Download S L ALEM

City of Salem
Spring 2010
Historic Landmarks Commission
S ALEM L ANDMARK
Community Development Department
555 Liberty Street SE, Room 305
Salem, OR 97301
Volume 2, Issue 1
Newsletter of the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission
OWNING HISTORIC PROPERY IN SALEM:
Understanding Salem’s Design Review Process
Greetings from the Chairman of the
Salem Historic Landmarks Commission
May is Historic Preservation Month and there are quite a
few activities planned this year.
Salem Historic
Landmarks Commission and the OR-SHPO will be
partnering for a hands-on Historic Window workshop for
homeowners, showcasing simple repairs for historic
windows and easy, low-cost, energy efficiency ideas, to be
held at the Reed Opera House on Saturday, May 22, from
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., with a possible second session,
based on interest. We are also looking for topics that
homeowners would like covered at future workshops.
Your ideas and comments can be sent to
[email protected] or by phone at 503-986-0688.
We’re on the Web!
www.cityofsalem.net/Departments/Community
Development/Planning/Historic/Pages
Salem Historic Landmarks Commission
555 Liberty Street SE, Room 305
Members
Gene Bolante
Elaine Gesik
Chane Griggs
Ian Johnson
Doug Lethin
Brian McKinley
Ellen Miller
Take care,
Joy
Kurt Roedel
Joy Sears
Staff
Kimberli Fitzgerald
503 588-6173 x 7597
[email protected]
Deb Meaghers
503 588-6173 x 7543
[email protected]
This publication has been funded with the assistance of a matching grant-in-aid from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.
Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who
believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to: Office of Equal
Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
Salem’s Historic Landmarks Commission recognizes structures,
districts, sites and objects significant to the city’s past. Locally
recognized properties are generally 50 years old, maintain their
historic appearance, and are connected to an important aspect of
the past. A property may be the site of a historical event, the
home or business of a notable person, or an example of a
particular architectural style or type of construction.
Property owners may choose to nominate their building or site as
a City of Salem Local Landmark or to the federal National Register
of Historic Places. Salem’s Community Development Department
(ph. 503.588.6173) can assist owners in determining whether a
property qualifies for local listing. The State Historic Preservation
Office (ph. 503.986-0671) handles the federal recognition
program.
Historic Districts
Any property within a federally recognized National Register
Historic District is considered historic. There are several Historic
Districts in Salem, including Court-Chemeketa, Downtown, and
Gaiety Hill/Bush’s Pasture Park, and the Oregon State Hospital..
Benefits of Historic Ownership
Demonstrates an appreciation of historical residents and
businesses that helped create our community.
Older buildings display craftsmanship and style no longer
available.
Historic preservation enhances “green” development and
sustainability by recycling valuable natural materials.
Stimulates the local economy by making the community
attractive to heritage tourism.
Financial Incentives
City of Salem rehabilitation funds for eligible owners
over age 60.
National Register program can freeze a property’s
assessed value for 15 years.
Tax advantages for the donation of a historic building or
easement for conservation reasons.
Federal tax credits may be available.
Making Certain Changes
Changes to historic properties must be approved by the
Historic Landmarks Commission at one of its monthly
meetings through the Design Review process
What is Design Review?
Historic Design Review is a process that preserves the
physical qualities that make Salem’s historic properties
unique. The Historic Landmarks Commission reviews
exterior change to a recognized historic property.
These Changes Include:
Replacement of siding or windows with a different type,
style or material
New construction, additions
Applications for permits to demolish or remove historic
buildings
Design Review Does Not:
Prevent owners from remodeling the interior, making
additions, or painting.
Require the owner to make improvements or restore
their building
Require purchase of a sign or plaque
Prevent or restrict ordinary maintenance
What To Do
First of all, plan ahead. The Historic Landmarks Commission
meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in
the Salem City Council Chambers. Because this is a public
hearing, applications, including a description of the project
with diagrams and drawings, must be presented to the
Community Development Department before beginning the
project. City staff may be able to identify cost-effective
options.
Find more information at:
www.cityofsalem.net/Community Development/Planning/
Historic Preservation.
