Building Community Through Story

THE CABIN’S CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

We’re almost there—help us reach the finish line!

An anonymous donor and the friends and family of Henry Reents have come together to offer a $140,000 match to complete our Building Community Through Story campaign!

Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $140,000, funding Henry’s Storytelling Grove and transforming The Cabin into a vibrant home for stories for generations to come. Reaching this match will fully fund our Building Community Through Story campaign.

But we can’t do it without your support! Donate today—this match ends December 31!

The Cabin is embarking on a capital campaign to expand its space to better serve the growing needs of Boise’s community.

As Idaho’s only literary arts nonprofit, we are working hard to help close the gap with Idaho’s arts education standards. Our greatest challenge when meeting this need is our lack of space to grow our programming as the community grows. Today, we have 2,500 sq. ft. of usable space in our 5,000 sq . ft. building. Renovating the remaining space, including the addition of outdoor programming space, will grow our capacity to serve the community.

The Cabin Revitalized

  • The Pen & Paint Studio

  • The Writer's Den

  • Jean B. Wilson Room

  • The Collaboratory & Reading Loft

  • Additional Office Space

  • Henry's Storytelling Grove

Introducing Henry’s Storytelling Grove, a new community gathering space

We are proud to introduce Henry's Storytelling Grove, a tribute to beloved past board member Henry Reents, whose warmth and dedication left a lasting mark on The Cabin.

This new outdoor space will be a vibrant hub where people of all ages can share stories, listen, and celebrate the power of words. Located in The Cabin's former parking lot, Henry's Storytelling Grove will feature an amphitheater and soundproof landscaping, creating a functional space for programming, creativity, and connection.

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Together, we can write The Cabin’s story.

Your generosity will create new spaces for our community to learn, grow, and celebrate the power of story.

“As a longtime supporter of The Cabin, I have seen firsthand the positive impact this nonprofit has on our community, particularly our young people. By providing access to world-class literary programming and educational opportunities, The Cabin is helping to inspire the next generation of writers and readers in Boise and beyond. Simply put, The Cabin is a cultural treasure for our city.”

Bob Kustra, Boise State University President Emeritus and Capital Campaign Honorary Chair

FAQs

What upgrades have already been made to The Cabin?

Over the years, Cabin staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to maintain, restore, and preserve The Cabin's original structure and design while making improvements to create a safer, more accessible space, including:

  • Maintaining and re-staining of the building exterior logs

  • Installing a new sign along Capitol Boulevard

  • Adding an elevator and wheelchair ramp

  • Refinishing the original hardwood floors

  • Removing asbestos-glued linoleum

  • Building a new front porch railing

  • Installing new, branded bike racks

  • Replacing the roof

  • Adding a classroom

What is the relationship between The Cabin and the City of Boise?

The Cabin has a long-term lease through the year 2058 with the City of Boise, who owns the historic building.

What is Henry’s Storytelling Grove?

As part of the campaign, we are proud to introduce Henry's Storytelling Grove, a tribute to Henry Reents, a beloved past board member whose warmth and dedication left an indelible mark on The Cabin's history. Our current parking lot will be transformed into a programming space where we can gather to celebrate a love of reading, writing, and learning in nature. Inspired by Henry's passion for fostering a vibrant literary community, this outdoor space will be a gathering point for creativity, inspiration, and camaraderie.


Will The Cabin building be moved to Julia Davis Park sometime in the future?

In 2019, the Boise City Council voted to move The Cabin to Julia Davis Park as part of the main library redevelopment project. Since that project has been canceled, there is no longer a plan to move The Cabin. The certainty that The Cabin will remain in its current location allows us to invest in upgrades to our basement and outdoor space.

Get in touch

Contact Kurt Zwolfer at kurt@thecabinidaho.org or (208) 331-8000. Or fill out the form and we’ll be happy to follow up with you.

The Cabin
801 S. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID 83709