A two-story apartment building in Portland’s oldest neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places may soon gain an adjacent building with 12 units. The Marcus Apartments, at 1810 N.E. 11th Ave., is nearly 50 years old, but a non-contributing structure to the historic district.

Brett Laurila, a principal at Milwaukie-based bkl|a architecture, on Dec. 24 applied to the city for a Type III historic resource review. Submitted plans call for building a three-story, 12-unit structure where a parking lot exists currently. Ten non-conforming vehicle parking spaces would be eliminated.

“The lot doesn’t meet current parking standards because you essentially have to back into the street to exit,” Laurila said. “We’ve been working on this for about a year and have been through a lot of iterations, but the owner is very happy and the neighborhood is mostly happy.”

Plans call for new construction to resemble the craftsman-style homes in the area. Each of the 12 new units would have one bedroom; the four top-floor apartments would also feature loft sleeping areas.

Laurila said the design includes as many craftsman-like features as possible without making the cost of construction excessive.

“Brett (Laurila) came to two of our (neighborhood association) meetings, got input and made some significant design changes that brought the project much more in line with the historic characteristics of the block and the neighborhood as a whole,” said Dean Gisvold, spokesman for the Irvington Community Association. “We’re not happy with the loss of the parking because parking there now is at a premium, if it’s available at all, during the day and the evening. This will exacerbate that situation, but it could be a lot worse.”

Gisvold said neighborhood residents plan to support development.

The post More apartments in the works in Irvington appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

As Raul Cruanas remodeled one of his properties, he discovered something unexpected in the walls – old license plates. And they weren’t just slightly old – one of them was from 1932.

This isn’t the first time Cruanas has found license plates embedded in walls; while remodeling another property, he found license plates dating back to the ’60s.

“I guess that’s what the people in those days used more or less like a time capsule,” Cruanas said. “Unless they robbed a bank with those plates and hid them there. That’s the only other reason I can think of.”

Cruanas’ property, at 1702 N.E. 27th Ave., is a Mediterranean-style fourplex built in 1927. Cruanas is planning to retire, so he is selling the 3,920-square-foot property at an asking price of $699,000. But he’s doing some remodeling first.

Cruanas immigrated to the U.S. from Havana in 1961. He lived in Miami, but he later moved to Los Angeles, where he ran a supermarket, and then to the Portland area, where he joined his brother to take over his uncle’s business, Becerras International Grocery. Eventually, four new locations opened.

But now Cruanas is selling his businesses, along with the properties he has accumulated over the years, including the one on Northeast 27th Avenue. He bought the property 10 years ago and paid more than what it was worth, he said, because for a while in the 1980s, he renovated historic mansions on Miami Beach, and the building reminded him of one of those.

“I bought that property with my heart and not with my head,” he said.

The building is in Portland’s Irvington neighborhood, and the units have hardwood floors, arched doorways, fireplaces and dishwashers. Each unit also has a basement. All of the units are occupied and the building has a net operating income of $34,251.

Cruanas, 64 and single, is planning to move to Mexico and then travel throughout South America. But first he has to do one thing: plant license plates in his building’s walls.

“This way, 10, 20, 30 years from now somebody will be doing the same thing we’re doing now –wondering why somebody would do this,” he said.

For details on purchasing this property, contact Cruanas at 503-307-7533 or cantina2@yahoo.com.

Block by Block is a weekly look at commercial real estate around Portland. Send suggestions for properties to BlockxBlock@djcOregon.com.

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It’s May, and along with spring showers comes National Historic Preservation Month.

While Portlanders don’t need another reason to celebrate their abundance of historic homes and commercial buildings, May offers the perfect setting to do so. Not only do the blooming flowers on the porches that dot the streets of East Portland bring out the beauty of the historic homes themselves, but there will be events to bring attention to them.

First off I’d recommend making a trip over to the – 701 S.W. Grand Ave. – for an exhibit of local artist . A majority of her artwork focuses on the historic buildings of her neighborhood, the Buckman neighborhood of Southeast Portland. The exhibit will run from May 6 to May 31.

