I confess to recent abdication of blogging duties to Brandon Spencer-Hartle, the HPLO's intrepid Field Programs Manager.  But having returned recently from the National Trust Conference in Buffalo, I just had to share some photos and impressions of an experience that was both educational and enriching for Historic Architecture Geeks like me.

Buffalo is the epitome of a "rust belt" city.  Massive amounts of dis-investment and hard times are evident.  But also evident is a…

Its been most gratifying to see the enthusiastic response to our announcement of Oregon's Most Endangered Places.  At least a dozen print and broadcast stories have generated many conversations and calls for action as people focus on these significant cultural and economic assets.  Already there are fresh ideas starting to percolate up that may contribute to preserving our MEPs. 

And the benefits extend to other historic resources in need of support.  Lisa Christopher, Executive…

A pending bill in the Oregon House (Bill 3516) would essentially provide blanket approval of the installation of solar panels on any commercial or residential building, regardless of historic designation or preservation ordinances.  While we can appreciate the intent of the bill to streamline red tape and lower costs around adding solar panels, this has the potential to significantly diminish the historic character of neighborhoods across the state.

HPLO will be submitting testimony…

Thought I'd share a preview of the goals the HPLO is setting for 2011.  We'll post a more detailed list on the main website in the next week or so.

• Provide effective support of local issues with the guidance of our Regional Advisors.
• Build legislative awareness that preservation/rehabilitation = JOBS. 
• Convene a Preservation Roundtable to implement recommendations from our 2010 Special Report.
• Identify and help Oregon's Most Endangered…

One of the best things about the holidays is the opportunity to take stock of one's blessings. Despite what the media blasts at us 24/7 about the dismal state of affairs, the list of good stuff in our lives is a long one. I'm often struck by the bounty represented by historic resources - the richness of craftsmanship, authenticity, materials, and the STORIES they tell.…

I heard many thought-provoking talks at the National Trust conference in Austin last week. The conference theme was "The Next American City - Next American Landscape," reflecting the sense that preservation is really more about Place, than just architecture.

One speaker who stuck in my mind was Ken Gladish, President of the Austin Community Foundation. His topic was "The Next American Preservationist," and I thought it worthwhile to share a few of his…

We got a call last week from a real dynamo neighorhood activitist who is determined to protect her Mid-Century Modern community and its quality of life. Darla Castangna gave me quite an education on the Oak Hills Neighborhood in Beaverton. Its one of the first/best planned communities of the 1960s but I must confess to having no knowledge of it prior to our conversation. Over 600 homes were laid to out around a green open area with rec center, school, and church to create a connected,…

We've had quite the flurry of activity around the HPLO this month: getting the Special Report on Healthy Historic Districts to press, heading off on our first Preservation Field Trip to Pendleton and Baker City, editing the fall Field Notes newsletter, and preparing for our Members Forum and program.

And lest we get complacent, October brings the Oregon Main Street conference, State Historic Preservation Advisory Council meeting, and National Trust conference! The good news is…

This Community site and many other activities of the HPLO reflect our goal serve as a "hub" for preservation in Oregon and to help connect the dots for the many ways that preservation benefits us culturally, environmentally, and economically.

Currently, we're talking with the Oregon Main Street program to see how the HPLO can strategically align our efforts with theirs, providing field services to help Main Street communities realize their revitalization. (Stay tuned for more…

Do you, like me, find yourself spotting cool architectural flourishes wherever you go? On vacation last week with my kids at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California, we wandered into the arcade. Deco on the outside, sort of Victorian in the inside, it was built in the 20s but is packed with all the latest whirling, flashing games. I happened to glance down at the floor and there was an amazing historic tile design...

then up at the ceiling with…

A great many very good ideas were generated in the recent Preservation Roundtable on "Healthy Historic Districts" hosted by the HPLO. One underlying principle was that both rehabilitation and new construction should tell the story of the district. Such a simple but profound idea!

Tell the story of the district! That simple goal sets the table for quality design, for good public spaces, for innovative infill, for a cohesive sense of Place. And it lifts our view from…

Articles in the latest issue of the National Trust’s Forum Journal centered around a theme of the changing landscape of preservation and several authors drew the conclusion that we may need to change our brand from “historic preservation” to “heritage conservation.” I’m inclined to agree.…

As far back as I can recall, I've been drawn to old houses, buildings, neighborhoods, bridges, you name it. They have so much SUBSTANCE and character! Both in their design, their story, and the fact that real people made them with their own hands, sweat, inspiration. They identify a Real Place in a way no strip mall or cookie-cutter subdivision can.…