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 […]
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 […]
This Wednesday: Raise Your Voice to Protect Portland’s Neighborhoods
Update: City Council has extended the deadline to submit written testimony until Wednesday, November 23. The City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) wants to respond to Portlanders’ concerns about changing neighborhoods citywide. The Residential Infill Project was initiated in the fall of 2015 to address growing pains related to demolitions, the size of infill homes, and […]
Historic Tax Credit Advocacy Alert
Restore Oregon is tracking carefully the status of the federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) which provides a 20% tax credit to offset the cost of historic rehabilitation projects. Without the HTC, more than 90 redevelopment projects in Oregon like the White Stag Block in Portland or the Post and King Building in Lakeview would not […]
What's Going On Up There?
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 […]
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 […]
Restoration Celebration Speaker, Emilie Evans
Restore Oregon is excited to announce that Emilie Evans, of PlaceEconomics, will be giving the Keynote Address for the 2016 Restoration Celebration. Our most important event of the year, the Restoration Celebration will take place on Friday, November 11, showcasing outstanding historic rehab projects receiving DeMuro Awards and announcing the list of Oregon’s Most Endangered […]
Saving the Ermatinger House
When it comes to Oregon history, it doesn’t get much more significant than the Ermatinger House. In 1845, Francis Ermatinger built for himself a federal style residence in what is now downtown Oregon City. Ermatinger was a powerful and influential figure in early Oregon history, serving as a chief trader for the Hudson’s Bay Company, […]
Saving the Powerhouse
We saw the Bull Run Powerhouse for the first time in 2008. Sitting on the Bull Run River northeast of Sandy, the generator room was roaring with four turbines generating 22 megawatts of electricity like it had since 1912. PGE was about to decommission the powerhouse by removing two dams that supplied its water. Due […]