Originally published in the Historic Preservation League of Oregon (“HPLO”) Special Report on October 25, 2012.

The Purpose of the Preservation Roundtable; Why This Matters; Executive Summary; Background & Definition of Terms; The Seismic Imperative; Building Codes & Levels of Seismic Upgrade; Obstacles to Achieving Resilience; Findings & Recommendations; The Cost of Doing Nothing; and Acknowledgements and Notes.

Excerpt from The Purpose of the Preservation Roundtable

The Historic Preservation League of Oregon (HPLO) launched the annual Preservation Roundtable in January 2010. The program brings together diverse stakeholders from around the state to address the challenges confronting Oregon’s historic places, particularly its Main Streets. In 2010 the Roundtable proposed solutions to create Healthy Historic Districts, addressing the issues of economic and cultural viability for Oregon’s 123 National Register Historic Districts. The 2011 Roundtable took on Compatible Infill Design, recommending principles for new construction in historic districts. Each Roundtable culminates in a Special Report similar to this document.

The Preservation Roundtable process includes background research, expert advice, and the convening of public workshops around the state. With assistance from dedicated volunteers, corporate sponsors, and foundation support, the participation and visibility of the Roundtable has grown steadily since it first convened in 2010. Over 250 Oregonians participated in 2012, providing insights and examples that have been incorporated into this document.

Please see full issue below for more information.