Restore Oregon has partnered with Oregon Heritage to offer a FREE regional membership in the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) and Restore Oregon. This is an exclusive offer for historic Oregon theaters! Our work with historic theaters started with a survey in 2015, continued with regional theater workshops throughout the state in 2016, and now […]
Living in a Portland Historic District: FAQ
Restore Oregon has released an updated frequently asked questions (FAQ) handout to address recent statewide rules changes affecting the state’s historic places. This informational overview focuses on new National Register Historic Districts in Portland which are designated after January 2017. It highlights several questions including the following: Can properties in new historic districts be demolished? […]
Willamette Falls Locks: Promise and Progress at the Five Year Mark
In December 2011, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) suddenly closed the 1873 Willamette Falls Navigation Canal and Locks, effectively cutting the Willamette River in two, preventing both commercial and recreational navigation past the falls. Tourist excursions, agricultural barges, and marine construction rigs were stranded. The unexpected and indefinite closure catalyzed locks supporters. The […]
The Biggest Step Forward for Oregon’s Historic Places in 20 Years
Update: 1/27/2017 – VICTORY! Today the proposed rules to protect thousands of irreplaceable historic properties was adopted by the DLCD. January 9, 2017 – For the last 22 years, there has been virtually no meaningful statewide protection of historic resources in Oregon. That may now change. Restore Oregon and a committee of preservationists convened by […]
2017 Welcomes Nicole Possert as Our New Development Director
Restore Oregon is starting the year off with the appointment of Nicole Possert as our new Development Director. She will replace Sarah Heath who recently became Executive Director at Astoria Historic District Association. Nicole has an impressive background in both fundraising and strategic marketing. Nicole comes to Restore Oregon with over 25 years of experience […]
Clackamas County Landmark to be Demolished
Mike Schmeer, a Restore Oregon supporter and chairman of the Oak Lodge History Detectives, brings us a story of the threatened Philip Oatfield House (14928 SE Oatfield Rd). Despite its designation as a Clackamas County Historic Landmark, this century old home will be demolished for new development if not moved and renovated. All photos courtesy of […]
Portland City Council Responds to RIP Testimony; Continued Advocacy Needed in 2017
Responding to growing support for house preservation in Portland’s older neighborhoods, the City Council on Wednesday voted to significantly amend the much-discussed Residential Infill Project. Although the Council largely supported the concepts presented by the City’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, a series of amendments were adopted to “make it more attractive to preserve the […]
Show Your Support for Portland’s Historic Resources
Restore Oregon is calling on our friends in the historic preservation community to demonstrate a strong showing of support for curbing demolitions, protecting historic resources, and encouraging compatible infill on December 7th at City Hall. In their once-a-year opportunity to discuss the most important historic preservation issues with the Portland City Council, the Historic Landmarks […]
This Wednesday: Raise Your Voice to Protect Portland’s Neighborhoods
Update: City Council has extended the deadline to submit written testimony until Wednesday, November 23. The City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) wants to respond to Portlanders’ concerns about changing neighborhoods citywide. The Residential Infill Project was initiated in the fall of 2015 to address growing pains related to demolitions, the size of infill homes, and […]
Historic Tax Credit Advocacy Alert
Restore Oregon is tracking carefully the status of the federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) which provides a 20% tax credit to offset the cost of historic rehabilitation projects. Without the HTC, more than 90 redevelopment projects in Oregon like the White Stag Block in Portland or the Post and King Building in Lakeview would not […]