Roundup: Crystal's Centennial, Proof (again) that Preservation is Green, and OHS jobs

[Brandon Spencer-Hartle]

This week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Seattle-based Green Lab released a new report titled, "The Greenest Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Reuse." The 94-page report digs into a host of misconceptions about the value of existing buildings. The report demonstrates that, "It can take between 10 to 80 years for a new energy efficient building to overcome, through efficient operations, the climate change impacts created by its construction." Maybe it's no surprise to long-time preservationists that The Atlantic has decided, "Reusing an old building pretty much always has less of an impact on the environment."

So, what's going on with Oregon's existing buildings and places this week? Here's a run-down: 

Ashland. The San Francisco Chronicle thinks the 1910 First National Bank building is a gem of adaptive reuse. 

Cave Junction.The Oregon Caves historic district has been expanded to include four historic trails (with names like Lake Mountain Trail, Big Tree Trail, Cliff Nature Trail, and No Name Trail, who wouldn't want to see these CCC-era trails documented and protected for the future?) 

Coos Bay. More headway on the Egyptian Theatre, thanks to an HPLO Advisor and the community. 


Cottage Grove. First, can I just say how much I love all of the good things going on in the 'Grove lately? First, it's major advocacy for Dr. Pierce's Barn, second it's bringing the Chambers Bridge back to life, third there's a campaign to strengthen the preservation ordinance, and now...Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway! 

Eugene. Plans are still underway to move the Lane County Museum into the historic Post Office. 

Jobstown. Oregon Historical Society is hiring six new people. 

Portland. McMenamins' Crystal Hotel is turning 100 (meaning, in addition to Rubys, Saturday and Sunday history events and tours!), catch an educational program at AHC tomorrow, the Alphabet Historic District may soon lose an c.1890 "non-contributing" house (HPLO Director Peggy asks if the plan conforms to the HPLO's infill principles), the replica IRVINGTON sign is back in business, and more century-old streetcar tracks are being removed (this time they're in the Pearl).

Tangent. Offbeat Oregon History takes a look at Kitty Kat and the Big Red Barn (story of the week if you ask me)

Weston-ish. The very historic Bar M Ranch has been acquired by a new owner. 


That's it for this week's Friday Preservation Roundup. Thanks to VintagePortland for the great photos this time. Check back next week for the HPLO's call for nominations to 2012's Most Endangered Places list and a bunch of reasons why you'll want to attend the February 9th Reuse of Historic Schools program in Portland. Until then, have a good weekend, all.