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 28^th, 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 community and a contributing building in the New Chinatown-Japantown Historic District.  Restore Oregon opposed the demolition request because other options had not been fully explored and because it sets a very bad precedent in this small and fragile district.  

We initiated a coalition of preservation and legal experts to join in support of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and 14 other Japanese American organizations to propose an alternate win-win solution , but the Council’s vote demonstrated an unwillingness to invest any resources to pursue it.

The post In a Precedent-Setting Decision, Demolition of the Historic Yamaguchi Hotel is Approved with a Token Nod to Cultural Heritage appeared first on Restore Oregon.

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 relevance to us today by sharing fascinating stories of people interred in Oregon’s historic cemeteries. 

Cemetery Stories can be accessed via the Oregon Heritage blog, which is updated regularly. A future story still in the works will focus on a historical figure from Oregon’s LGBTQ+ past that you may have never heard of before!

If you are interested in learning about interpretive signage for historic resources, or the development of really incredible cemetery infographics, you can view a recording of Becky’s presentation on YouTube here. 

And if you would like to visit or learn more about the historic cemeteries in your community, this detailed map provides locations for all of the historic cemeteries registered with the Oregon Commission of Historic Cemeteries statewide.

The post Historic Oregon Cemeteries by Abby Warren appeared first on Restore Oregon.

• Support for the Restore America’s Main Street Act, which would provide a tax rebate for small businesses, many of which are struggling to survive in the current climate.
• Improvements to the Historic Tax Credit that would provide more incentive for rehabilitation projects, especially in smaller and rural Main Street communities.
• $9.5 billion in funding for rehabilitation of our National Parks and other public historic assets through the Great American Outdoors Act.
• $420 million in funding for the Historic Preservation Fund, which will be distributed to local and statewide projects.
• $100 million to fund a Main Street Community Recovery and Revitalization Program that would support Main Street Coordinating programs and provide direct support to Main Street businesses.

All of these proposals build on existing programs with proven economic benefits to our communities. We strongly believe that they will activate the power of preservation in helping our nation recover from the current crisis.
With the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other advocates, Restore Oregon has sent a joint letter to Congress in support of these changes. But to be heard, we need your help. 
Please contact your senators and representatives and remind them of the powerful role preservation must play in this moment – and the permanent impact it will have across Oregon.
Find contact information for your congressional representatives and use this sample text in your email.  Include your own examples and stories for greater impact.

Sample Text
Dear ,
As Congress deliberates over the next stimulus package to combat the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge you to remember the critical role that historic preservation can play in economic recovery and job creation.
Time and again, preservation has proven to bolster our civic, social, and economic systems. Our historic places aren’t just bricks and mortar.  They embody our diverse heritage and house our families, small businesses, cultural centers, and places of worship.
In short, historic places are integral to our local economies and deserve investment.  I urge you to support the following policies as you consider the next steps towards Oregon’s recovery and job creation:

• Support the Restore America’s Main Street Act (H.R. 6619) which would provide a tax rebate for small businesses, many of which are struggling to survive in the current climate.
• Support the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (S. 2615/H.R. 2825). The HTC-GO legislation would enhance the HTC by encouraging more building reuse and further incentivizing redevelopment in all communities, including our smaller and rural Main Street communities.
• Support the Great American Outdoors Act (S. 3422), which will provide $9.5 billion in funding for rehabilitation of our National Parks and other public historic assets through the Great American Outdoors Act.
• $420 million in supplemental funding for the Historic Preservation Fund. This includes: $120 million to State Historic/Tribal Historic Preservation Offices for survey, mapping and pass-through grants to local communities; $75 million for the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program; $75 million for the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program; $75 million for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program; and $75 million for grant funds to sites associated with the Civil Rights Movement.
• $100 million to fund a Main Street Community Recovery and Revitalization Program, a proposal by Main Street America, that would support Main Street Coordinating programs and provide direct support to Main Street businesses.

All of these proposals build on existing programs with proven economic and cultural benefits to our communities. I urge you to support these measures to activate the power of preservation in support of recovery efforts.
Thank you,

The post The Power of Preservation in a Post-Covid-19 Recovery appeared first on Restore Oregon.