With the hope of some nice weather, there are also a few day trips you could make to historic towns in Oregon and take in some of the preservation work, as well as shopping at the many stores that offer products to help your own preservation work.

Astoria would be my first trip. It’s beautiful this time of year and the Victorian homes are unmatched in the state. I would also recommend making a trip to some of the more rural areas around Astoria (Lewis & Clark) and check out some of the great historic farmhouses. While you are there, grab a beer from , some fish and chips from the and go pick up some historic hardware from in the old Astor Hotel Building.

Next, make a trip down to Newberg. After taking in the historic farmhouses, make your way over to any of the is known for. Head over to Dayton for dinner at , which is in a historic home. If you get a nice day, nothing beats the valley.

I would also recommend taking an afternoon to explore East Portland by bike. I can’t name just one neighborhood to check out, but Portland is small enough that you can make it through most of inner east Portland on a sunny afternoon. If I had to pick one neighborhood I would pick Irvington in Northeast (). Bring some food and enjoy a picnic. Or stop by a place like on Hawthorne Boulevard, which is in a historic Victorian home, or , also in a historic home, on North Interstate Avenue.

If you’re not into my recommendations, the state Historic Preservation Office has put together a little roundup of events around the state that could be interesting to historic preservation buffs:

The City of Ashland, Oregon will hold several events for Preservation Month during the week of May 9-15 that will include a preservation awards ceremony, walking tours and open houses.

The event brochure and historic open houses guide will be posted on the City’s website, by May 3, 2010. Or you may pick one up at City Hall or the Ashland Community Development Department at 51 Winburn Way. Please call us for any further information at (541) 488-5305.

“Old is the New Green” presented by Benton County, City of Corvallis Historic Resources Commissions & PreservationWORKS. There are quite a number of special tours and other events taking place the entire month of May so be sure to check out the website below. The Annual Preservation Awards is scheduled for May 25, and there will also be a Memorial Day ceremony   (10 a.m.) at the National Register-listed Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis. Call Chris Bentley (541) 766-6819 or Bob Richardson (541) 766-6908 for more information, or visit www.co.benton.or.us, or City of Corvallis: choose Planning> Historic Preservation.

“Healthy Historic Districts in a Changing World: Compatibility & Viability,” presented by the Historic Preservation League of Oregon is inviting planners, architects, property owners, developers, and preservationists from around the state to identify solutions to four key issues affecting the future of Oregon’s historic districts:  Vision & Planning; Design; Incentives; and Regulation. Friday, May 14, 2010, 9:00AM – 3:00PM, Albany City Hall – Council Chambers, 333 Broadalbin St. SW, Albany, Oregon  97321; Fee:  $20 – includes box lunch & walking tour. Space is limited!  Call Peggy Moretti at the HPLO before May 5^th at 503 243-1923 or email peggym@HistoricPreservationLeague.org www.HistoricPreservationLeague.org

The Springfield Historic Commission is kicking off a historic properties rehabilitation grant program and hosting a Wood Window Efficiency Workshop, Friday, May 21. For more information, contact Molly Markarian, Planner II 541-726-4611, .

Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House & East Skinner Butte Historic District Open House Tours, Eugene, Oregon. A free walking tour is planned that includes several historic homes that will be open for viewing and descriptions of significant homes. Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010 from Noon to 4:00 p.m., Pearl and East 4^th Avenue.  Contact Sherrill Necessary for the historic district, sherrill.n@comcast.net or Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House at 541-484-0808, director@smjhouse.org .

Wayne Morse Family Farm Open House, Eugene, Oregon. Join the Wayne Morse Historical Park Corporation during its annual open house at the Wayne Morse Family Farm (formerly Morse Ranch). Activities will include tours, information and exhibits, guided nature walks, carriage rides, refreshments and music. The event is free and open to the public, donations are welcome. Also included will be tours of the nearby Young-Pallet House, celebrating its 100th anniversary, Saturday, May 15th, 2010, 1-4pm, 595 Crest Drive, Eugene, OR 97405. For more information call (541) 682-5380 or visit .