Page 2
Salem Landmark
EVENTS CELEBRATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH – MAY-JUNE
Page 3
Salem Landmark
Salem’s Historic Buildings: The Dome Building ---Chane Griggs, Commissioner
May 5
Evening
Downtown
First Wednesday – Walking Tour of “Preserve America”
Buildings
May 10
6:30 p.m.
Civic Center
Mayor’s Presentation of Heritage Awards
May 15
10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Union Street
Railroad Bridge
Grand Re-Opening for the Public of National Register
Pedestrian Bridge & Trestle
Picture of the
Dome Building
circa 1930;
Kathryn Gunnell,
Photographer
May 15
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mission Mill
Heritage Festival & Sheep-to-Shawl Event: Celebrating
The Wool Industry in the Willamette Valley
Courtesy of Marion
County Historical Society
Capitol Mall
State Historic Preservation Information Fair
May 20
May 22
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Reed Opera
House
Home Owner Workshop on Wood Windows, sponsored by
State Historic Preservation Office:
June 4-5
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Court-Chemeketa
Historic District
Annual Garden & Plant Tour, a benefit for A.C. Gilbert’s
Discovery Village, held in the Court-Chemeketa Historic
District, with the plant sale at Mission Mill.
GARDEN TOUR TO BE HELD IN COURT CHEMEKETA HISTORIC DISTRICT
Early residents included many who had traveled overland to
Oregon Country, spurring construction through WWI that is
evident in many Victorian, Gothic, and Italianate–style homes.
Bungalows and period cottages mark the second period of
expansion in the 1920s.
Throughout the district’s history a wide-spectrum of residents
called the neighborhood home, including State Supreme Court
Justices, political and civic leaders, doctors and dentists,
businessmen and merchants, university professors and teachers,
builders and carpenters, and blacksmiths and laborers. Many of
these people were related to each other through the 1930s,
choosing to build homes next to family members.
Salem’s Court Street-Chemeketa Street Historic District will
th
be the site for the 15 Annual Garden Tour benefiting A.C.
Gilbert’s Discovery Village, Salem’s nonprofit children’s
museum. The National Register historic district was listed in
1987 for its notable historic architecture and its association
with Salem’s founding citizens and early growth as a
th
community. The self-guided tour will be held Friday, June 4
th
and Saturday, June 5 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in
and around this district located north of downtown, and a
Plant Sale will be hosted at Mission Mill Museum,1313 Mill
Street. SE, and is open to the public.
One of Salem’s oldest neighborhoods, the area began
transitioning from agricultural land to an urban community in
1865 when the first lots were subdivided.
Gardens on display reflect the diversity of architecture and
residents. Gardener Eleanor Miller will be opening her grounds
and historic residence at 1440 Chemeketa St NE for the tour. Her
1881 cottage was constructed by Ethan Graham, a local carpenter.
Another stop on the tour is the Queen Anne-style WiggensCrawford House, constructed in 1895 at 1759 Court St. Queen-Ann
style homes were popular during this period, and many still
appreciate the varied shapes and intricate architectural details of
the style. Built during the second period of growth in the
th
neighborhood, the Dutch Colonial residence at 345 17 Street was
the residence of Dr. Lucian O. Clement and will be part of the
event. The Dutch Colonial style was one of many “revival” styles
that architects and builders used to evoke the feeling of classical
architecture.
For tickets and information, contact A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery
Village, phone: 503-371-3631, www.acgilbert.org.
The Oregon State Hospital complex is comprised of multiple buildings on both the north and south sides of Center Street
(originally Asylum Avenue). One of these buildings is the Dome Building, which originally was referenced as the Oregon
State Hospital Receiving Ward. This building is on the north side of Center Street and faces west – toward the Salem
downtown. Construction of the Dome Building began in 1910 and was completed in 1912. Oswald West was the governor
at that time, Thomas Kay the state treasurer, and Ben Olcott was the secretary of state.1.
There were several architects involved in the State Hospital complex. One of the more prominent architects for the Dome
Building was Edgar M. Lazarus, 1868-1939. During his 45-year career in Portland, he was a key figure in the construction
of the Vista House at Crown Point on the Columbia River Highway. He also was involved in the design of the Pioneer
Courthouse in Portland, and also designed the first Multnomah Athletic Club Building at SW 10th and Yamhill Streets.2.
