It has been nearly two years since the historic Rice House was moved from the College of Idaho to the heart of downtown Caldwell, and questions are being raised about why the project has yet to be completed.
Watch: Learn more about the project and the reason for delays
Historic Rice House renovation faces delays in downtown Caldwell
The move was intended to preserve the more than century-old home and transform it into a space for the community. But when a community member reached out on social media asking about delays, it was clear there were concerns from neighbors about the timeline of the project.
Mike Dittenber, executive director of the Caldwell Housing Authority, said the project has faced challenges from the start, particularly when it comes to modernizing a structure that dates back more than 125 years.
“When you put an old house over a new foundation, there are specific issues that have to take place,” Dittenber said.
“During a time period where there weren’t very many construction standards, to take a house that is over 125 years old and make it modern and make it meet, every single construction standard takes quite a bit of time, quite a bit of effort and coordination,” Dittenber said…