Mulkey Cemetery Dedication and Work Days, Eugene, Oregon. The Mulkey Cemetery will be hosting cemetery workdays throughout the month of May. Come learn about how to maintain a pioneer cemetery and have some fun doing it. Attend a dedication cemetery at the new Cremated Remains Garden, on Monday, May 31, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.  Work Days will be May 1 & 2, 8, 15 & 16, 21 & 22 and throughout Memorial Day weekend.  How to Get There:  From downtown Eugene, take West 18th Ave. heading west.  Turn southwest (left) onto Hawkins Ave.  Turn west (right) on South Lambert St.  Turn north (right) on the portion of South Lambert that runs north-south.  The cemetery gate is at the end of the street. Contact Sara Palmer, administrator@mulkeycemetery.org or at 541.485-1662.

Preservation Month Fair at the State Capitol State Park, hosted by Heritage Programs, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The event will be held on May 20 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the grounds of the State Capitol on the north side of Court Street, opposite the Capitol building. Community organizations from around the area and several state agencies will provide information about their efforts to help preserve Oregon’s historic places. For more information, contact Ian Johnson, Historian, State Historic Preservation Office, 503-986-0678 or Ian.Johnson@state.or.us.

Sustainable Living Fair: Food, Wine and Home, Holy Names Heritage Center, May 22,

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Come explore environmentally-friendly lifestyle sponsored by the Holy Names Heritage Center in Lake Oswego. Speakers will discuss local historic preservation efforts, sustainable remodeling options, food and wine choices, and much more.  Vendors will showcase a wide range of preservation products and services. The event is free and open to the public. The Heritage Center is located at 17425 Holy Names Drive in Lake Oswego. For more information, visit or call 503.607.0595.

Briggs Farmhouse Project, May 22, at Historic Dorris Ranch, South Second and Dorris streets in Springfield. This free public event will feature University of Oregon students and faculty from the Architecture and Historic Preservation programs who, in collaboration with Willamalane Park and Recreation District, are studying the farmhouse, its history and contributions to the Dorris Ranch story. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., students and faculty will present images, drawings, and findings from their study of the farmhouse. Also, walking tours of Dorris Ranch, visits to a pioneer log cabin replica, and cooking cornbread on an open fire are among the activities.

The post Things to do in May, Oregon’s Historic Preservation Month appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

It’s May, and along with spring showers comes National Historic Preservation Month.

While Portlanders don’t need another reason to celebrate their abundance of historic homes and commercial buildings, May offers the perfect setting to do so. Not only do the blooming flowers on the porches that dot the streets of East Portland bring out the beauty of the historic homes themselves, but there will be events to bring attention to them.

First off I’d recommend making a trip over to the – 701 S.W. Grand Ave. – for an exhibit of local artist . A majority of her artwork focuses on the historic buildings of her neighborhood, the Buckman neighborhood of Southeast Portland. The exhibit will run from May 6 to May 31.

With the hope of some nice weather, there are also a few day trips you could make to historic towns in Oregon and take in some of the preservation work, as well as shopping at the many stores that offer products to help your own preservation work.

Astoria would be my first trip. It’s beautiful this time of year and the Victorian homes are unmatched in the state. I would also recommend making a trip to some of the more rural areas around Astoria (Lewis & Clark) and check out some of the great historic farmhouses. While you are there, grab a beer from , some fish and chips from the and go pick up some historic hardware from in the old Astor Hotel Building.

Next, make a trip down to Newberg. After taking in the historic farmhouses, make your way over to any of the is known for. Head over to Dayton for dinner at , which is in a historic home. If you get a nice day, nothing beats the valley.

I would also recommend taking an afternoon to explore East Portland by bike. I can’t name just one neighborhood to check out, but Portland is small enough that you can make it through most of inner east Portland on a sunny afternoon. If I had to pick one neighborhood I would pick Irvington in Northeast (). Bring some food and enjoy a picnic. Or stop by a place like on Hawthorne Boulevard, which is in a historic Victorian home, or , also in a historic home, on North Interstate Avenue.

