE CURRENT MARKET ARTICLE BY PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

PREDICTIONS FOR 2023 FROM REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

A Wall Street Journal article inspired my husband to investigate Boise as a place to live. We moved here almost 16 years ago. People are still coming in droves, but is the market as robust now as it has been?

Real estate and construction professionals shared their opinions, beginning with Cody Weight of Solitude Homes and the 2023 president of Building Contractors Association of Southwest Idaho. Weight grew up on a construction site, spending summers from the age of 10 alongside his dad, a brick mason, stacking bricks and shoveling mud. He was introduced to building plans at a young age, which laid the foundation for his development into a custom home builder.

“My dad taught me how to deal with adversity and stick through a task,” he says. Weight’s fascination with watching homes go up on job sites led to an early passion for building homes.

After moving to Boise in 2004, Weight worked as a superintendent for Clearwater Construction, a general contractor in custom home building. “My brother-inlaw, Jared Ramey, who now owns and operates Elevation Homes, gave me my start in the business. I’m just amazed by the community, the people, the outdoor opportunities. Just everything about Boise has amazed me.”

Weight started his home building business in 2007, and found success and funding through forming good, strong relationships. “Build those relationships of trust,” Weight counsels. “Be known for doing what you say you will do. You are your personal brand, so make sure when people hear your name, they understand what that name means. I can’t emphasize it enough to younger generations to make sure what you say, you’re able

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PC: Sarah Morris Photography

Cody Weight Solitude Homes & Building Contractors Association of Southwest Idaho

to deliver on.” His hard work in building relationships paid off. “My success isn’t really because of me, it’s because of other people,” he says. When he started in 2007, it was just Weight with a handful of contractors and framers. Today, he notes that more than 300 families benefit from every home that Solitude Homes builds. “I want to carefully run my business not only to bless the lives of others … but to continue to provide jobs.”

One place to build relationships is the Building Contractors Association of Southwest Idaho. The organization helps the members, helps the industry, and provides great networking opportunities.

“Anybody that’s involved in the construction industry should be involved in that organization,” shares Weight.

Weight points out that the BCA is known for showcasing top builders during their Ada County Parade of Homes.

BCA’s members strive for responsible development through effective stewardship of the land.

“It is our strongest desire to help keep homes affordable by monitoring and managing regulatory matters and unnecessary costs that can drive the price of homes higher,” states Weight.

CONTINUED >

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PC: Heather Kozup

Whether you sell high and buy high, or sell and buy in a normal market, the result is the same.

Mike Brown, Owner/ Team Leader, The Mike Brown Group, notes, “There has been a recent downward shift in the market, but context is everything, and the outlier is not where the market is now but rather the drastic upward spike in the market during the pandemic. Inflation directly impacts interest rates, and mortgage interest rates directly impact the real estate market. To know where the market is headed, we need to pay attention to the interest rates, inventory, and the time of year. In the fall, interest rates peaked at just over 7%, and currently, they are in the high 5’s and low 6’s. Inventory is still well below the normal supply, and sellers and buyers are typically less active during winter months. All of these factors contribute to the ebb and flow of real estate.”

Brown adds, “The pandemic real estate boom gave sellers a false idea of what is normal; by default, it created a new baseline of expectation that is not applicable today. From over-asking price negotiations to the number of days on the market, or lack thereof, the sprint-paced race wasn’t sustainable. Moving forward, exercising patience and working with an experienced REALTOR® who is attuned to the current market are crucial aspects for a successful transaction. For buyers, the market is always fluctuating.

There is never a perfect time to purchase a perfect space; there is only the right time that makes sense to the individual buyer.

“Just one year ago, home prices were higher, and interest rates were lower, and today, home prices have decreased as interest rates have climbed. The teeter-totter of the ever-shifting market can be difficult to navigate. It’s important to be prepared and work with a trusted REALTOR® that will help find the elusive real estate sweet spot that aligns with a buyer’s unique needs, desires, and budget.”

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Mike Brown Owner/Team Leader, The Mike Brown Group

Kelsey Bates Young Group–Engel & Volkers in Sun Valley

Kelsey Bates, with Young Group—Engel & Volkers in Sun Valley, observes, “The market has definitely slowed down in terms of quantity of sales, but we are still seeing many properties of all price ranges go under contract. While we don’t see a lot of multiple offer situations, if a property is priced right, it is receiving a lot of attention. If a property is newly remodeled or updated, it is receiving extra attention. Since the summer, we seem to have plateaued in terms of pricing and activity. Looking ahead, I believe 2023 will be the most ‘normal’ year in real estate that we’ve seen in a long time. We seem to be in this interesting market where rates are up and most people would assume it becomes a buyer’s market, but inventory is still low.

