The building was constructed in 1915 for the Benevolent Order of Elks No. 1168 in downtown Medford and has been in continuous ownership by the Elks since then. The Survey of Historic and Cultural Resources Downtown Survey in 1994-95 quotes the National Register Nomination describing the Elks Lodge “as the most distinctive example of monumental […]
Concord School
The Concord School is a landmark in the northern Clackamas County community of Oak Grove. The site has been home to a public school since 1890 and was, until its closure in 2014, a venue for civic events. The school was closed in June 2014 due to budget constraints and related downsizing and consolidation of […]
Jantzen Beach Carousel
The Jantzen Beach Carousel, a national treasure, was designed by C.W. Parker (a renowned manufacturer of carnival attractions) in 1921 in Leavenworth, Kansas. It was commissioned for permanent installation on the Venice Beach pier in Venice, California, but its stay in California was short-lived. The carousel arrived at Portland’s Jantzen Beach Amusement Park in 1928, […]
ADVOCACY ALERT: Historic Tax Credit Eliminated
The federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) has been an essential source of funding for the restoration and revival of over 100 historic buildings across Oregon. Without the HTC, the vast majority of these projects – along with their jobs and community uplift – would not have happened. The HTC has returned a 25% “profit” to […]
In Search of Storrs
Looking Towards 2018: Seeking Homes by John Storrs At Restore Oregon, we’re mad about mod! We are already planning our 2018 Spring Mid-Century Modern Home Tour and we need your help. We’re hoping to feature John Storrs for our 2018 tour coming up in May. If you or someone you know owns a John Storrs […]
Dedicated Preservation in Action: The Preservation Artisans Guild
Karla Pearlstein lives in a home that was built when Abraham Lincoln was president, and like all of Karla’s rescued houses, this building is as storied as the period items it’s furnished with. In 1964, to save the house from demolition in the face of the new I-405 freeway through Portland, then-owner Margaret Powers had […]
A Mid-Century Modern Thank You!
Thank You to the Mid-Century Modern Community! Restore Oregon is so grateful to everyone who joined us on our 2017 Mid-Century Modern Home Tour! We are honored to work with such an inspirational design community and dedicated group of volunteers, sponsors, and home owners that made the three part event possible. And finally, thank you […]
Sponsored Post: Why Old Windows Matter by Indow Windows
Windows are the soul of a building. They let in light and determine how those who live or work in the space see the outside world. Their placement and design determine the balance and beauty of a structure. A historic building with its original windows intact is a gem and can maintain higher property values […]
Sponsored Post: An Atomic Time Capsule with Amazing Pacific Northwest Modern History
Portland’s Laurelhurst neighborhood is well-known for its historic, early 20th century, period revival homes. But if you look beyond the ubiquitous Tudor, Colonial, and Mediterranean homes, a mid-century modern enthusiast can find some of the city’s most atomic gems. One of those can be found at 4281 NE Laurelhurst Place, a time capsule piece of […]
The Workmen Temple: A Loss Which Should Have Been Avoided
Demolition of the Ancient Order of United Workmen Temple is well underway in downtown Portland today. It did not need to happen. Restore Oregon did as much as we could to stop it. Though the preservation community and local government leaders objected in terms ranging from dismay to outrage, there is little recourse in Oregon when the owner […]