story by Chelsea Chambers
photography by Brett Saffery
Just a few miles east of downtown Boise lies the historic and visionary Harris Ranch. Harris Ranch is community-minded housing development that embodies the insight and ideals set in place by Dallas and Alta Harris decades ago. Harris envisioned a lifestyle in which residents could live luxuriously and comfortably, while at the same time protecting the nature and wildlife of Idaho. He understood the need to live harmoniously with the land and that it wasn’t necessary to sacrifice environmentalism for extravagance – but rather that the two could live hand-in-hand.
The Harris family hailed from Pettigrew, Arkansas and spent a large duration of their lives operating a sawmill in the Ozark Mountains. However in the 1930’s, the Great Depression and economic hardship prompted them to seek a new beginning in the West. Dallas found himself in Meridian, Idaho and made a living by working odd jobs and investing into mills and lumber yards in order to find his niche. One of his many endeavors included purchasing farmland to raise cattle in the Barber Valley. In 1906, Barber Valley was known as Barberton and boasted as one of the most promising mill towns in the West. Due to the ambitious and ever-determined nature of Dallas Harris, this land became home to Boise’s illustrious Harris Ranch.
Harris saw the promise of Idaho that flowed endlessly through the rivers and grew as fervently as the trees that the line our streets. He took this promise and in accompaniment with his vision of the future, broke ground for what is now one of the most prominent, urbanized, and ecologically friendly developments in the area. Harris Ranch is a tribute to the limitless possibilities that evolve with enough dedication. Dallas Harris and his family have proven, time and time again, that ambition has the propensity to bring aspirations to fruition, idealism to a forefront, and dreams into a reality. The mission statement of the company remains true to the values of the Harris family, “In a timely manner, to master plan and profitably sell the assets of Harris Ranch in a professional and businesslike atmosphere, demonstrative of the owner’s commitment to the environment, the community, and their heritage.”
Boise Hunter Homes has begun construction has begun on an innovative new development located on the corner of Warm Springs on Eckert that continues the Harris family legacy. Harris Crossing is nestled in the heart of Barber Valley, aesthetically placed on the Boise Greenbelt near the Boise River and the foothills. Harris Crossing encompasses all of the opulence of an active urban lifestyle in conjunction with the peaceful charm of the surrounding Idaho wildlife. The community landscaping will be maintained by the HOA utilizing a drought tolerant sod, and a variety of perennial planter beds that will complement the unique architecture and layout while still affording all of the amenities of a luxurious Boise Hunter Home. There will be 96 homes with average square footage ranging from 1900 to 2600 sq. feet with multiple designs to choose from. Harris Crossing is now taking reservations and will be move in ready in early spring. This new Greenbelt community beautifully symbolizes the ideology of Idaho – that we have the power to make our dreams a reality. Harris Crossing is one of many steps to be taken in order to continually advance the Harris family’s vision of the future.
For more information, email HarrisCrossing@boisehunterhomes.com