Therefore, with the right strategy, it can be beneficial to both buyers and sellers. If a property is priced right, we are still seeing multiple offers, but most listings allow a buyer to take some time, get an inspection, have financing, etc. This year will most likely be slow and steady.”

Bates advises, “If you’re a seller, take your time to get the property ready prior to listing.

Work with a REALTOR® that has a solid marketing plan. Professional photography, virtual tours, etc., are incredibly important to make sure you receive top dollar. Be careful with pricing. While you don’t want to leave money on the table, overpricing a property more often than not leads to a lower final sales price.” She counsels buyers, “The right time to buy real estate is whenever YOU are ready.”

PC: Hillary Maybery

CONTINUED >

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Stephen Warrington enjoying amazing exteriors with his family

Stephen Warrington Remodeler & President of Amazing Exteriors Stephen Warrington, remodeler and president of Amazing Exteriors in Boise, says the Treasure Valley market “has slowed slightly in residential moves, but we have seen a larger difference in new construction plans coming in. Plans usually lag 6 months behind and that being said, they can indicate future downturns that haven’t necessarily been noticed due to the longer lead times caused from the pandemic. I think the market will trend down in the first quarter, but as spring and

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summer approach it may level off or have a small uptick.

For sellers, depending on how long they have been there, their equity should be fully protected and they should still make out well. It just may take a little longer. Buyers can afford to be a little more patient. We aren’t seeing as many investor purchases, flips or rental property purchases and they should have a little more time to look around. Of course, if a great property hits the market and the right buyer comes by, it could be gone that day.”

BreAnn Colvin Regional Sales Manager, Shea Homes® – Trilogy® Valor BreAnn Colvin, Regional Sales Manager, Shea Homes® – Trilogy® Valor, notes that “the market has shifted toward a correction, which is taking place in markets across the country. It is hard to say where the market is headed but whatever direction it may be, the choice to make a move is an individual one.” Colvin advises sellers to “work with an experienced real estate agent who has sold in your area and can point you in the right direction. They can guide you and answer any questions.” For those who are looking for a home, she suggests, “Start by finding the area you want to live in. Then research the neighborhoods to find the one that is the right fit for you. Your next step is finding the right floorplan. For buyers interested in a lifestyle-oriented master plan or a 55+ resort community, visit SheaHomes.com/Valor. Download an excellent guide on the homebuying process from our website.”

PC: Alex Baird PC: Christine Reynolds

Justin Reynolds President, Moderna Design + Bulid Justin Reynolds, President, Moderna Design + Build, shares, “Interest rates are higher, reducing the number of qualified buyers; however, the current level of qualified buyers is healthy. If you’re thinking about selling, listing now is an excellent idea. If inventory remains too low, we’ll end up with another market with increasing prices.

Whether you sell high and buy high, or sell and buy in a normal market, the result is the same. The advantage to buying a home now is that there are more choices in every neighborhood and there’s less chance buyers will have to pay over the asking price. Lenders also have multiple programs to help buyers secure the lowest rate.”

Reynolds concludes, “The Treasure Valley is a very desirable place to call home with clean water and clean air. People are in love with the urban-outdoorsy lifestyle.

There are few places in the nation where one can ski and golf in the same day, or go white water rafting before an afternoon meeting. The close proximity of commerce and wildlands will continue to attract businesses.”

Idaho has undergone periods of rapid population growth since the late 19th century when thousands of miners flocked to the area. People will continue to move here for the quality of life and opportunities. Real estate and construction professionals are ready to help.

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BESPOKE HOMES Chomo Santana Offers a New Approach to Home Construction

Chomo Santana has been in the construction business since he was 16, where he started out as a subcontractor.

Since then, he’s worked his way up through the trades and added civil engineering and construction management to his background. Now, at 50, he offers bespoke construction as part of his business, Teal Point Homes.

“It’s nice to come from the perspective where you’re the ‘little guy’ first,” he said.

Founded in 1999 in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Teal Point Homes and Santana are now both a part of Boise. Teal Point Homes opened a second location to service the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas, while Santana relocated his family.

“As a newcomer to Boise, from the outdoor activities to the amount of outdoor concerts, indoor concerts, the Greenbelt, the ski resorts, the reservoir, and 10 minutes away from downtown, it truly is the biggest little town feel that I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Santana said. “I spent a lot of time traveling around and fell in love with Boise.”

Santana and his business partner, Wynne DeLozier, founded their company on a holistic

approach to building new homes, particularly those in the $2 million to $10 million range.

“We just saw a need for that platform that really didn’t exist at the time,” he said.

“There were a few builders that did something similar, but none had really a full, encompassing, design-build concept like we started. And it took off. People wanted a onestop-shop where architecture was in-house, construction was in-house, interior design was in-house. And we found in just short order it was just the right recipe.”

To get clients’ dream homes off the ground here in Boise, Santana and Teal Point Homes have created Tesoro: a 17-acre development in the Foothills.

