Narrative (2)
Attn:Meridian Planning Department
Meridian City Hall
33 E. Broadway, Suite 102
Meridian, ID 83642
Re:Tolleth House Tenant Improvement
134 E. State Avenue.
Meridian, ID, 83642
Design Narrative: April 10th, 2020
F. A. Nourses Second Addition Subdivision is located in the Old Town zoning district of
Downtown Meridian. The subdivision is full of different types of businesses and various architectural
elements.The tenant improvements will be located at the historic Tolleth House, built in 1907 the home
is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The Tolleth House holds a lot of historical
significance, the overarching goal of each tenant improvement is to keep the historical building
elements intact.
The Tolleth Houses prior use served as a local antique shop and held community events. The
new proposed use for the historic home will be the new location of the local, Do Dye Hair Salon and
new Hidden Gem Events businesses. The two tenants are both owned by local business owner
Elizabeth Burgess. Elizabeth will also own and reside in the adjacent home 120 E. State Avenue,
January of 2020, the property is located directly behind the Tolleth House.
Hidden Gem Events underwent the CUP process required by the City of Meridian, gaining the
City of Meridian Commissioners approval on April 2nd durning the project hearing. The owner agrees
to the findings in the City of Meridians staff report and will comply with the requested procedures.
Hidden Gem Events will be 1,658 SF of the existing space. All events will be held on the ground
level, the second level will be used for office space only. Hidden Gem Events can accommodate
various types of events, experiences can be hosted both indoors and outdoors. Hidden Gem Events
outdoor space will only allow for 100 occupants during hosted events, per the CUP staff report
Hidden Gem Events may have an additional 50 occupants if an additional parking agreement is
obtained. The owner will be providing a detailed map to all clients who will be renting out the facility
to send to each guest/patron before the scheduled event. Each event should be scheduled weeks,
if not months in advance. So this will give plenty of time for new guests/patrons to know where
parking is available. Hidden Gem Events will also provide this detailed map and instructions on their
website.
The City of Meridian planning staff suggested new landscaping be installed on the southern
fence line of the property. The owner has agreed to add new landscaping once the City of Meridian
has completed the previously planned adjustments to the sewer line. The sewer line that is to be
moved, is located in the southern portion of their property which will entail the existing landscaping
will be torn out in order for work to be done. Once this is completed they will install all new
landscaping on the street side of the fence line.
Outdoor events will take place in the backyard of the property during the warmer months of
the year; they will begin no earlier than 6am and will end no later than 11pm. The Event center has
acknowledged the standards in chapter four and will abide by all rules and regulations.
The community has been supportive of the growth and flourishment that Elizabeth has
planned for the community. It is our belief that the proposed use of the space enhances the charm,
appeal and marketability of the whole corner.