Restore Oregon, with support from the Oregon Cultural Trust and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announces the release of Oregon’s Intangible Heritage: Supporting the Preservation of Legacy Businesses–a vital part of Restore Oregon’s commitment to pursuing new and diverse historic preservation programming for Oregonians statewide. The report lays the groundwork for more inclusive and responsive preservation practices in support of our state’s diverse stewards of cultural resources by outlining a program initiative for historic businesses in Oregon. 

Historic small businesses continue to be lost at an alarming rate around the country and an immediate response is crucial to reduce the loss of places that serve as cornerstones of many communities. The current landscape for historic preservation emphasizes the built environment, with a  particular focus on architectural heritage. While these efforts have seen success in architectural preservation, they are not geared toward historically significant businesses—especially excluding those that do not occupy historic buildings. 

Our study takes a deeper look at the needs of legacy businesses, with additional focus on those that are BIPOC (Black/Indigenous/People of Color)—owned, and what a more concerted effort to preserve them might look like. Oregon’s legacy business base is significant with approximately 30,000 active registrations for businesses older than 20 years, 27% of which are BIPOC-owned. Through in-depth research and outreach, Oregon’s Intangible Heritage offers a clear analysis of current legacy business assistance programs, a summary of our data and outreach, and recommendations for establishing a statewide legacy business program with special emphasis on supporting those owned by the BIPOC community.

Recommendations include establishing a statewide Legacy Business Resource Center with regional offices and a two-pronged approach for services and grants tailored for business owners who rent their place of business and those who own.

Read the Full Report

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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.

Clara Peoples, founder of Portland's Juneteenth celebrations

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Oregon placed its first LGBTQ site on the National Register of Historic Places in November of 2020. Darcelle XV, a well-established Portland drag venue, has been owned and operated by nonagenarian Walter Cole since 1967. Darcelle XV Showplace is one of only two known drag clubs opened prior to 1970 in the United States with an owner who also performed (and is still performing!) as part of the company, and the only one which is still in the same location today.

The post In Honor of Pride Month: A Look at Oregon’s First LGBTQ Site on the National Register appeared first on Restore Oregon.

By Carrie Richter

Restore Oregon’s Policy and Advocacy Committee is weighing in on and/or monitoring a number of bills that may impact historic preservation this session.  What many of these bills have in common is that they mandate one-size-fits-all zoning on communities without any understanding of the local circumstances – essentially depriving communities of the same notice, citizen involvement, and direct political accountability that would be the case if these proposals were considered at the local level. 

HB 2558 – OPPOSE – This bill requires local governments to allow development of multifamily buildings of at least 3 floors, or that achieves a density of 45 units per acre, through a building height up to five floors, in areas located within 1/8th of a mile of a “fixed guideway corridor” transportation system which includes light rail and dedicated lane bus service (and perhaps areas with frequent service bus routes).  

As currently drafted, this bill does not include any exceptions for historic areas, including historic districts or individually designated landmarks within this 1/8th mile radius.  The effect will be a tremendous pressure for demolition of designated historic resources and the potential for incompatible new development within historic districts.  It will impact historic districts and resources in Portland, Hillsboro, Springfield, Eugene, Albany and likely other communities.  As drafted, the bill does exclude areas subject to natural hazards and scenic vistas but does not include any consideration of historic or cultural protections.  

SB 108 – SUPPORT, with modifications – The authorization for historic properties to enroll in Special Assessment is set to expire at the end of 2021.  SB 108 sets forth a replacement program which is limited solely to commercial structures.  The current program includes residences.  The State Historic Preservation Office explanation for this change is that commercial properties are causing most of the reinvestment in Oregon’s communities and providing this benefit to residential homeowners is not furthering the threshold for inclusion and access across the state.  This bill allows qualified commercial owners to secure an automatic 10 year renewal so long as there is still work to be done, but the property will be reassessed between terms.  Currently, renewal requires a formal renewal application and review.  

Another significant change is that buildings must already be on the National Register in order to qualify, rather than secure a Historic designation within two years after enrollment.  As regrettable as it is to see this program exclude residences, this last element causes particular concern, as it is participation in Special Assessment that often paves the way for securing financing for these projects.   

HB 2488 and others – ENGAGE –  There are a number of climate change adaptation and mitigation bills making their way through the legislature this session.  Although none of them are directed at altering historic preservation directly, it is this continued lack of acknowledgment of the contribution that adaptive reuse makes to the fight against climate change that is the problem.  

HB 2283, SB 458, and HB 2565 – WATCH – These bills expand middle housing opportunities by allowing land divisions to create the same number of parcels as the number of units the zoning would allow, including middle housing authorizations.  In other words, if a fourplex is allowed by right in the zone, those four residential units could be located on a single lot or the land divided into four lots allowing for shared-wall townhomes to be built.  Thus, although these bills do not allow any additional density, they would effectively eliminate the minimum lot sizes where residential density is proposed.   Opponents have argued that the bill lacks sufficient direction with respect to setbacks, building permit and other life safety issues.  Although these bills are not directed at historic resources per se, they create an economic impetus that favors demolition and new construction over restoration and adaptive reuse. 