Restore Oregon has some very happy news to share!
Back in 2012, after delighting generations of Oregonians, first at the Jantzen Beach Amusement Park, and later at Jantzen Beach Center, the Jantzen Beach Carousel was dismantled. With the carousel’s whereabouts unknown, concerned citizens feared it would be sold off, so Restore Oregon placed the carousel on our list of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places.
With the help of Commissioner Nick Fish and others, Restore Oregon not only “found” the carousel safely in storage, but in 2017, we took ownership of this amazing piece of our history and set out to “Re-TURN” it to the people of Portland. Our mission was to preserve the carousel and find a permanent new home for it where it would be protected and accessible to all.
With 72 hand-carved horses and 2 chariots…
The Jantzen Beach Carousel is one of the biggest C.W. Parker carousels ever built. And this posed a challenge: we needed a very large space to house it. Even more, we needed a partner who thought big, had a big vision for Portland, and could execute on a big scale. Restore Oregon is delighted to share that we have found that partner!
A perfect pairing!
Today Restore Oregon is thrilled to announce we’re teaming up with the Portland Diamond Project, to incorporate our beloved carousel into their plans for a Major League Baseball stadium and entertainment district in Portland.
What a perfect pairing! Major League Baseball and the Jantzen Beach Carousel are both deeply rooted in history and tradition. Family-focused. Multi-generational. Kids, parents, grandparents and people from all walks of life coming together. Joyful.  Authentic. American.
A lot of groundwork has been laid to get to this point.
In the two years since taking ownership of the Carousel, Restore Oregon has:

• Conducted extensive research and identified nearly 40 cities with development projects centered around historic carousels.
• Explored dozens of potential sites in the Portland Metro Area.
• Created an operating model that shows the carousel can turn a profit.
• Worked with local architecture firms to create 3 pavilion design concepts.
• Commissioned a condition assessment of the entire carousel.
• Prepared a detailed road map to guide restoration of the carousel.
• And raised funds to pay for all this work while storing and insuring this priceless icon that blends together art, engineering, Portland history and childhood wonder.

One could say we’ve hit a Grand Slam!
Now we enter a new phase with the best teammates we could imagine. Our sincere thanks to Craig Cheek and the Portland Diamond Project team for partnering with us to provide the carousel with a wonderful new home.
Thank you also to the many volunteers, donors and funders who have supported our efforts to re-TURN the carousel to our community, including our Blue Ribbon Committee, the Restore Oregon Board, the Restore Oregon staff, in-kind donors, and finally – individual donors and foundations, with a special shout out to our anonymous donor at the Oregon Community Foundation.  We cannot say THANK YOU enough!
Last but not least, we would like to thank Mayor Wheeler for facilitating the original connection between Restore Oregon and PDP.
At a time when so many of the places that tell the story of Portland’s rich and diverse history are being lost, re-turning the Jantzen Beach Carousel offers a wonderful example of how our community can create a vibrant future that also embraces our past. Thank you all!

The post Restore Oregon and the Portland Diamond Project Team Up to Re-TURN the Historic Jantzen Beach Carousel to Portland appeared first on Restore Oregon.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), which includes the Oregon Main Street Network and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), was awarded $665,000 in federal grant funding to implement a grant program for the preservation of historic theaters. The grant was one of nine awarded nationally through the National Park Service Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program.
Applications for the Oregon Historic Theater Grant will open later this winter with a deadline in spring 2020. This is a matching grant program for amounts between $15,000 – $100,000. Key requirements include:

• The property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places or is eligible and becomes listed during the grant period.
• The project meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation.
• The theater is in a community with a population of 30,000 or less.

Applicants can be private property owners, local governments, state agencies, and nonprofits. The theater owner does not have to be the applicant; however, the owner must provide a letter in support of the work.
Restore Oregon, our nonprofit partner, is happy to help with advance grant preparation.

• Complete and submit the Historic Resource Record – If the property is not listed in the National Register, complete and submit this as soon as possible. This document may take some time to complete as it requires current photos, historic photos if available, and historical information.
• Project Planning – Establish priorities for work to be completed and why, study the preservation standards, develop plans and drawings, begin seeking estimates for work.
• Financial Planning – Begin seeking sources of matching funds, discuss grant income and tax implications with your financial planner.

