Some stories begin with a single moment - unexpected, unplanned, and quietly life–defining. For the Peterson family, that moment happened in 1992 in a construction trailer in Anchorage, Alaska, where Norm from McPherson, Kansas, and Joan from Kent, Washington, first crossed paths. Both were working on what would soon become the second Costco warehouse in Anchorage, each bringing with them a deep appreciation for the company they loved. What started as professional admiration later revealed something more: shared values, parallel lives, and the beginnings of a partnership rooted in purpose.

Joan began her Costco journey in 1984 at the Tukwila, Washington location. Norm joined in 1990 at the Anchorage warehouse. Each excelled in their roles, managing locations and building strong teams while fostering the culture Costco is known for. Over time, their professional worlds blended into personal ones, and on September 22, 2000, the two married at Snoqualmie Falls, surrounded by family, close friends and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Their blended family blossomed, and by 2005, Norm’s upcoming transfer to open the new Nampa, Idaho Costco set them on a new quest: to find the perfect community for their children, Emily, age 8, and Jacob, age 4. With optimism, excitement, and a bit of uncertainty, they began house hunting throughout Boise and its surrounding areas. But something was missing. Nothing felt like “home.”

On the last day of searching, one which also doubled as a scouting detour for deer and elk, given Norm’s love for hunting and the outdoors, they drove down Dry Creek Road. There, almost tucked away as if waiting for them, was a small, hidden community nestled against the foothills. They wandered into an open house, where they met Realtor Tyler Gilman, explored available lots, learned about the Charter School and preschool, and ended their day in what would become a symbol of their new life: the Dry Creek Mercantile. As we all know today as "The Merc."

The feeling was immediate and undeniable. They knew… this was the place.

In the summer of 2006, they built their home and moved into Hidden Springs. Norm opened the Nampa Costco while Joan retired to focus on raising their family and becoming a part of the growing community. Two years later, in August 2008, a family trip to McCall unexpectedly altered their path once again. When Norm arrived a day later, he held a flyer in his hand and an idea in his heart.

“Hi hon, I think we should consider this option,” he said gently.

The Dry Creek Mercantile was for sale.

With a leap of faith and a belief in the community they had already come to cherish, the Peterson's acquired The Merc in September 2008. Their mission was clear: to honor and preserve the vision of Jim Grossman, the original founder and developer of Hidden Springs. What the Petersons nurtured from that point forward became so much more than a business. It became the heartbeat of Hidden Springs.

The Merc grew into a place where neighbors gathered, friendships formed, and traditions took root. It served as an anchor for families, a welcoming stop for visitors, and a launching pad for countless young employees beginning their working journeys. Musicians: some local, some who would go on to wider success; played beneath its roof, filling the space with energy and memories. Over time, the Merc became an emblem of the community’s identity: warm, inclusive, spirited, and unmistakably unique.

In 2012, the Petersons purchased the adjacent property with a dream of expansion. By December 2015, that dream was realized in the form of a 20,000-square-foot addition that allowed Hidden Springs to grow while maintaining its charm. The mailroom expanded. A general store took shape. The Town Association office moved into the new space. The library relocated and flourished with room to serve more families. Boutique rental suites opened. Springhouse, Rooted Coffee, Red Tail Pizza, Studio Move Dance Studio, and the Wine Bar joined the community tapestry over the past few years. The vision, once just sketches and conversation, became a vibrant, thriving village center.

In March 2017, the Petersons faced an unimaginable loss. Norm. Beloved husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend… had passed away. The grief was deep, the adjustment profound. Yet in the midst of heartbreak, the community that Norm had poured himself into poured itself back into his family. Hidden Springs held the

Peterson's close, offering comfort, strength, and continuity in a season of profound change.

Joan and her family carried forward, strengthened by Norm’s legacy of generosity, hard work, humor, and heart. Their greatest pride remains their family. Each branch carrying forward values shaped in part by the Hidden Springs community.

Emily now lives in Tacoma, Washington. A proud graduate of Western Washington University, she is pursuing her master’s degree in Library Science. Her journey began right here at Hidden Springs Elementary, where she entered in the third grade.

Jacob lives in Boise and recently graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. He is currently pursuing Culinary Arts. An exciting new chapter fueled by creativity and passion. Like his sister, Jacob’s early years unfolded in Hidden Springs, beginning at Smart Start Preschool and later attending Hidden Springs

Elementary.

Norm’s daughters, Heather and Krissy, continue to build beautiful lives of their own. Heather received her Bachelors at Southern Oregon University in Science and Chemistry with a Masters degree at University of Oregon. Heather and her husband Matt live in Oregon, along with their adult children Hannah and Charlie. Hannah is now a mother herself to two young children, Bennett and Lila Beth. Charlie is attending Linfield University, pursuing a degree in sports business. Heather teaches kindergarten and coaches volleyball, while Matt serves as a School District Superintendent.

Krissy graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and received her doctorate in Geosciences at Penn State University. Krissy and her husband Clay live in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Krissy thrives as a passionate rockhound, while Clay works as a professor at Heriot-Watt University.

Today, the Peterson family reflects with gratitude on their unexpected journey. One that began in a construction trailer in Alaska and led them, through many twists and blessings, to the heart of Hidden Springs. Through community, courage, shared purpose, loss, and renewal, they have discovered the beauty of belonging. 

Hidden Springs is more than a place… it is a story.