The Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve the demolition of the historic Yamaguchi Hotel, also known as the former Blanchet House, picture above. On July 28th, the Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve the demolition of the historic Yamaguchi Hotel (former Blanchet House), a rare and very significant building to the Japanese American/AAPI […]
Call to Action for Those Worried About Demolitions!
Proposed Residential Infill Project (RIP) in Portland Will Do More Harm Than Good For over two years, the City of Portland and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) has been working on an initiative referred to as the Residential Infill Project (RIP). It began as a response to the demolition epidemic and the rampant […]
A Preservationists’ Perspective: What Went Right in the Oregon Legislature this Year
It was exciting to see that the voice of Oregon preservation is loud, clear, and strong! Many thanks to community organizers across the state for advocating for their neighborhoods and the places that matter to us all. Here’s the three things that mattered to us this session: SB 311 – An early victory: Our first […]
Inventorying Portland's History
Restore Oregon is working with Walnut Park to document and survey its own architecture and history. Documentation is the first step in discovering the stories of a place and telling them, and it is a fundamental tool for historic preservation. It’s impossible to preserve a place if that place and its story are unknown. While […]
Introducing Walnut Park
Walnut Park is important. But it’s likely that you’ve never heard about it. That’s forgivable. Restore Oregon didn’t know it existed until last summer. It’s probable that even some residents of Walnut Park don’t know that they live within its boundaries. When platted in 1904, this undeveloped island of forest in Northeast Portland was bounded […]
Misguided Attempt to Boost Affordable Housing Will Create More Demolition, Strip Protections from Historic Districts
UPDATE: Executive Director Peggy Moretti testified on May 25th to the House Committee On Human Services and Housing in Salem. More details as we learn them. Scroll down to the bottom for relevant articles and OpEds. Call to Action: Email Your Opposition to HB 2007! In an extreme example of good intentions degenerating into bad outcomes, a bill […]
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 […]
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? […]
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 […]