Legislation is typically amended as it moves through committees and hearings.  Look for updates in the months ahead.  The 2021 session is scheduled to end on June 28th.

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By Carrie Richter, chair

For nearly 45 years Restore Oregon has been committed to protecting the homes, buildings, and places that speak to communities, religious, social, business, and cultural groups throughout the state.   

With no corner of Oregon immune from the recent economic ravages resulting from the pandemic shutdown and the physical displacement caused by wildfires, there is a great deal of talk about how we build back – better, stronger and more resilient.  

Restore Oregon’s Policy & Advocacy Committee (PAC) seeks individuals committed to ensuring that heritage places are acknowledged for their substantial economic and social contributions.  Preservation drives the rebirth of rural Main Streets, employs highly skilled artisans and contractors, passes forward our diverse cultural heritage, shelters low and no income individuals in affordable housing, and measurably responds to the climate crises through adaptive reuse.  

In addition to offering a direct and meaningful response to the most critical challenges facing Oregon today, historic preservation resonates.  Every person from every socio-economic station, ethnicity or community knows of a community center, a corner store, a barn, theater, or park that speaks to them because of their association with it.   Grass-roots organizing around these places can unify people, bridging differences and overcoming the past year of isolation. 

In the past, historic preservation often focused on the legacy of the well-to-do European Americans.  But the Oregon Story is so much more than that.  For every John McLaughlin House or Jackson County Courthouse, there is an equally important Billy Webb Elks Lodge or Kam Wah Chung that embodies the dreams, hardships, flaws, nobility, persecutions, and accomplishments of the diverse cultures who have shaped this place. 

All are essential to telling a complete and equitable Oregon Story and to building back after these most trying of times.

If you’re passionate about preservation and want to help Oregonians protect and revive the places that matter most to them, consider joining our statewide network of advocates as a member of the Policy & Advocacy Committee.  PAC members help develop and support Restore Oregon’s legislative agenda and are willing to: 

• Reach out to, call or email local leaders and state legislators.
• Deliver testimony (written or oral) supporting or opposing policies related to preservation objectives.
• Alert RO to local preservation issues that warrant our attention.
• Identify potential endangered places, and share successful local preservation stories.
• Share RO news on social media
• Attend monthly PAC meetings via Zoom. 

The last twenty years has made it clear that a complete and equitable set of Oregon stories requires the dedication of committed government officials and individuals taking action.  We urge you to join us in creating a re-energized and strengthened Oregon Story through historic preservation.

Should you have any questions or want to volunteer for the Policy & Advocacy Committee, please reach out to info@RestoreOregon.org.

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We need your bio! Please give us some history on your education, work background, affiliations, and involvement with Restore Oregon and/or historic preservation in Oregon:
Kimberly Stowers Moreland, MBA, MURP, is currently owner of Moreland Resource Consulting, LLC. She has over 25 years of public sector community development and urban planning experience. She was employed as an urban planner for the City of Portland, OR, City of Tacoma, WA and City of Salem, OR and worked as a project manager for Prosper Portland. She is the author of Arcadia Publishing, Images of America: African Americans of Portland.
She has dedicated much of her time to volunteer service with cultural and heritage nonprofit organizations.  and has been a two-time Diversity Scholar for the National Trust. She also serves as a governor-appointed member of the Oregon Heritage Commission and on the Board of Directors for Oregon Black Pioneers (OBP) and the Bosco-Milligan: Architectural Heritage Center. 
 
R.O.Why should Oregonians be advocates for historic preservation?
K.M. Oregonians should advocate for historic preservation because it is a powerful and impactful way of bringing awareness to the social, cultural, and building history of Oregon. Experiencing a historical place invokes a unique, personal encounter with the space and time. Preserving historical places brings honors to and connects us to special events, people and places that have transformed our state.  
 
R.O.Why does preserving the historic fabric of a community matter?
K.M. Preserving the historic fabric of a community matters because it allows us to experience social, cultural, natural and historic heritage. Urban renewal, demolition and deferred maintenance of historic buildings have severely damaged the historic fabric of many urban communities in Oregon. We have lost our connection to the cultural heritage and history of ethnic communities which has left gaps in understanding the context of where we have been.  
 
R.O.What is the future of the historic preservation movement, in general and/or specifically in Oregon?
K.M. Historic Preservation works best when everyone has access to the process, and everyone’s truth and story is valued, shared, and preserved. This will elevate the need to reexamine, and perhaps dismantle for some, the process for nominating historic landmarks. I am encouraged by the effort to streamline the historic places nomination process, the engagement of new stakeholders, and the examination of the inequity of rating architectural heritage significance as a primary threshold for nominating historic buildings. I think the movement in general is in an uncomfortable place, but the recent approval of the Multiple Property Documentation (MPD) for African American resources in Portland is a step in the right direction. Moreover, approval of the MPD will serve as a precedent for other communities and the upcoming Oregon statewide African American MPD, which will lead to the inclusion of other underrepresented groups in Oregon’s historic preservation efforts.  
 
