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 […]
Preservation Heros Save 136-year-old Morris Marks House
Restore Oregon has been advocating for the Morris Marks House for many years and sometimes the only way to save a historic building is to move it. Board member Rick Michaelson and Karen Karlsson have been working with the City of Portland and the owners for quite a while and we’re thrilled that their plan to […]
Portland Ends its 14-Year Violation of State Preservation Law
After years of pressure applied by Restore Oregon and others, the City of Portland today closed a loophole that affects over 2,700 significant properties on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory (HRI). As a response to preservationists’ recent State Supreme Court victory, the City’s Service Level Update will stop ranked properties on the HRI from being […]
Historic Theaters Workshops a Success!
Theaters make magic happen. Our childhood memories are filled with buttery popcorn, first dates, and stolen kisses lit by the glow of the silver screen. Experiencing art and culture, feeling the power of architecture, and meeting family and neighbors for a special night out, are all ways we interact with theaters. Restore Oregon, along with […]
Workmen Temple Replacement Design Gets Thumbs Down
Restore Oregon has been advocating for the preservation of the Workmen Temple since its removal from the Historic Resource Inventory in November 2015. Restore Oregon’s Executive Director Peggy Moretti provided testimony at the City of Portland’s Design Commission hearing on August 4th regarding the proposed demolition and replacement of the Ancient Order of United Workmen Temple. Restore […]
Eastmoreland Pursues Protection through Designation
Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors have voted to move forward with pursuing the designation of their neighborhood as a Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood association organized an informational workshop about the proposed historic district designation on May 26. The neighborhood views this designation as a tool to […]
Portland: The Trailblazer for Planned Deconstruction
Portland is leading the country by requiring deconstruction of historic homes which are already planned for demolition. Any one or two family structure that was built before 1917 or is a designated historic resource will require a full manual deconstruction rather than mechanical demolition starting on October 31st of this year. Measures to address […]
Workmen Temple Given 120-Day Reprieve; Plans Still Call for Demolition
January 20, 2016. After several weeks of negotiations, demolition of the Ancient Order of United Workmen Temple and Hotel Albion has been delayed until at least April 30, 2016. The developer, Arthur Mutal, voluntarily agreed to the delay period to settle a Land Use Board of Appeals case that Restore Oregon brought forward late last year. […]
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, […]
Raise your Voice for Historic Preservation in Portland on November 18
The Portland Historic Landmarks Commission will present their annual State of the City Preservation Report this Wednesday, November 18, at the 2pm meeting of the Portland City Council. The presentation provides a unique opportunity for the public to show their support for historic preservation and testify in favor of several important initiatives that would better […]