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 […]
Oregon Heritage wants your comments on the National Register program
Oregonians interested in how properties receive historic designation in the National Register of Historic Places are urged to comment on proposed updates to the rules that govern how the state administers the federal program. An informational webinar will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 18 for government staff, community leaders, and the general public to […]
A 2020 Most Endangered Place is on its way to the National Register of Historic Places!
Photos Courtesy of ARG, Portland A 2020 Most Endangered Place is on its way to the National Register of Historic Places! In July, Billy Webb Elks Lodge (a.k.a. Williams Avenue YWCA), listed on Restore Oregon’s 2020 list of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places, was approved by the National Park Service for listing in the National Register […]
Historic Preservation: Whose Story and Who Decides?
This powerful and relevant OpEd first appeared in the July 7, 2020 issue of the Daily Journal of Commerce. Co-author, Carrie Richter, serves as chairperson of Restore Oregon’s Policy and Advocacy Committee. Republished with permission. The robust debate about the removal of monuments raises an important question: When have landmarks of the past outlived their […]
The Very Long Struggle For Voting Rights for Women
By Janice Dilg This year marks 100 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment added voting rights for most women to the US Constitution. Many Oregon women had been voting since 1912 when the word “male” was removed from voting qualifications in the state constitution. By 1920, women in Oregon had been voting for […]
People in Preservation: Denyse McGriff
Denyse McGriff OREGON CITY COMMISSIONER NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION, ADVISOR PORTLAND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, RETIRED Preservation is about people. At Restore Oregon, we believe not only in saving and rehabilitating the historic places that define our heritage as Oregonians, we believe in YOU. Each year, we travel the state and meet people who are […]
An Easement in Action: The Henry Building, 1909, Portland
Designed by Francis Berndt for businessman C.K. Henry in 1909, the Henry Building at 309 SW 4th in Portland has been part Restore Oregon’s Historic Conservation Easement Program since 1983. For over 36 years, our easement committee has protected this National Historic Register-listed property from neglect, demolition, and changes that would obscure its historic integrity. […]