Roundup: Preservation 101, Honoring Marion Dean Ross, and Main Street Updates

[Brandon Spencer-Hartle]

This week we're going to keep the Friday Preservation Roundup brief, in part because there isn't much news to share but also because we've been spending a lot of time preparing for our spring programs. Thanks to the many of you who contributed, our year-end campaign to raise $12,000 was deemed a success earlier this week; meaning we can now get moving on the development and delivery of a host of advocacy and education programs geared towards saving endangered places. From all of us at the HPLO, thanks so much for the generosity.

So, you're probably asking, "what's new around the state this week?" Well, here is a sampling: 

Albany. Many may remember an arson spree in 2010 that torched several historic homes; the DJC has an update on what's happening with those properties today. Also, the cheese grater has been removed from a downtown commercial building.

Clark County (I know, I know, Washington isn't Oregon...) The Columbian takes a look at Washington's Heritage Barn program. If you're interested in this sort of stuff, the HPLO has formed a barns committee and it would love a few more members.

Coos Bay. George blogs about the Egyptian (one of Oregon's Most Endangered Places and a recipient of a $2500 HPLO grant that was awarded last week) and the Main Street program is off to a great start.

Eugene. The name Marion Dean Ross (1913-1991) may ring a bell to a few regular readers of the Friday Preservation Roundup. Ross' research and photos are imprinted into the record of Oregon architectural history--heck, almost all of the fantastic 1950s and '60s color photos used in this blog series are his work. Ed Teague, head A&AA librarian at the UO, has just launched a display and online exhibit on Ross, and professor Leland Roth will be giving a lecture on the man and his work on January 25th. 

Main Street. The state's Main Street Program has a new tier for communities to become involved in the popular revitalization program. Check out the updated list of participant communities.  

Portland. The O's Editorial Board calls for "avoiding all the bones," early 1900s trolley tracks are being removed from W Burnside, that late Art Deco building on Sandy is for lease, and Tanya talks about the Kingston Hotel. Finally, if you're in need of an introduction or refresher on the principles of preservation, make sure to come to our Preservation 101 program at Central Library next Sunday, January 22nd (it's free and open to all).

Roseburg. The windows of the 1917 Soldiers' Home Hospital are being carefully repaired. 

Weston. A couple deserving buildings have found homes in the National Register of Historic Places. 

That's it for this week's blog post. Have a great weekend and, unless it's the typical Willamette Valley media bluff, enjoy the snow on Sunday. And, thanks Building Oregon and Marion Dean Ross for the photos of buildings I wish were still around today.