If you’re not into my recommendations, the state Historic Preservation Office has put together a little roundup of events around the state that could be interesting to historic preservation buffs:

The City of Ashland, Oregon will hold several events for Preservation Month during the week of May 9-15 that will include a preservation awards ceremony, walking tours and open houses.

The event brochure and historic open houses guide will be posted on the City’s website, by May 3, 2010. Or you may pick one up at City Hall or the Ashland Community Development Department at 51 Winburn Way. Please call us for any further information at (541) 488-5305.

“Old is the New Green” presented by Benton County, City of Corvallis Historic Resources Commissions & PreservationWORKS. There are quite a number of special tours and other events taking place the entire month of May so be sure to check out the website below. The Annual Preservation Awards is scheduled for May 25, and there will also be a Memorial Day ceremony   (10 a.m.) at the National Register-listed Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis. Call Chris Bentley (541) 766-6819 or Bob Richardson (541) 766-6908 for more information, or visit www.co.benton.or.us, or City of Corvallis: choose Planning> Historic Preservation.

“Healthy Historic Districts in a Changing World: Compatibility & Viability,” presented by the Historic Preservation League of Oregon is inviting planners, architects, property owners, developers, and preservationists from around the state to identify solutions to four key issues affecting the future of Oregon’s historic districts:  Vision & Planning; Design; Incentives; and Regulation. Friday, May 14, 2010, 9:00AM – 3:00PM, Albany City Hall – Council Chambers, 333 Broadalbin St. SW, Albany, Oregon  97321; Fee:  $20 – includes box lunch & walking tour. Space is limited!  Call Peggy Moretti at the HPLO before May 5^th at 503 243-1923 or email peggym@HistoricPreservationLeague.org www.HistoricPreservationLeague.org

The Springfield Historic Commission is kicking off a historic properties rehabilitation grant program and hosting a Wood Window Efficiency Workshop, Friday, May 21. For more information, contact Molly Markarian, Planner II 541-726-4611, .

Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House & East Skinner Butte Historic District Open House Tours, Eugene, Oregon. A free walking tour is planned that includes several historic homes that will be open for viewing and descriptions of significant homes. Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010 from Noon to 4:00 p.m., Pearl and East 4^th Avenue.  Contact Sherrill Necessary for the historic district, sherrill.n@comcast.net or Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House at 541-484-0808, director@smjhouse.org .

Wayne Morse Family Farm Open House, Eugene, Oregon. Join the Wayne Morse Historical Park Corporation during its annual open house at the Wayne Morse Family Farm (formerly Morse Ranch). Activities will include tours, information and exhibits, guided nature walks, carriage rides, refreshments and music. The event is free and open to the public, donations are welcome. Also included will be tours of the nearby Young-Pallet House, celebrating its 100th anniversary, Saturday, May 15th, 2010, 1-4pm, 595 Crest Drive, Eugene, OR 97405. For more information call (541) 682-5380 or visit .

Mulkey Cemetery Dedication and Work Days, Eugene, Oregon. The Mulkey Cemetery will be hosting cemetery workdays throughout the month of May. Come learn about how to maintain a pioneer cemetery and have some fun doing it. Attend a dedication cemetery at the new Cremated Remains Garden, on Monday, May 31, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.  Work Days will be May 1 & 2, 8, 15 & 16, 21 & 22 and throughout Memorial Day weekend.  How to Get There:  From downtown Eugene, take West 18th Ave. heading west.  Turn southwest (left) onto Hawkins Ave.  Turn west (right) on South Lambert St.  Turn north (right) on the portion of South Lambert that runs north-south.  The cemetery gate is at the end of the street. Contact Sara Palmer, administrator@mulkeycemetery.org or at 541.485-1662.

Preservation Month Fair at the State Capitol State Park, hosted by Heritage Programs, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The event will be held on May 20 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the grounds of the State Capitol on the north side of Court Street, opposite the Capitol building. Community organizations from around the area and several state agencies will provide information about their efforts to help preserve Oregon’s historic places. For more information, contact Ian Johnson, Historian, State Historic Preservation Office, 503-986-0678 or Ian.Johnson@state.or.us.

