Page 27 - Corvallis, OR Historic Preservation Plan

Historic Preservation Plan

Early Motor Age (1900-1929) \

The first ten years of the 20th century saw the population of Corvallis iN \ - wp
increase by 150% to over 4,550 people. This time also saw the rise of ;<■! -■
the automobile, an element that undeniably shaped the appearance
and character of the town through the paving and numbering of *
streets, for instance. t

In line with the popularization of the City Beautiful movement of that
time, civic organizations lead beautification and improvement projects. Paving 2nd Street looking south from
Some of their activities included planting street trees, hosting home Madison Avenue (c. 1910)
tours, and promoting various public works like street paving.

Home construction continued at a rapid pace throughout the town and V.
the incorporated limits expanded to the west. Home designs reflected t
a rich, eclectic range of popular styles, with Bungalow, Craftsman, and
Foursquare styles being the most popular. Development from this era
represents the bulk of the city’s two historic districts today. i .L l. t ii uv^

Major commercial developments included the addition of auto-related ■rrrF
uses, the introduction of movie theaters and department stores, and
the expansion of the business district from 2nd to 3rd and 4th Streets. • si A .Ift;
Many of the older wood frame buildings in the downtown were
replaced during this time with larger masonry buildings, and areas 1. I
along Monroe near campus also began to develop.

The “Red Electric” passenger rail service was extended to Corvallis from 2nd Street looking northeast
Portland, and proved popular for some time; however, it was no match
for the appeal of the automobile. By the end of the 1920s, both the
Red Electric and steamboat services had ceased operation. Many of
the antiquated uses such as liveries and blacksmiths were replaced by
garages, auto dealers, and gas stations. Most of the dealers and garages :

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3rd Street looking north (c. late-1920s) S K "4 rz - 1 aifrfc ■ ij T Wi mi ■M

Final: November 15, 2017 21