Page 126 - Corvallis, OR Historic Preservation Plan

Historic Preservation Plan

Government Historic Resources
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Benton County Courthouse, 127 SW 4th St

The 1888 Benton County Courthouse is Oregon’s oldest courthouse still
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used for its original government purpose. A 1954-55 remodeling aimed
to improve Courthouse function and efficiency and removed or covered
m original architectural details. The Circuit Courtroom – divided in two –

n !1T f . accommodated a new District Court, and partitioned offices provided
needed administrative space. In the 1970s, when the County outgrew
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the space, demolishing the historic Courthouse and replacing it with a
iff fir new structure was a serious option. Persuaded by local advocates and
inspired by judicial leadership, Benton County supported a functional
if renovation that respected historic features. The historic Courthouse is
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now the iconic image for both Benton County and the City of Corvallis,
and links our shared past to the future.
Benton County Courthouse
Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan,
700 SW Madison Ave (Art Center) (Moved)

1 The 1889 Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, an outstanding
ts'Center
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example of Gothic Revival design, originally stood on the SE corner
of 7th and Jefferson. After the congregation moved to a new facility,
this church was secularized in 1961 and moved to this site. The former
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sanctuary floor and interior walls were altered and adapted to gallery
use. The Art Center is a fine example of a public/private partnership
that adds to the community’s cultural vitality.

Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan
(The Art Center) Gaylord House, 600 NW 7th St, (Moved
twice)

The circa 1857 Gothic Revival house moved from its original location
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at the northwest corner of 4th and Jefferson Streets in 1906. In 1989,
m the threat of demolition inspired the formation of a nonprofit group
that raised funds, managed moving logistics, recruited volunteers, and
f £ t J painstakingly restored Gaylord House at this location. Using traditional

in Avery Park during a January 1990 storm, and cedar shingles were
' » tools, replacement sills were hand hewn from fir trees blown down
Gaylord House painstakingly hand-crafted. Today, Gaylord House is an excellent
example of early Corvallis construction techniques.
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1
j ;*. Irish Bend Covered Bridge, Campus Way on
the OSU campus (Moved)
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Built in 1954, the 60-foot wooden covered bridge originally spanned
the Willamette Slough on Irish Bend Road. After the road was
realigned, the bridge fell into disrepair. In 1988, the bridge was photo-
documented, pieces numbered, disassembled, and reconstructed on
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the Campus Way bicycle path to span Oak Creek, adding a welcome
Irish Bend Covered Bridge (OSU Campus) amenity to Corvallis bike trail system.

120 City of Corvallis