Oregon Main Streets are Creating Jobs, CCC is Offering Preservation Classes, and a Steiner Cabin will be Auctioned

[Brandon Spencer-Hartle]

Last Saturday, February 11th, the HPLO Board of Directors voted to add two new professionals to its ranks: Liz Carter and Hal Ayotte. Liz and Hal join twelve other dedicated preservationists from around Oregon in providing the leadership and coordination needed for HPLO staff, volunteers, and supporters to save places that matter. Make sure to welcome Liz and Hal to the board when you see them.

So what else is going on in preservation you ask? Here's the statewide roundup:

Astoria. Clatsop Community College's spring preservation class schedule is up (classes are open to the public).

Cottage Grove. A 1902 house has been listed as a local landmark. PDF of the article here.

Crane. A very interesting prehistoric site may be designated in the National Register for its archaeological value.

Eugene. A recent lecture on Oregon preservationist and architectural history scholar Marion Dean Ross is available for view online. 

Jacksonville. A revised survey of the National Historic Landmark district has led to some interesting findings. And, registration for the HPLO's March 16th Preservation Roundtable is starting to fill up so make sure to RSVP soon. 

Lake Oswego. A new book on the town's history is expected to hit stands next month. 

Main Street. The Oregon Main Street Program has just released their 2011 Annual Report and guess what? In 2011, Oregon's six "Performing Main Street" communities gained 297 net new jobs, saw 163 private sector rehab projects, and saw investment of $5.9 million in private dollars. Read the report here.

McKee Bridge. Jackson County is seeking funds to rehab the fourth-oldest covered bridge surviving in Oregon. 

McMinnville. As we mentioned last week, the Buchanan Cellers have been listed in the National Register and now a rehabilitation plan is moving forward. 

Medford. A skybridge connecting to a National Register-listed property was a recent subject of debate. The proposal was denied unanimously.  

Monmouth. A new survey of historic resources indicates that the midcentury Gentle Woods Park neighborhood may be eligible for historic district designation, part of East Main Street may be listed as a local historic district, and three walking tours are in publication. Read about all of it here.   

Nationally. Have you signed the rehabilitation tax credit pledge? 

Pendleton. The Pendleton Development Commission unanimously rejected a proposal to demolish the Rivoli Theater (you may remember that the HPLO provided written testimony on this issue last month). 

Portland. A proposed block-long infill project is coming under fire (a good example of why we're asking, "Will there be a there there?" on March 11th), the preservation community is coming together to support revisions to design review fees and processes for rehabilitation projects, Dad's Tavern in St. Johns may once again serve as a hotel after an expected rehab, and remember to head over to AHC for Tuesday's commission candidate debate (HPLO is hosting a mayoral debate on March 21). 

Statewide. Last week was, of course, Oregon's birthday week and the Statesman Journal has something to say about it. Also, the Roehr House, Marshfield I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Hardman I.O.O.F. Hall, Broadway Bridge, Burnside Bridge, Hawthorne Bridge, and Morrison Bridge have been recommended for listing in the National Register. 

Zigzag. A 1932 Steiner log cabin is going to auction (we hear this one could use some extra love). 

That's it for this week's Friday Preservation Roundup. Please keep sending us your preservation news, events, updates, and photographs from around the state so we can try our best to cover it all every Friday. Next week we'll be in Salem for Cultural Advocacy Day and are looking forward to reminding legislators of all the good rehabilitation work being accomplished across Oregon in recent months. We'll let you know how it goes! 

Thanks Building Oregon for the photos of preservation projects from the 1960s, '70s, and 80s.