Beer lovers and preservationists rejoice! SteepleJack Brewing Co. owners Brody Day and Dustin Harder have lovingly restored the former First Universalist Church of Good Tidings at NE 24th and Broadway in Portland. Thanks to sensitive adaptive reuse, this century-old building retains many historic features including colorful stained glass windows, a historic bell tower, carefully restored […]
In a Precedent-Setting Decision, Demolition of the Historic Yamaguchi Hotel is Approved with a Token Nod to Cultural Heritage
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 […]
Historic Oregon Cemeteries by Abby Warren
If you like historic cemeteries and discovering the diverse history of our state, keep an eye on the Oregon Commission of Historic Cemeteries which is working to discover and share the stories of interesting Oregonians who have passed on. The Commission’s Cemetery Stories project aims to illustrate all the ways that cemeteries hold value and […]
People in Preservation: B.A. Beierle
B. A. Beierle ADVOCATE. EDUCATOR. PRESERVATIONIST. Preservation is about people. Our stories and connections to each other, our shared past and sense of place are embodied in the places where we live, work, and play. As it turns out, when we’re mindful of the irreplaceable value these places bring to our everyday lives, we […]
People in Preservation: Denyse McGriff
Denyse McGriff OREGON CITY COMMISSIONER NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION, ADVISOR PORTLAND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, RETIRED Preservation is about people. At Restore Oregon, we believe not only in saving and rehabilitating the historic places that define our heritage as Oregonians, we believe in YOU. Each year, we travel the state and meet people who are […]
Rural Historic Theaters Receive Unprecedented $615,000 in Grant Funds for Preservation
As part of our Oregon’s Most Endangered Places program, Restore Oregon combined forces with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to bring an unprecedented grant opportunity to rural historic theaters in Oregon! Last year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), which includes the Oregon Main Street Network and the State Historic Preservation Office, received […]
A New Marquee, Drive-In Open for Business, and a Chance Meeting Reveals Historic Plans
The economic impacts of COVID-19 in Oregon are being felt across the state and we’re only just beginning to understand how far and wide the effects will reach. While we unite to help each other through these troubling times it’s important to remember the positive things that are happening around us. Though theaters were forced […]
The 2019 Legislative Session: A Very Mixed Bag for Preservation
Restore Oregon attacked this legislative session with high hopes and a concerted lobbying effort to fix Oregon’s broken preservation policies. After a uniquely contentious session, the results were decidedly mixed. The good news: Special Assessment was renewed through 2022. Special Assessment freezes assessed property value for ten years in exchange for the rehabilitation of National […]
Saving Oregon’s Most Endangered Places: Waldron Brothers Drugstore
Waldon Bros. Drugtore: Restore Oregon Seed Grant to be Used for Reuse Plan Friends of the Waldron Brothers Drugstore–an Oregon non-profit corporation working to save and restore the building– is working with Restore Oregon and other partners to plan for an economically viable future for this local historic landmark. Friends of the Waldron Brothers Drugstore […]
Saving Oregon’s Most Endangered Places: The Robert and Charles Wilson Homes
The Robert and Charles Wilson Homes, constructed along the banks of the Deschutes River, are significant for two reasons: their mid-century architectural pedigree, and the little-known role played by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWSRO) in Central Oregon’s lumber industry. Designed in the 1940s by world-renowned architect, Pietro Belluschi, the Wilson […]