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 […]
Four Amazing Oregon Places Protected in Perpetuity
Restore Oregon manages and maintains the only program in the state which saves a historic place in perpetuity: a historic conservation easement. A historic conservation easement allows the owner of a historic property to retain title and use of a property and, at the same time, ensure its long-term preservation. It is a legal contract […]
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 […]
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 […]
Nominations Open: Restore Oregon DeMuro Awards, Most Endangered Places
2017 DeMuro Award Nomination The DeMuro Award honors extraordinary examples of the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings, homes, public spaces, or landscapes, and compatible infill development that enhances historic districts. Nominated projects may be large or small, urban or rural, and those selected will display exceptional quality, creativity, problem-solving, and impact. To nominate a […]
Let’s Celebrate 40 Years of Saving Places that Matter to You!
It’s Restore Oregon’s 40th Birthday! Since 1977, Restore Oregon (formerly known as the Historic Preservation League of Oregon, HPLO) has been saving places that matter throughout Oregon. From one of our early preservation advocacy efforts at the historic Crater Lake Lodge, to historic conservation easements and relentless legislative advocacy, to educational workshops and tours, we […]
Ankeny Blocks Development Design Submitted to Landmarks Commission for Review
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 […]
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 […]