Friday Preservation Roundup: December 2, 2011

[Brandon Spencer-Hartle]

It's been a busy few days for us at HPLO Headquarters as we make last-minute site visits in the Willamette Valley, meet with University of Oregon students finishing their fall term classes, and kick-off our year-end campaign to save endangered places in 2012. If you haven't seen our homepage in awhile, now is the time to check it out! 

Without further ado, here's a bunch of what's been going on in preservation across Oregon lately:

Cascadia.The town's century-old school and post office suffered a major fire. 

Coos Bay. The city is looking for a grant writer to help move the Egyptian Theater fundraising effort along. Don't forget, HPLO is offering a grant to the Egyptian mix as well.

Eugene. The Register-Guard talks about the historic—and quirky—Whiteaker neighborhood; And a new book on 'Oregon Archaeology' has been released. 

Hillsboro. A future has been determined for the historic McDonald House.

HPLO-land. The Traditional Building blog writes a generous review of the HPLO's report on Compatible Infill Design. 

Jacksonville. The Daily Tidings takes a stroll through the city's historic cemetery. 

Klamath Falls. A historic stone building has been shuttered for the time being due to code compliance issues. We hope it reopens soon. 

Oregon City. Things are moving along with the Ermatinger House now that an RFP for architectural plans and engineering specifications has been issued; And work continues on the city's 1923 arch bridge. 

Philomath. A group of University of Oregon historic preservation students are finishing drawings of the Watson Price Barn for their fall Field Notes course. We are so glad to have partnered with the faculty at the UO to help document and prepare recommendations for stabilizing the barn (so glad, in fact, that we snapped this picture of the students and their work!). 

Portland. Everybody seems to be talking about the Portland Building... and its listing in the National Register; Our friends at Indow Windows are expanding; An older theater in SE may have a new lease on life; Portland Architecture is talking design review fees (with a healthy comment from our friend Jeff); Part of downtown is being renamed; An innovative project is breaking ground in Old Town; DJC reviews an older adaptive reuse project in John's Landing; The Waverly Children’s Home is coming down for the (I think) ironically-named "Waverly Commons" housing project; Don Nelson's new book on St. Johns debuts tomorrow; More drama surrounding the rehab of Centennial Mills; And, the Custom House is officially on the auction block again.

Salem. Only a couple days left to apply for the 2 (count 'em, two) open SHPO positions. With a salary range from $3,727 to $5,442 a month and a GREAT group of fellow employees, I have a feeling that there will be a good group of applicants.

Silverton. The remnants of an early flour mill have crumbled into Silver Creek. 

Union. The historic Union Hotel is up for auction. 

Weston. A day in the life of a historic cemetery sexton. 

That's all for this week's preservation roundup. Sounds like the sun will be out this weekend across much of the state, making for a perfect opportunity to seek out some historic barns, catch an end-of-the-season farmers market, or take a shopping excursion to one of Oregon's designated Main Street communities. But, amid all the crisp winter fun, don't forget to spend a little time checking out the HPLO's revamped website and seeing what all we've done over the past year. And, as usual, thanks to Building Oregon for the great photos. This week's photo theme: "pick 'em out of a hat."