For assistance from Restore Oregon contact Katelyn Weber at katelyn@restoreoregon.org , 503-946-6379. For questions about the grant contact Kuri Gill, kuri.gill@oregon.gov , 503-986-0685 or visit www.oregonheritage.org .

The post Announcing the Oregon Historic Theater Grant appeared first on Restore Oregon.

Join Restore Oregon in opposing this harmful and unfair proposal.  Submit comments to the Office of the Federal Register by April 30. 
Restore Oregon is joining Preservation Action, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and scores of state and local preservation partners in strongly opposing proposed revisions to the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Park Service, who administers the National Register, is seeking public comment and we invite you to join us in submitting your comments in opposition by April 30^th.
The national advocacy organization, Preservation Action, has provided a helpful summary of how these changes would harm local communities and offers a sample letter  you can customize:
7 Ways the Proposed Revisions Would Negatively Impact Your Community:
 

1. Federal historic properties. Federal agencies will be given total control of whether to nominate properties under their jurisdiction, meaning federally owned historic properties may no longer be added to the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Federal ownership in a historic district. A historic district nomination can be blocked if only one property in the entire district is owned by the US Government and the agency that owns the property objects to listing.

3. Property owner objections. Owners of large properties will be given an outweighed ability to block the listing of historic districts or other nominations to the National Register. Under the proposed revisions, objections to National Register listings will be based on the ownership of a majority of the land area in addition to the current counting of one private owner, one vote. There is no statutory authority to make this change and any such change would place a near impossible burden on State Historic Preservation Officers to implement.

4. Historic Tax Credit Projects. The vast majority of federal historic tax credit projects are in National Register historic districts. Changing the rules for owner objections to nominations will jeopardize the listing of new historic districts, and thus restrict the use of historic tax credits.

5. Section 106. Determinations of eligibility for listing in the National Register are the primary vehicle for considering whether a property is worthy of consideration under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The federal agency, not the Keeper of the National Register, will have the final say on the eligibility of a property under its jurisdiction, thereby thwarting consultation on a project.

6. Appeal Process. By law, any person or local government has the right to appeal the failure of a nominating authority to nominate a property to the National Register. That right will disappear if the property is a federally owned and the agency objects.

7. Consultation with Affected Parties. The proposed revisions falsely claim there would be no impact on federally recognized Indian tribes even though the changes would have a substantial effect on the recognition and consideration of historic places they value, which is contrary to the requirement to consult with tribes. Additionally, the revisions fail to consider potential concerns of State Historic Preservation Officers or others involved in historic preservation who would be drastically impacted and forced to adhere to these new rules.

 
Sample Comment from Preservation Action:
“I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule changes regarding nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The revisions proposed by the National Park Service are inconsistent with the language in and intent of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and would have a devastating impact on the ability of properties to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The rules were drafted without tribal consultation and failed to consider potential concerns of other affected parties. I write to strongly object to the proposed changes.
Some of the most concerning changes deal with how federal properties are recognized as historic places. The proposed rule would allow federal agencies to effectively block a historic property from being listed on the National Register. Furthermore, the changes would revoke the right of any person or local government to appeal the failure of a nominating authority to nominate a property, if that property is federally owned. Federal properties are often critical to the character of cities and towns across the country. The proposed changes restrict local control of communities to determine the future of their federally owned historic assets and would result in fewer federal properties being added to the National Register.
The Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit is a proven preservation and community revitalization tool, which is only available to properties individually listed to the National Register of Historic Places or as part of a historic district. The proposed rules would allow federal agencies owning a property in a proposed historic district to object to the historic district nomination and prevent its listing, limiting the ability of properties to take advantage of these vital tax incentives.
Historic district nominations would be further restricted by giving large property owners an outweighed ability to block nominations to the National Register. Currently, a majority of property owners can object to a historic district nomination. The proposed rules would give State Historic Preservation Officers the near impossible burden of factoring a property owners percentage of total land area in addition to the current process of one private property owner, one vote. There is no statutory authority to make this change.
The rule as proposed in docket #NPS-2019-0001 would dramatically impact the ability of properties to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I strongly urge you to reconsider these changes.”
How to Take Action:

1. Review the sample comment above and make it your own. Include local examples of how the proposed changes would impact preservation in your community and Oregon.
2. Submit comments to the National Park Service before April 30, 2019.
3. Share this post on social media with hashtag #hpadvocacy.

