Across Oregon, people are flooding back into historic downtowns. Younger generations are searching for an authentic experience in where they choose to live and work while retiring Oregonians are looking to downsize to vibrant centers with plenty of easily accessible options for shopping, dining, and recreation. Communities across the state are hoping to take advantage […]
Portland First in Nation to Mandate Deconstruction of Historic Homes
Effective October 31, any one or two-family home that was built in 1916 or earlier or is a designated historic resource cannot be demolished by the typical bulldozer process, but must be manually deconstructed and salvaged. In response to the demolition epidemic sweeping across Portland, the City convened a Deconstruction Advisory Group (DAG) to recommend […]
Newberg Recognizes Historic Survey as Economic Stimulant
Newberg is following in the footsteps of towns like Astoria that recognize their historic buildings are economic assets as well as local cultural icons. The Newberg Graphic recently published this article discussing Newberg’s historic survey project to document their historic downtown buildings. A website was created to house findings of the survey, along with a […]
Internal Conversions: A Sensitive Solution
The City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability recently conducted a study to assess the architectural and structural feasibility of internally converting historic homes into two or more dwelling units. Internal conversion is when a home that has previously been used for a single family is divided into multiple apartment units or studios allowing […]
Local Artist Portrays Endangered Places
Restore Oregon is thrilled to announce a partnership with local artist and conservator Kate Powell. Over the course of the last several months, Kate has created stunning watercolor paintings of several of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places. These evocative and colorful pieces will be auctioned at the Restoration Celebration on Friday, November 11 at the Sentinel […]
Preservation Heros Save 136-year-old Morris Marks House
Restore Oregon has been advocating for the Morris Marks House for many years and sometimes the only way to save a historic building is to move it. Board member Rick Michaelson and Karen Karlsson have been working with the City of Portland and the owners for quite a while and we’re thrilled that their plan to […]
Living in a Historic District Forum Recap
Restore Oregon was thrilled to see nearly 100 people attended our free public forum on September 8th : “Living in a Historic District: What Does It Mean to You?” which was generously sponsored by McCulloch Construction. Over the course of an hour and a half, participants submitted questions to an expert panel including representatives of the […]
Versatile Wood Products Presents the 2016 Restoration Celebration
Restore Oregon is proud to announce that the Presenting Sponsor of the 2016 Restoration Celebration is Versatile Wood Products, a Portland company owned and operated by Richard and Anne De Wolf. (Buy your Restoration Celebration tickets now!) Richard and Anne De Wolf are not just partners in business, but in life. Their story began in […]
Heritage Barn Workshop heads to Champoeg
In 1862 Donald Manson pioneered the Oregon art of sustainable construction. Using timbers salvaged from the flood-ravaged town of Champoeg, Manson built a new barn. His barn and its reclaimed components now form the focal point of the visitor center compound at Champoeg State Park where Restore Oregon will host its Heritage Barn Workshop on […]
Statewide Protections for Historic Resources Could Change Dramatically
The Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Development (DLCD), which has jurisdiction over State statutes protecting natural and historic resources, has convened a committee to review and amend the rules pertaining to the protection of historic properties and the requirements of owner consent for the designation of properties as historic. Restore Oregon Executive Director, Peggy […]