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 […]
Most Endangered Places: Alumni Update – The Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian Theatre is the cornerstone of the downtown district in Coos Bay. This unique movie theatre has spanned the eras of silent films, talkies, Technicolor and the modern “blockbuster.” Originally built in 1922 as a garage, the building was remodeled in 1925 into a theatre. Architect Carl F. Berg designed the interior and exterior […]
People in Preservation: B.A. Beierle
B. A. Beierle ADVOCATE. EDUCATOR. PRESERVATIONIST. Preservation is about people. Our stories and connections to each other, our shared past and sense of place are embodied in the places where we live, work, and play. As it turns out, when we’re mindful of the irreplaceable value these places bring to our everyday lives, we […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: Flaneur Wines/Madsen Grain Elevator (c. 1900), Carlton
Obsolete agricultural buildings are among the most difficult to repurpose, causing much of Oregon’s farming heritage to be lost. A Willamette Valley icon was saved by turning a consternating set of design constraints into a unique and inviting wine and hospitality destination. Photo credit: Aaron Johanson. Congratulations to the entire project team that made this project […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: The Custom Blocks (1930s), Portland
Spanning two city blocks in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District, the former Custom Stamping factory complex was repurposed as creative, tech, and light industrial space with community-building in mind. Gravity-defying bowstring trusses and assorted heavy machinery were retained as part of this homage to Oregon’s industrial heritage. Photo credit: Peter Eckert. Congratulations to the entire […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: 230 Ash (2019), Portland
An outstanding example of compatible infill design in a National Landmark Historic District, this mixed-use project replaced a surface parking lot with 133 units of affordable and market rate housing. Its sensitive design complements the historic context and brings needed vitality to neighboring businesses. Congratulations to the entire project team that made this project possible: […]
DeMuro Award Preservation Spotlight: 50 Plaza Square (1928), St. Helens
A charming Main Street commercial building that had been “remuddled” badly over the years was lovingly brought back to its authentic self, and launched its owner on a quest to preserve local heritage. Congratulations to the entire project team that made this project possible: Jennifer Herbert-Pugsley Jane Garcia Tobey A. Metzner Construction CWA Designworks, LLC […]
DeMuro Preservation Profile – Altsource Headquarters
DeMuro Award Profile: Altsource Headquarters (1923) Portland, Oregon While it may be hard to believe today, the Altsource Headquarters in Portland’s Central Eastside neighborhood was nearly uninhabitable a few years back. But a recent rehabilitation and addition designed by Siteworks yielded a gorgeous end-product that is the very definition of adaptive reuse. Once something of […]