The architectural classification for the State Hospital is Late Victorian/Italianate; Late 19th & 20th Century Revival.
For a number of years, the Dome Building was the Oregon State Hospital Receiving Ward for patients who were sent to
the Oregon Insane Asylum. 3. In addition to serving as an admittance office, medical procedures were also performed in
the building. Dental procedures continue to be performed in the Dome Building for State Hospital patients. The current
major tenant of the Dome Building is the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), established in 1987. The Board of
Parole and Post-Prison Supervision is also located in the building.4
Underground tunnels below Center Street connect the State Hospital and the Dome Building. Although the narrow-gauge
railroad is no longer used, the tunnels still are used to deliver items and distribute infrastructure to the buildings.
Many will remember that some filming for ‘One Flew over the Cuckoos’ Nest’ took place in the Dome Building although
the majority of the filming occurred across the street in the ‘J’ Building. Ken Kesey authored the novel in 1959 and the
movie was released in 1975 and won five Academy Awards.5.
Probably the most notorious event that occurred at the Dome Building was the murder of Michael Francke on January 17,
1989. At the time of his death, Franke was the Director of the Department of Corrections, having been appointed by
former Governor Neil Goldschmidt in May 1987. His body was discovered on the floor of the North Portico of the Dome
Building. Frank Gable was convicted of the aggravated murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. He is
currently incarcerated in Nevada.
_________________________________________
1. Cornerstone plaque on the Dome Building; southwest corner
2. 1913 Biennial Report of the Oregon State Insane Asylum; http://index.osl.state.or.us/illiad/pdf/OSH.pdf
3. Oregon Teachers Monthly, Vol. 20, no.9, May 1916 pg 517 – 521; http://index.osl.state.or.us/illiad/pdf/OSH_article.pdf
4. From 1971 to 1987, The Corrections Division was part of the Department of Human Resources; Secretary of State Blue Book;
http://bluebook.state.or.us/state/executive/Corrections_dept/corrections_dept_history.htm
5. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_State_Hospital#cite_note-carter-1
Page 2
Salem Landmark
EVENTS CELEBRATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH – MAY-JUNE
Page 3
Salem Landmark
Salem’s Historic Buildings: The Dome Building ---Chane Griggs, Commissioner
May 5
Evening
Downtown
First Wednesday – Walking Tour of “Preserve America”
Buildings
May 10
6:30 p.m.
Civic Center
Mayor’s Presentation of Heritage Awards
May 15
10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Union Street
Railroad Bridge
Grand Re-Opening for the Public of National Register
Pedestrian Bridge & Trestle
Picture of the
Dome Building
circa 1930;
Kathryn Gunnell,
Photographer
May 15
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mission Mill
Heritage Festival & Sheep-to-Shawl Event: Celebrating
The Wool Industry in the Willamette Valley
Courtesy of Marion
County Historical Society
Capitol Mall
State Historic Preservation Information Fair
May 20
May 22
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Reed Opera
House
Home Owner Workshop on Wood Windows, sponsored by
State Historic Preservation Office:
June 4-5
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Court-Chemeketa
Historic District
Annual Garden & Plant Tour, a benefit for A.C. Gilbert’s
Discovery Village, held in the Court-Chemeketa Historic
District, with the plant sale at Mission Mill.
GARDEN TOUR TO BE HELD IN COURT CHEMEKETA HISTORIC DISTRICT
Early residents included many who had traveled overland to
Oregon Country, spurring construction through WWI that is
evident in many Victorian, Gothic, and Italianate–style homes.
Bungalows and period cottages mark the second period of
expansion in the 1920s.
Throughout the district’s history a wide-spectrum of residents
called the neighborhood home, including State Supreme Court
Justices, political and civic leaders, doctors and dentists,
businessmen and merchants, university professors and teachers,
builders and carpenters, and blacksmiths and laborers. Many of
these people were related to each other through the 1930s,
choosing to build homes next to family members.
Salem’s Court Street-Chemeketa Street Historic District will
th
be the site for the 15 Annual Garden Tour benefiting A.C.
