After eleven years of operating informally as the local history group for the Oak Grove, Oatfield Ridge and Jennings Lodge communities south of Milwaukie, Oregon, the Oak Lodge History Detectives (OLHD) have gained tax-exempt status with the IRS. Starting out in 2009 as a grass roots group of history-minded citizens, the group gradually gained recognition […]
Strength in the Face of Historic Fires
Hearts are aching at Restore Oregon for those suffering and experiencing loss from September’s historic wildfires. Our staff is reeling from the immensity of destruction throughout our beautiful state and doing all we can to learn what has been saved and what has been lost. As people whose personal and professional lives revolve around placemaking […]
Big Changes Proposed for Historic Protections in Portland!
Download Restore Oregon’s testimony here:
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: The Sutor – Wood House (1938), Portland
The owners of this acclaimed example of Northwest Modern architecture and landscape design set out to restore its glory. The first commissioned residence by renowned architect Pietro Belluschi was gently restored and updated by his son, architect Anthony Belluschi, while love and elbow grease (under the guidance of Takashi Fukuda) brought back the original landscape […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: Redfox Commons (1944), Portland
This adaptive reuse project transforms two former industrial structures into a light-filled campus for creative office tenants. The project inspires fresh thinking about how development can leverage underutilized structures and materials – and add value to cities by building something stunning from the places that embody our industrial heritage. Photo credit: Lara Swimmer Congratulations to the […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: KEX / Vivian Apartments (1912), Portland
Despite intense development pressure to demolish and replace what was a run-down streetcar era apartment building, this development team believed its historic character had great value to the community. Repurposed as a hostel hotel, the Icelandic gastropub hosts casual dining and musical acts. Congratulations to the entire project team that made this project possible: Green […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: Fried-Durkheimer House (1st Morris Marks House) (1880), Portland
This rare example of an Italianate Townhouse would have met the wrecking ball had not a devoted team of preservationists moved heaven and earth (literally) to save it. It took an act of City Council, numerous agencies, and a team of talented craftspeople to move and restore this gem top-to-bottom on its proud new site. Photo […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: Hallock-McMillen Building (1857), Portland
The façade of Portland’s oldest standing commercial building has been restored precisely to its original design. The architectural team researched and documented the original façade, including fire shutters. The craftsmanship by the contractor, the masons, and millworkers was exceptional. The parts of the original façade that were cast iron were carved in wood molds and […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: Grant High School Modernization (1923), Portland
This modernization included restoring historic architecture, removing problematic old additions, designing a compatible 3-story addition, reconfiguring interior spaces for modern education, and better connecting the grounds to the adjacent community park – all with equity and inclusion at the forefront of the process. Congratulations to the entire project team that made this project possible: Mahlum […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: SCP Redmond (1928), Redmond
After suffering a prolonged decline, the most prominent building along Redmond’s Main Street has come back to life as a boutique hotel, co-working, dining, and community meeting space. The project included careful rehab of the Georgian facade, addition of a rooftop lounge, and restoration of its dramatic lobby. Congratulations to the entire project team that […]