In June of 2025, IHT’s very own Jerry Myers of Pocatello was honored by the Idaho State Historical Society with an Esto Perpetua Award. Created in 1999 and named for Idaho’s motto, ‘Let It Be Perpetual’, the award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work ensures that Idaho’s rich history is preserved, shared, and celebrated for generations to come.

Few architects share the pedigree, experience, and expertise of Mr. Myers, and few people share his kindness, selflessness, and leadership. We are thrilled that his stewardship of Idaho’s history is being celebrated in such a visible manner, and we invite you to join us in learning more about why Mr. Myers is deserving of such an honor.

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Mr. Myers began his architectural career in Pocatello, before a short stint in Portland, Oregon, where he bore witness to the controversy surrounding Michael Grave’s postmodern Portland Building. This early example of the emerging style stood in stark contrast to the rest of the architecture surrounding historic Pioneer Square and proved divisive from the outset. The experience ignited in him a passion for working on historic buildings due to what he calls “their unique presence and character that cannot be replicated.” Upon returning to Pocatello and taking over his father’s firm, Mr. Myers led the charge to save the historic Whitman Hotel, and he has been an advocate and activist for great buildings and interesting architecture in Pocatello and beyond ever since.

Mr. Myers’ predilection for buildings of a certain age soon led to a role as an advisor for the National Trust for Historic Places. In this capacity, Mr. Myers traveled to almost every state in the nation, gaining valuable experience as to how other communities use historic preservation as a means to revitalize rural areas, as well as bolstering his understanding of community development, design, and planning to accompany his technical background as an architect. Mr. Myers’ impact on countless historic Main Streets, both in his hometown of Pocatello (where he has served as Chair of Old Town Pocatello’s Board of Directors) and throughout Idaho and Wyoming, cannot be overstated.

The list of historic preservation projects Mr. Myers has had a hand in would be too long to print, but some of his personal favorites are the $7 million renovation of Pocatello High School and the preservation of the Union Pacific Railroad Complex in Evenston, Wyoming, which included over $1 million of window work alone. These high-profile projects helped establish Mr. Myers and his firm’s reputation as leading architects in historic preservation, leading directly to his increased involvement in the above-mentioned Main Street programs.

In 2009, Mr. Myers welcomed his current partner, Richard Creason, to his firm as an Architect in Training. In his words:

“[Mr. Myers] took a great risk in hiring me, and his mentorship was instrumental to me becoming an architect, but also provided me with extensive experience with historic preservation projects. Jerry’s understanding and passion for these types of projects created a niche for Myers Anderson Architects which is carried on today with our passion for historic preservation within the firm.

Jerry’s involvement also included multiple cash donations to the many preservation projects in addition to providing his expertise and design services at reduced or no cost in an effort to make preservation of buildings come to fruition. Many of these projects include preserving facades, full-scale restorations, and even purchasing buildings to keep them from being demolished. Myers Anderson Architects original office on 101 North Main Street in Pocatello was an Historic Preservation project, as is our current location at 122 South Main Street, in the Historic Whitman Hotel. Without Jerry’s determination and efforts in preserving the building, it is likely it would have been demolished.”

Mr. Creason’s personal experience underscores the quiet, selfless leadership that has made Mr. Myers an invaluable member of IHT’s Board of Directors (serving as Chairman for two terms) and the numerous other organizations to which he has lent his talents. From Donna Woolston, current Chair of IHT’s Board:

‘Mr. Myers exemplifies the values of historic restoration and preservation, and there’s not a committee in the area on which he has not served. He freely shares his professional skills with the nonprofit sphere, steps in and does the things no one else wants to do, and requires no spotlight whatsoever – in short, he’s the perfect volunteer and steward of Idaho’s history.”

Mr. Myers currently serves on the Historic Old Town Pocatello Foundation Board of Directors and on the Relight the Night Committee. Myers Anderson Architects helped with the design and restoration of the Chief Theater Neon Sign, the very first neon sign the Relight the Night Committee successfully relit. Stephanie Palagi, Executive Director of Old Town Pocatello, Inc., adds, “Mr. Myers has been a true advocate, friend and mentor to me and to our beautiful downtown!”

Mr. Myers truly believes that we must understand our past to better navigate our future. Whether through mentoring younger architects in the technical aspects of historic preservation, teaching communities how revitalizing historic buildings and Main Streets can lead to economic development, or promoting historic preservation as a sustainable way to conserve energy and resources, Mr. Myers actions and continuous dedication have undoubtedly secured a better, more enriching, and more fulfilling future for all Idahoans.

Lastly, any mention of Mr. Myers would be incomplete without mention of his family, particularly his wife Deb, as well as his leadership role within his faith community. Together in 2012, Deb and Jerry Myers purchased and fully restored the historic Gasser Home, maintaining it as a single-family residence in keeping with the wishes of the Gasser family, and their work earned them an Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. They were instrumental in Pocatello’s first Lasting Legacy Festival held in conjunction with the Idaho Heritage Conference in 2022 through their roles as co-directors of Pocatello FamilySearch Center, and there is nary a worthy cause in the Pocatello area to which they have generously contributed their time, personal funds, or both.

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Congratulations again to Jerry Myers on his Esto Perpetua award. We would not be the organization we are today without his exemplary influence, both personal and professional.