Gilbert’s Discovery Village, Salem’s nonprofit children’s
museum. The National Register historic district was listed in
1987 for its notable historic architecture and its association
with Salem’s founding citizens and early growth as a
th
community. The self-guided tour will be held Friday, June 4
th
and Saturday, June 5 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in
and around this district located north of downtown, and a
Plant Sale will be hosted at Mission Mill Museum,1313 Mill
Street. SE, and is open to the public.
One of Salem’s oldest neighborhoods, the area began
transitioning from agricultural land to an urban community in
1865 when the first lots were subdivided.
Gardens on display reflect the diversity of architecture and
residents. Gardener Eleanor Miller will be opening her grounds
and historic residence at 1440 Chemeketa St NE for the tour. Her
1881 cottage was constructed by Ethan Graham, a local carpenter.
Another stop on the tour is the Queen Anne-style WiggensCrawford House, constructed in 1895 at 1759 Court St. Queen-Ann
style homes were popular during this period, and many still
appreciate the varied shapes and intricate architectural details of
the style. Built during the second period of growth in the
th
neighborhood, the Dutch Colonial residence at 345 17 Street was
the residence of Dr. Lucian O. Clement and will be part of the
event. The Dutch Colonial style was one of many “revival” styles
that architects and builders used to evoke the feeling of classical
architecture.
For tickets and information, contact A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery
Village, phone: 503-371-3631, www.acgilbert.org.
The Oregon State Hospital complex is comprised of multiple buildings on both the north and south sides of Center Street
(originally Asylum Avenue). One of these buildings is the Dome Building, which originally was referenced as the Oregon
State Hospital Receiving Ward. This building is on the north side of Center Street and faces west – toward the Salem
downtown. Construction of the Dome Building began in 1910 and was completed in 1912. Oswald West was the governor
at that time, Thomas Kay the state treasurer, and Ben Olcott was the secretary of state.1.
There were several architects involved in the State Hospital complex. One of the more prominent architects for the Dome
Building was Edgar M. Lazarus, 1868-1939. During his 45-year career in Portland, he was a key figure in the construction
of the Vista House at Crown Point on the Columbia River Highway. He also was involved in the design of the Pioneer
Courthouse in Portland, and also designed the first Multnomah Athletic Club Building at SW 10th and Yamhill Streets.2.
The architectural classification for the State Hospital is Late Victorian/Italianate; Late 19th & 20th Century Revival.
For a number of years, the Dome Building was the Oregon State Hospital Receiving Ward for patients who were sent to
the Oregon Insane Asylum. 3. In addition to serving as an admittance office, medical procedures were also performed in
the building. Dental procedures continue to be performed in the Dome Building for State Hospital patients. The current
major tenant of the Dome Building is the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), established in 1987. The Board of
Parole and Post-Prison Supervision is also located in the building.4
Underground tunnels below Center Street connect the State Hospital and the Dome Building. Although the narrow-gauge
railroad is no longer used, the tunnels still are used to deliver items and distribute infrastructure to the buildings.
Many will remember that some filming for ‘One Flew over the Cuckoos’ Nest’ took place in the Dome Building although
the majority of the filming occurred across the street in the ‘J’ Building. Ken Kesey authored the novel in 1959 and the
movie was released in 1975 and won five Academy Awards.5.
Probably the most notorious event that occurred at the Dome Building was the murder of Michael Francke on January 17,
1989. At the time of his death, Franke was the Director of the Department of Corrections, having been appointed by
former Governor Neil Goldschmidt in May 1987. His body was discovered on the floor of the North Portico of the Dome
Building. Frank Gable was convicted of the aggravated murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. He is
currently incarcerated in Nevada.
