Guidelines adopted last summer are shaping the design of a mixed-use development slated to replace a parking lot at Southwest 3rd and Ash. The surface lot/building site is one of the Ankeny Blocks located within the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District. The Skidmore/Old Town Historic District, first listed in the National Register of Historic Places back in 1975, became […]
State Legislation Aimed at Offsetting Seismic Retrofit Costs
With mandatory upgrades proposed, will it be enough to avoid demolition of historic buildings on a massive scale? Seismic retrofitting for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings (URMs) is mandated in earthquake-prone cities from San Francisco to Tokyo. In Oregon, it is not – but that may soon change. With the dire predictions of the Cascadia quake […]
Save Milwaukie High School
Annabella Gelmetti, a Milwaukie High School student, brings us her testimony which was delivered to a public meeting hosted by the North Clackamas School District regarding the proposed demolition of the Milwaukie High School. A bond measure was passed which could be used to renovate the school, but instead a new building is proposed. Built […]
Two for the Price of…FREE!
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 […]