“Everything we do is a one-off design and every home we build is only built once,” Santana said. “We’ve never built the same home twice. Everybody kind of comes with a pretty unique need for what they’re looking for. Everything we design is truly custom.

Those designs are originated with the actual client. So, they get to handpick every last facet of the home, from architecture to layout to finish colors. Every last thing your eye sees is what the client gets to do on our platform.”

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF 208 MARKET

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While he doesn’t reuse floorplans, Santana said Tesoro has seen a very popular design theme.

“Desert Modern,” he said. “There’s a high level of interest with all the buyers that we’ve spoken to. So the theme of the development is more just high-end Desert Modern. A lot of flat roofs, a lot of stucco, lots of large windows, and open floorplan concepts.”

“I knew [Chomo] was looking to get started in our local market, as he was already building his personal family home here,” 208 Market Real Estate Founder April Florczyk said. “I located the Tesoro development for sale off market and reached out to Teal Point. This development offered larger lot sizes with it being a 17-acre piece, and I knew it would fit well with what they specialize in.”

Santana’s dedication to creating a client’s custom dwelling left Florcyzk excited about the possibilities for the Valley.

“I was impressed with how sophisticated yet relatable he was when working with clients,” she said. “A lot of clients in our market are looking for an option where they have the freedom to do exactly what they want and what they envision in their mind. Chomo works with the clients for sometimes up to two years. And he’s truly creating a relationship with these people.”

While Boise remains a hot market for out-of-state buyers, both Santana and Florcyzk said they’ve seen a lot of local interest.

“In Tesoro right now, 65 percent of our buyers are local buyers who’ve lived in our marketplace who just couldn’t find what they were looking for in our market,” Florcyzk said. “I always think that there’s a big assumption made that people coming and spending that kind of money are coming in from out of state, but that’s not necessarily true.”

Santana has also been singing Boise’s praises to others, including the network of subcontractors he helped develop in Lake Oswego.

“We brought in probably a third of our subcontractor base that was looking for something different,” he said.

“And then everybody goes to Boise, and they love it. Just great quality of life, lots of decency, and lots of really good people. And then we’ve been growing ever since.”

“Boise is now home to myself and my family,” Santana said. “We want to be amongst the community and making sure we’re an asset to the Valley.”

To learn more about Santana and Teal Point Homes, visit tealpointcustomhomes.com/Idaho.

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Meet Mathieu Choux of Gaston’s Bakery

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Gaston's employee. PC: The Warehouse

THE BAKING OF A SENSATION ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL DAVIS

“All sorrows are less with bread.”

– Miguel de Cervantes One of the most powerful fragrances known to humankind is that of freshly baked bread. A scent so delightful that it becomes almost palpable as it wafts across the kitchen, carrying with it fond memories of blue skies and simpler times. And while not all of us hail from an idyllic country homestead where bread cools on a windowsill in an open meadow, a love of fresh baked goods transcends into all walks of life.

“I was living in Burgundy [France] at the time where my parents were restauranteurs,” shared Mathieu Choux, owner and founder of Gaston’s Bakery.

“While I knew I wanted to be in the field of cooking and baking, I also knew I wanted to do it somewhere else.”

And as luck would have it, Mathieu had two friends recently move to Idaho to attend Boise State University and he decided to pay them a visit. It became immediately clear that this is where he would put down roots and in 2002, he opened Le Café de Paris on Capitol Boulevard.

It came as no surprise that the demand for Mathieu’s products grew quickly and by 2006, Gaston’s Bakery opened its doors. Named after his grandfather, Gaston’s hit the ground running to fulfill the long list of coffee shops, restaurants, and supermarkets that wanted to carry and serve Mathieu’s baked goods.

Gaston’s latest location opened in 2022, inside BODO’s new Warehouse Food Hall, and offers grab-and-go sandwiches and desserts with a rotating seasonal selection of menu items.

From scones and croissants to brioche buns and rustic loaves, Gaston’s products have become a staple all over the Valley. They are rapidly becoming a national name as the products branch into other states. And Gaston’s now has a global presence as well, with the recent 2021 opening of the mill in Lyon, France. “The wheat is different there and the idea is to show that it is possible to re-localize flour milling. The dream is to provide customers with high quality, wholemilled flours made from a mill that is designed for regional production using local cereals.”

Mathieu

CONTINUED >

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Gaston’s latest location opened in 2022, inside BODO’s new Warehouse Food Hall. PC: @warehouseboise

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Mathieu was born with a passion for food and comes from a long line of cooks, bakers, and business owners and grew up in a classic French restaurant. “It is a very rewarding feeling to make bread and pastries for others and to see them enjoy it.

“Today, I think the most important aspect of baking bread and pastries (aside from the craft and challenges of making large quantities of dough daily) is the flour.