Sustainable Living Fair: Food, Wine and Home, Holy Names Heritage Center, May 22,

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Come explore environmentally-friendly lifestyle sponsored by the Holy Names Heritage Center in Lake Oswego. Speakers will discuss local historic preservation efforts, sustainable remodeling options, food and wine choices, and much more.  Vendors will showcase a wide range of preservation products and services. The event is free and open to the public. The Heritage Center is located at 17425 Holy Names Drive in Lake Oswego. For more information, visit or call 503.607.0595.

Briggs Farmhouse Project, May 22, at Historic Dorris Ranch, South Second and Dorris streets in Springfield. This free public event will feature University of Oregon students and faculty from the Architecture and Historic Preservation programs who, in collaboration with Willamalane Park and Recreation District, are studying the farmhouse, its history and contributions to the Dorris Ranch story. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., students and faculty will present images, drawings, and findings from their study of the farmhouse. Also, walking tours of Dorris Ranch, visits to a pioneer log cabin replica, and cooking cornbread on an open fire are among the activities.

The post Things to do in May, Oregon’s Historic Preservation Month appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

With planned streetcar and bike routes in the pipeline near Portland’s Irvington neighborhood, developers of a new workforce housing project in the area say it’s poised to be the next 20-minute neighborhood. That’s why the only parking at the proposed 49-unit complex would be for bikes.

That doesn’t sit well with Irvington resident Dean Gisvold.

“There’s no parking in Irvington now,” Gisvold said. “I’m going to listen to what the applicant has to say, but adding 49 units of housing with no parking is going to significantly impact the area.”

Parking is one issue of many likely to arise as property owner Dennis Sackhoff and consultant Brad Hosmar of West Hills Development attempt to woo the Irvington Community Association and other neighbors. The developers will present their plans for the site, 1510 N.E. Hancock St., at a meeting with the Irvington Community Association later this month.

Sackhoff’s plan calls for a three-story workforce housing development. It would be similar in scale to the Lion and the Rose Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn, which is adjacent to the site. An existing, transitional housing structure on the site would be demolished.

Previously, developer Leon Simms proposed to build an 18-unit, 64-foot-tall condominium complex at the site and was met with ire from neighbors. Portland’s Historic Landmarks Commission upheld an appeal in September 2008 by the Irvington Community Association that the proposed development, Irvington Squire, was too large and didn’t fit in with the neighborhood’s historic character.

“The Irvington Squire was so massive that it was out of place in the neighborhood,” said Mary Piper, co-chairwoman of the Irvington Community Association’s historic preservation committee. “And it would have only supplied 14 condos. I’m not opposed to increased density (in Irvington) if it’s appropriate, and livable.”

“We didn’t feel like the last (developer’s planned) architecture was compatible,” Hosmar said. “We wanted this to have a more residential feel. The (new design) is in a horseshoe shape centered around a courtyard. It will be unique, but will also tie in historically with other residences you find in Northeast Portland.”

The proposed development would have studio and one-bedroom units each between 400 and 600 square feet. Hosmar said he foresees residents being downtown workers seeking affordable housing close to a MAX light-rail line and a future streetcar line on Broadway. So, the project would limit parking to bikes – one spot per unit.

“We’re anticipating that younger people will move in,” said Sinan Gumusoglu, an Otak project manager working on the development. “You’re on a bike route. You’re on a bus route. You’re close to downtown. Some will bring cars, but it’s city living. We didn’t feel like we had to provide parking.”

Gisvold said he wants to be sure the new development would provide housing at rents people can afford. The site’s existing 18-unit Irvington Guest House, which serves as transitional housing, is one of the few affordable multifamily buildings left in the area, he said.

Hosmar said he won’t know what rents would be until the development’s design is finished, but added that they will be affordable.

“This won’t be like the Pearl District with $1,200 rents,” Hosmar said. “We want this to be a workforce housing opportunity for people that work downtown and don’t have cars.”

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