R.O.How do you think historic preservation can be part of solving major issues we’re dealing with today like equity, climate change, affordability, and sustainability?
K.M. Historic preservation must embrace more innovative ways to tackle these important issues, including social justice. Historic preservation can be a major connector in fulfilling each of these major issues. For instance, as an opposition to new developments, the adaptive reuse of historic buildings utilizes less energy and reduces the carbon footprint. Rehabilitation of historic buildings can provide spaces for affordable housing and/or subsidized commercial tenanting. Equity can be accomplished by establishing historic or conservation districts illuminating existing and former African American communities in Portland that have experienced aggressive gentrification and displacement. 
  
R.O. Restore Oregon is working to bring preservation and its tools to more places and people of Oregon so that it can be used to preserve the cultural heritage of all Oregonians–not just the buildings. Do you have any thoughts on that?
K.M. Your efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of all Oregonians is particularly important. Traditional methods will not solve these complex issues. Collaborative and strong coalitions of new, diverse, interdisciplinary stakeholders is a must. The new players can bring forth innovations and/or use historic preservation tools in ways that have not been considered in the past. As an example, although MPDs focus on preserving historic buildings, the information presented in MPDs can be used to develop a heritage marker and oral history programs, tours of historic sites and historic districts, public art, pop-up exhibits, and photo exhibits.  
These are all good things to do, but there is no substitute for preserving the actual spaces and the value of “being there.” 
 
R.O. Any other thoughts? Words to live by?
K.M. Oregon history is an incredibly unique American story and if we truly embraced the full Oregon story, historic preservation could educate Oregonians and bring affirmation to ethnic communities whose presence and contributions have not been represented in previous historic preservation efforts.

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In the fall of 2020, Restore Oregon hired locally-owned Albina Construction, LLC to weatherize and protect the Mayo House from damage. Paid for through a Most Endangered Places seed grant made possible by the Kinsman Foundation, the cottage now has new downspouts, and clean gutters, and has been cleared of moss on the roof and treated with EPA-approved moss killer. Albina Construction also covered basement openings and trimmed back arborvitae on the property. Now prepared to withstand another rainy Portland winter, the building is one step closer to housing the Davises’ ARTchive vision.
Restore Oregon thanks Albina Construction, LLC, who graciously provided materials at-cost, and deeply discounted their labor in order to provide this much-needed service to their Albina-community neighbor.

“Preserving the Mayo House as a family home to create generational wealth for a longtime Black Portland family is exactly in line with Albina Construction’s mission as an affordable housing builder and remodeler, especially for our Eliot neighborhood community in NE Portland. It was our pleasure to be in a position to assist the Davis family.”
-Albina Construction, LLC

The Mayo House is a Queen Anne Cottage with a complex history. Built in 1895 by Austrian immigrant, Martin Mayo, the gingerbread-trimmed cottage originally sat on the northwest corner of Union Avenue (now Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) at NE Sacramento Street in Portland.
In 1912, after Mayo commissioned an apartment building for this site (still standing as the Union Manor Building), the house was moved onto Sacramento. When Union Avenue was widened in 1930, the cottage was moved again. It sat at 206 NE Sacramento until 2019 when it was rescued from developers. The Mayo House’s current location at 236 NE Sacramento — very near its original lot — is part of a much larger story of recognition and atonement for Portland’s decades-long campaign to seize Black-owned homes under the guise of “urban renewal.”
After appealing to the Portland City Council to waive $40,000 in fees required to move the house, Eliot neighborhood residents Cleo Davis and Kayin Talton Davis saved the house from demolition. For the Davises, City approval holds significance beyond saving a historic home from the wrecking ball. It also signifies a step towards recompense for decades of racist City of Portland policies that directly and negatively impacted generations of the Davis family.
To ward against supposed “blight,” the City actively targeted black homeowners with fines, fees, and intimidation from the 1940s through the 1990s. Cleo Davis’ grandmother was one such owner who, in the 1980s, was forced to relinquish ownership of her boarding house and watch it be demolished. Today the Mayo House sits on a new foundation on the boarding house property, and represents atonement for a grave injustice.
In partnership with the City of Portland Archives and Portland State University, the Davises are working to convert a family property that was once wrongfully targeted by the City of Portland for condemnation into an archive for the Black diaspora in Portland. They envision the Mayo House as embodying a multipurpose future through the creation of an “ARTchives”– a hub for African American arts, history, and culture. The ARTchives concept builds on years of Cleo Davis’ public art projects, including the highly acclaimed Historic Black Williams Project, a collaboration with wife Kayin Talton Davis that details the history of Williams Ave.
“It will be an extraction and extension of the narrative story and artwork of the oppressed, exploited, and innovative history of Blacks in Portland,” says Davis.
Restore Oregon thanks Albina Construction, LLC, who graciously provided materials at-cost, and deeply discounted their labor in order to provide this much-needed service to their Albina-community neighbor.

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