Around 10 years ago, more and more people were feeling discomfort or becoming sick from eating bread and other products containing wheat. That really troubled me as a baker. Our main ingredient, one that has been used for thousands of years to feed civilizations, is now making us sick.

“That didn’t make sense to me, so I started to educate myself on wheat breeding, farming, milling and baking practices. The answer was clear: it is not the wheat that makes us sick but the practices in large industrial operations. So, I started to test small mills and we bought a Unifine mill to mill some of our own flours. In our breads we also use a lot of starters which—on top of providing great flavor—helps the digestibility.”

Mathieu would like to extend a series of thank-yous to his family for their unconditional support and to his Boise team for their hard work and dedication to the craft. “And of course, to the customers in the Treasure Valley for their patronage over the last twenty years.”

To learn more about Mathieu, his team, and where to find their delicious baked goods, visit GastonsBakery.com.

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Boise + Eagle Events MARCH 2023

2-5 — IDAHO SPORTSMAN SHOW

17 — BOISE OFFICIAL ST PATRICK’S DAY BAR CRAWL

Expo Idaho: Guides, outfitters, and sportsmen.

IdahoSportsmanShow.com

Downtown Boise 4 PM: Entry into the best bars, digital pub crawl map, exclusive specials. DowntownBoise.org

3 — CINDERELLA

17-31 — THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT

Morrison Center, 7 PM: Story for all ages, wonderful dose of humor, and majesty of classical ballet. MorrisonCenter.com

Stage Coach Theatre: Based on the novel by Mark Haddon: BroadwayWorld.com

4 — 65TH ANNUAL ROCK AND GEM SHOW

17 — INTOCABLE MODUS OPERANDI TOUR

O’Connor Field House, Caldwell: RockAndMineralShows.com

Morrison Center, 8 PM: “Every song, note, word comes from our hearts.” MorrisonCenter.com

10-12 — 50TH BOISE ROADSTER SHOW Expo Idaho, 10 AM: Idaho’s premiere motorsport’s event.

FirebirdOnline.com

18/19 — PAW PATROL LIVE

11 — MONSTER JAM

ExtraMile Arena, 4 shows: Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group present an action-packed, music-filled production.

ExtraMileArena.com

Ford Idaho Center, 1 PM: live motorsport event series featuring monster trucks. FordIdahoCenter.com

20 — 2023 WALLA WALLA WINE ON TOUR - BOISE GRAND TASTING

11 — IDAHO WOMEN VETERANS MEMORIAL CAR SHOW FUNDRAISER

The Grove Hotel, 5:30 PM: Sample wine from 35+ Walla Walla Valley wineries and winemakers. WallaWallaWine.com

Gem Prep: Meridian South Charter School, 10 AM: Explore Boise’s best Car shows and Expo. allevents.in

20-24 — SPRING BREAK CAMPS AT THE IDAHO STATE MUSEUM

11 — YMCA ST. PATRICK’S DAY RUN

8 - 5:00 PM: hands-on learning opportunities for your family.

History.Idaho.gov

700 S Capitol Blvd, 9:30 AM: Bring your green and show off your best shamrock costume! ymcatvidaho.org

22-26 — TREEFORT MUSIC FEST Various venues throughout downtown Boise. TreefortMusicFest.com

11 — IDAHO OPEN Meridian Bowling Lanes, 1 PM: qualifying event for the 2023 Teen Masters North American Championships in Detroit.

MeridianBowlingLanes.com

23-31 — DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

15 — AN EVENING WITH RYAN ADAMS

23 — WINTER JAM TOUR

Egyptian Theatre, 8 PM: multi-Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Ryan Adams asks, “Do You Still Love Me?” EgyptianTheatre.net

ExtraMile Arena, 7 PM: This band received the awards for Contemporary Christian Artist and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. extramilearena.com/events/detail/winter-jam-2023

Nampa Civic Center, 7:30 PM: See this classic story unfold on stage.

NampaCivicCenter.com

16 — THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE I DAHO WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER

24-26 — BOISE FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, 11:30 AM: A Celebration of Women Business Owners IdahoWomen.us

Boise Centre at 10 AM: The biggest flower & garden show in Idaho. iblEvents.com

16-18 — PULSE ENDURANCE RUNS

24 — REBA MCENTIRE

Eagle Island State Park: Enjoy nature while running on a beautiful flat dirt trails bordering the Boise River and Eagle Island pond.

PulseRunning.com

Ford Idaho Center, 6:30 PM: with special guests Terri Clark and The Isaacs. FordIdahoCenter.com

16-19 — THE BOISE SPRING HOME SHOW Expo Idaho: Displays in all three expo buildings.

BoiseSpringHomeshow.com

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28 — BLACK VIOLIN Morrison Center, 7:30 PM: unique blend of classical and hip-hop music, often described as “classical boom,” to overcome stereotypes.

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