The post Proposed Changes to National Register Rules Would Give Feds Veto Power over Nomination of Government Properties, Stymie Protection of Key Resources. appeared first on Restore Oregon.

Design Week 2019 is less than two weeks away!  Restore Oregon is proud to co-host a free open house on April 11th with Craftsman Design and Renovation, a long-time business member.    
For us at Restore Oregon, preservation reinforces the five senses of quality communities: sense of place, sense of identity, sense of evolution, sense of ownership, and sense of community. Our list below lets you experience the five senses of preservation during Portland Design Week. These events are divided by location. 
Open Houses, starting with the SE Quadrant on Thursday April 11th, all FREE and open to the public from 4-7 pm:
 

• Craftsman Design and Restore Oregon – We’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight our own open house first! Our Preservation Programs Manager Katelyn Weber is co-hosting to meet anyone curious about learning more about historic preservation and our work throughout the state of Oregon. Craftsman Design and Renovation is a design-build firm with a rich history of remodeling older homes in the Portland area while keeping the integrity, craftsmanship, style, and character of these homes.  Restore. Remodel. Revive.  AND, there will be a fun raffle for people who show up — prizes include two tickets to the Mid-Century Modern Home Tour and a free home consultation from Craftsman Design and Renovation!  WHERE: 837 SE 27th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214

• The Architectural Heritage Center is teaming up with the Citywide Portland Main Street Design Initiative to host the Sustaining Main St + Cultural Identity Panel. This panel has with City historic resource staff, community leaders, urban designers and preservationists will describe the key forces that shaped our Main Streets along with the current opportunities and challenges involved in preserving, adapting and translating the timeless design patterns of the past into a main street fabric for the future. WHERE: Architectural Heritage Center, 701 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

• 1909 Cottage-Style Bungalow in Sellwood– With a series of remodeling projects over ten years, Arciform owner and principal designer Anne De Wolf worked with homeowner, Kerri Hoyt-Pack, to create a unique, personalized vision of her home, which included designing a room around a painting done by Kerri’s father. Come see this inspiring design and learn how ARCIFORM works closely with their clients, drawing from the stories of their homes to create spaces as unique as they are.  (Arciform is also the Presenting Sponsor of Restore Oregon’s Mid-Century Modern Design Series and Anne will be a featured speaker/panelist at the Retro Rehab event) WHERE: 1541 SE Lexington Street, Portland, Oregon 97202

 
Next up — N/NE Quadrant on Wednesday, April 10th, all FREE and open to the public from 4-7 pm:

• Cabinets & Cabernet — hosted by Versatile Wood Products — This open house will celebrate custom wood design and its far-reaching effects on matters of cultural and social relevance, including community development, education systems, and the economy. Cabinets & Cabernet will be focusing on custom cabinetry as guests can browse through the new Versatile catalog while enjoying live music, raffle prizes, shop tours and a short presentation.  WHERE: 2303 N Randolph Ave, Portland, Oregon 97227

• Revive Upholstery and Design – If furniture is more of your design passion, then head on over to Revive Design. They are opening their doors for all to see new prototypes to you and yours. Leland Duck will share the ins and outs of the scarce trade. While you have a seat in the many different forms of high design, share wine, whilst Stewart Horner of Penny Black interiors shares his experience in the bond of upholstery and style. WHERE: 2030 N Willis Blvd, Portland, OR 97217

• Salvage Works – Staying in the Kenton Neighborhood, head one block north to Salvage Works to have a beer and talk to these artisans about working with reclaimed wood, the history behind this beautiful material and how it can be incorporated into your home or business.  Make time to take your picture across the street with Paul Bunyan – one of Restore Oregon’s 2018 Demuro Award Winners and an awesome display of community preservation in action!  WHERE: 2024 N Argyle St, Portland, OR 97217

 
Next is the SW Quadrant on Tuesday, April 9th, all FREE and open to the public from 4-7 pm:

• Join Waterleaf Architecture for an open house event exploring the concept of reuse from the component scale to full building adaptive reuse. Take a walk through our warp tunnel installation (Fast Forward) from the Winter Light Festival and then brainstorm ways for re-using installation components, learn about the adaptive reuse process for our own office and get crafty by making useful objects out of “office scrap”. Snacks, drinks and good conversation provided as well!  WHERE: 419 SW 11th Ave, Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97205