_________________________________________
1. Cornerstone plaque on the Dome Building; southwest corner
2. 1913 Biennial Report of the Oregon State Insane Asylum; http://index.osl.state.or.us/illiad/pdf/OSH.pdf
3. Oregon Teachers Monthly, Vol. 20, no.9, May 1916 pg 517 – 521; http://index.osl.state.or.us/illiad/pdf/OSH_article.pdf
4. From 1971 to 1987, The Corrections Division was part of the Department of Human Resources; Secretary of State Blue Book;
http://bluebook.state.or.us/state/executive/Corrections_dept/corrections_dept_history.htm
5. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_State_Hospital#cite_note-carter-1
City of Salem
Spring 2010
Historic Landmarks Commission
S ALEM L ANDMARK
Community Development Department
555 Liberty Street SE, Room 305
Salem, OR 97301
Volume 2, Issue 1
Newsletter of the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission
OWNING HISTORIC PROPERY IN SALEM:
Understanding Salem’s Design Review Process
Greetings from the Chairman of the
Salem Historic Landmarks Commission
May is Historic Preservation Month and there are quite a
few activities planned this year.
Salem Historic
Landmarks Commission and the OR-SHPO will be
partnering for a hands-on Historic Window workshop for
homeowners, showcasing simple repairs for historic
windows and easy, low-cost, energy efficiency ideas, to be
held at the Reed Opera House on Saturday, May 22, from
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., with a possible second session,
based on interest. We are also looking for topics that
homeowners would like covered at future workshops.
Your ideas and comments can be sent to
[email protected] or by phone at 503-986-0688.
We’re on the Web!
www.cityofsalem.net/Departments/Community
Development/Planning/Historic/Pages
Salem Historic Landmarks Commission
555 Liberty Street SE, Room 305
Members
Gene Bolante
Elaine Gesik
Chane Griggs
Ian Johnson
Doug Lethin
Brian McKinley
Ellen Miller
Take care,
Joy
Kurt Roedel
Joy Sears
Staff
Kimberli Fitzgerald
503 588-6173 x 7597
[email protected]
Deb Meaghers
503 588-6173 x 7543
[email protected]
This publication has been funded with the assistance of a matching grant-in-aid from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.
Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who
believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to: Office of Equal
Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
Salem’s Historic Landmarks Commission recognizes structures,
districts, sites and objects significant to the city’s past. Locally
recognized properties are generally 50 years old, maintain their
historic appearance, and are connected to an important aspect of
the past. A property may be the site of a historical event, the
home or business of a notable person, or an example of a
particular architectural style or type of construction.
Property owners may choose to nominate their building or site as
a City of Salem Local Landmark or to the federal National Register
of Historic Places. Salem’s Community Development Department
(ph. 503.588.6173) can assist owners in determining whether a
property qualifies for local listing. The State Historic Preservation
Office (ph. 503.986-0671) handles the federal recognition
program.
Historic Districts
Any property within a federally recognized National Register
Historic District is considered historic. There are several Historic
Districts in Salem, including Court-Chemeketa, Downtown, and
Gaiety Hill/Bush’s Pasture Park, and the Oregon State Hospital..
Benefits of Historic Ownership
Demonstrates an appreciation of historical residents and
businesses that helped create our community.
Older buildings display craftsmanship and style no longer
available.
Historic preservation enhances “green” development and
sustainability by recycling valuable natural materials.
Stimulates the local economy by making the community
attractive to heritage tourism.
Financial Incentives
City of Salem rehabilitation funds for eligible owners
over age 60.
National Register program can freeze a property’s
assessed value for 15 years.
Tax advantages for the donation of a historic building or
easement for conservation reasons.
Federal tax credits may be available.
Making Certain Changes
Changes to historic properties must be approved by the
Historic Landmarks Commission at one of its monthly
meetings through the Design Review process
What is Design Review?
Historic Design Review is a process that preserves the
physical qualities that make Salem’s historic properties
unique. The Historic Landmarks Commission reviews
exterior change to a recognized historic property.
These Changes Include:
Replacement of siding or windows with a different type,
style or material
New construction, additions
Applications for permits to demolish or remove historic
buildings
Design Review Does Not:
Prevent owners from remodeling the interior, making
additions, or painting.
Require the owner to make improvements or restore
their building
Require purchase of a sign or plaque
Prevent or restrict ordinary maintenance
What To Do
First of all, plan ahead. The Historic Landmarks Commission
meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in
the Salem City Council Chambers. Because this is a public
hearing, applications, including a description of the project
with diagrams and drawings, must be presented to the
Community Development Department before beginning the
project. City staff may be able to identify cost-effective
options.
Find more information at:
www.cityofsalem.net/Community Development/Planning/
Historic Preservation.