Origin Story: The Genevieve Block

In the heart of downtown Jackson, presided over by mature, towering cottonwoods, is an open lawn where the community often gathers to socialize and play. Cache Creek resurfaces and burbles past, and three historic settler cabins anchor the charm and character of the space. Home to three popular eateries – Persephone, Healthy Being Juicery, and Café Genevieve – two design shops and the Jackson Hole History Museum, this tranquil spot is seemingly untouched by modernity. This place where time seems to slow and moments are more meaningful is known as The Genevieve Block.

But this idyllic space isn’t here by chance. For all its intangible beauty, it was almost lost in 2018 when the block was slated to be sold to a large, luxury hotel chain for redevelopment, putting an end to the trees, cafes, and birdsong. Local opposition began to swell. Galvanized by resident fervor, the Jackson Hole Land Trust (with a mission to protect open space, wildlife habitat and community spaces), the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, the Historic Preservation Board, and History Jackson Hole formed a plan to enlist the community, and a fundraising campaign called Save the Block was underway. The time had come for locals to step up and protect their values.

An anonymous donor helped the Land Trust put the property under contract for six months and front the money on behalf of the community. Under a complicated legal plan, the involved parties announced that the community needed to chip in $8 million to save the historic block. And to make the stakes even higher: the community portion of the money needed to be raised in under four months.

The four-month campaign was a high-profile, monumental success from day one, when $340,000 was collected. Jackson Hole community members, from billionaires to lift operators sent in their money. Children with piggy banks and change jars donated the spare change; tourists chipped in; and raft guides contributed their own tip money. Even the seller eventually knocked a million dollars off the price. In four months, Save the Block had collected nearly 6,000 separate donations, and over $7 million dollars. The deal was sealed, and the block was saved.

Today, the buildings and land are protected under historic preservation easements, and serve as a remarkable example of the benefits to all when Jackson Hole decides to step up and protect what it values.