• FFA Architecture and Interiors, Inc. (FFA) will be hosting their first Design Week Portland open house where you will learn more about the types of architecture they love and their process for understanding the environmental nuances that bring exciting projects to life.  Enjoying a drink along with a pizza slice from the mastermind behind Gracie’s Apizza, who’ll be here baking delicious pies, made with fresh, local ingredients. WHERE: 520 SW Yamhill, Suite #900, Portland, OR 97204

Finally, or first up on the calendar week, is the NW Quadrant on Monday, April 8th, all FREE and open to the public from 4-7 pm:

• Chown Hardware’s open house as they will serve donuts from the Pip’s Mobile, along with fresh hot coffee and nitro cold brew coffee from World Cup, fun interactive events including pottery and painting with Mimosa Studios, and a live CEU presentation from Rocky Mountain Hardware for trade designer and architect credits.  Immediately following our open house, we will be hosting the GRAY “Hot New Next” after party with live karaoke and a full bar. WHERE: 1605 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209

Portland Design Week also has a series of paid events and here’s a few highlights to consider in this intense week of exploring the city and its endless creativity:

• Walking Tour: Portland Bridges – survey the design, construction, and history of the bridges of “Bridge City”. Learn what historical forces led to the construction of the bridges, why they were built the way they are and where they are. Consider how our bridges have shaped Portland’s growth and continue to impact our urban environment.  COST:  $30 WHEN: Sun, April 7 from 10-12 pm or April 12 from 2-4 pm WHERE:  Meet at Waterfront Park, Salmon St. Fountain.

• Whole House Remodel Workshop – Approaching a project holistically is the most fun and least stressful way to what is, by nature, a challenging undertaking. In this workshop we’ll show you how to put your whole house remodel plan into action with detailed information on our 5 phases to success: consulting, developing, documenting, building and sustaining.  We break down the complex process of home remodeling in a fun and inspiring way so you can get motivated to start your project! Hosted by Arciform COST:  $10 WHEN:  Tues, April 9 from 5:30-8 pm   WHERE:  Architectural Heritage Center, 701 SE Grand, Portland, OR 97214

• She Built This City: The Women of PDX Design & Architecture.  Join Chown Hardware for an inspiring afternoon with a panel of influential women in design sharing their wisdom, strength, and experiences from three decades of Portland design. Immediately following the forum, Chown will be hosting the GRAY “Hot New Next” after party with live karaoke and a full bar. COST: Free WHEN: Thursday April 11th 2-5 pm WHERE: 1605 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209

• Leveraging the past: Transformation of the former Freeman Factory – Join the team behind Redfox Commons for a design presentation, discussion, and building tour of this soon to be complete adaptive reuse project in Northwest Portland. The site has a notable past as a gateway to the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition and was later part of a significant industrial sanctuary. The project transforms the former Freeman Factory buildings into an open and flexible development geared towards creative tenants. The team will discuss the design and construction process which took the historic buildings down to their original heavy timber framing, rebuilding them to create one cohesive campus. More than 400’ in length and with interior column-free spans of 100’, this project creates an architectural experience that is unique within urban Portland. The two historic buildings are joined with a wood and glass entry pavilion made from timber salvaged directly from the historic buildings. COST:  Free WHEN:  Thursday, April 11  6-8 pm WHERE:  2638 NW Wilson Street, Portland 97210

• Can’t wait until May for Restore Oregon’s much anticipated Mid-Century Modern Design Series on May 10 & 11? Whet your appetite with “Walking Tour: Mid-Century Modern and Minimalism in Portland” – until the middle of the twentieth century Portland architecture was firmly within the mainstream of American design. That changed with the emergence of Pietro Belluschi, John Yeon, and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill as Portland leapt to the forefront of international architectural design. This walk will survey this important and underappreciated aspect of our city.  Hosted by John Doyle. This event is part of the Design, Urban Growth, and History Walking Tours series. COST: $30 WHEN: Friday April 12th 11am-1 pm WHERE: Meeting Point: NE corner of SW 3rd and Oak

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