Statewide historic preservation nonprofit raises awareness

of Oregon’s Outstanding Historic Modern Architecture;

touts the sustainability of reuse of Mid-Century Modern homes

Announcing Restore Oregon’s 2024 programming for Restore Oregon Modernism: a year-long preservation program dedicated to raising awareness of Pacific Northwest modernism and Oregon’s impressive collection of historic, modern architecture. Through a series of educational events and lectures, Restore Oregon Modernism encourages people to love, preserve, and reuse Oregon’s Pacific Northwest Regional Modern architecture.

 

Building on a Decade of Modernism-Focused Preservation Work

Restore Oregon Modernism offers a unique opportunity to experience Oregon’s historic, modern architecture firsthand and to learn how to best steward these extraordinary older homes for future generations. “Restore Oregon Modernism aims to educate people on how to preserve and sensitively renovate Pacific Northwest Modern homes for today’s living. We often see older homes being demolished, so it is inspiring to know that people love the range of unique Modernism we have here in the Pacific Northwest. Reuse not only keeps our existing housing it is also one of the quickest, greenest ways to help Oregon reduce carbon emissions,” said Nicole Possert, Executive Director for Restore Oregon. 

 

Mid-Century Modern Reuse: An Act of Radical Sustainability

While long appreciated for their architectural design and stylish interiors, modern homes in various styles from pre-war regionalism to mid-century to the recent past also contain a significant amount of embodied carbon, as the materials used to build them were manufactured decades ago. By encouraging the reuse of historic buildings, Restore Oregon is working to raise the awareness of Oregonians about embodied carbon already contained within existing buildings and homes. Embodied carbon is greenhouse gas emissions emitted from the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. By reusing existing buildings (the U.S. has approximately 125 million of them, including 50 million over 50 years old), we can save between 50-75% of embodied carbon emissions per building compared to new construction. Saving these homes and buildings from demolition and preventing demolition debris and salvageable materials from entering landfills are two of the most effective methods available for reducing carbon emissions. 

 

Restore Oregon Modernism Lecture:
Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi - Thursday, May 9

Join Restore Oregon at Central Lutheran Church in Irvington for an informative lecture about Pietro Belluschi’s legacy as a designer of sacred spaces and his collaborations with artists such as Frederic Littman and Leroy Setziol. Details coming soon! Ticket cost: $25.

Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi Tour - Saturday, May 11

In honor of the 125th anniversary of architect Pietro Belluschi’s birth, Restore Oregon invites you to tour four Portland-area Belluschi-designed churches, plus view metalwork and carvings by artists Frederic Littman and Leroy Setziol. Details coming soon! Ticket cost: $55 single/$100 couple.

The Menefee House:
A Pietro Belluschi-Designed Residence - June 8, Yamhill, Oregon

Visit a never-before-open-to-the-public Pietro Belluschi-designed house in the heart of Oregon Wine Country featuring metalwork and woodcarving by Frederic Littman and Leroy Setziol. Sip local wine, enjoy breathtaking views, and marvel at this unique house, which was dubbed “the most progressive house in the U.S.” back in 1946.

Architect Spotlight Tour:
Oh My Storrs! A Four Home Tour - July 13, SW Portland

This summer, we are spotlighting Modernism fan favorite John Storrs, who, like Pietro Belluschi, was known to collaborate with Leroy Setziol, most famously at Salishan Coastal Lodge. In 2018, Restore Oregon celebrated the life and work of Storrs with a tour of five of his residential designs and a visit to the campus of the now-shuttered Oregon College of Art and Craft. We are thrilled to announce an exclusive, one-day-only opportunity to tour four adjacent Storrs residences, never before open to the public. Attendees can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres, and stunning views of the Southwest Portland hills while touring the collection of Storrs-designed homes. Tickets: $125; Discount available to Modernism Society members through the Atomic membership - details below.

Pietro Belluschi's 125th Birthday - Various dates, Portland

While Pietro Belluschi’s actual birthday is August 18, birthday celebration events are scheduled throughout the year in partnership with Marti and Anthony Belluschi, Pietro's son.

For $250 per year, Modernist Society members secure access to a curated collection of private and public Modernism events - some only open to members. With just 100 memberships available, Modernist Society Membership includes:

  • Exclusive pre-sale access to claim your event tickets and purchase additional discounted tickets. 
  • Access to The Modernist: Filled with curated Modernism stories, photos, and digital content, this eNews is delivered right to inboxes
  • Members-only access to Restore Oregon’s Modernism digital library, including online tours of past Mid-Century Modern homes!
  • *First 50* Members-Only Cocktail Party, August 3, Northeast Portland: As a special thank you to our first 50 Modernist Society members to sign up in 2024, join Restore Oregon for a fun-filled cocktail party at a striking John C. Gardiner-designed home with vaulted ceilings and an imposing brick fireplace. Only available to Modernist Society Members - see below.
    • One ticket for each of the following events:
      • Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi Lecture - Thursday, May 9
      • Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi Tour - Saturday, May 11
      • Menefee House: A Pietro Belluschi-Designed Residence - Saturday, June 8
  • *First 50* Members-Only Cocktail Party - Saturday, August 3

 

PLUS, Modernist Society Members can receive 40% off a John Storrs Architect Spotlight Home Tour Ticket (described in our Event Lineup above) by upgrading to an Atomic Membership for $325. Includes the Storrs Tour and all of the Modernist Society benefits above! 

  • Become a Restore Oregon Modernist Society Membership here. Just 70 spots remain!
  • Learn more about Restore Oregon’s Modernist Society, visit restoreoregon.org.

Learn more about Restore Oregon’s Modernism program, visit https://restoreoregon.org/restore-oregon-modernism/

Restore Oregon Modernism: Raising Awareness, Saving Buildings, Raising Funds

Restore Oregon Modernism is a fun and informative way to celebrate Oregon’s historic, modern architecture and architects. It also serves as one of the main annual fundraisers that supports Restore Oregon, Oregon’s only statewide nonprofit focused on historic preservation Restore Oregon Modernism was made possible with the generous support of our presenting sponsor Modern Homes Collective, as well as our gold, silver, and bronze sponsors: Real Estate Through Design, Bramske Studio, and Scott Edwards Architecture and Pioneers Mill Works, along with our founding sponsors, Tony and Marti Belluschi.