Page 62 - Corvallis, OR Historic Preservation Plan

Historic Preservation Plan

Oregon Historic Sites Many Structures May Be Considered to be “Recent Past”
Database Resources
15% of existing properties within the city limits are structures that date
To search the Oregon Historic from 1946 to 1965. These structures are now 50 years old. This is a
Sites Database, visit the following period of the “recent past” that may now be considered for potential
link: historic significance. In the coming years, these properties may be
http://heritagedata.prd.state. surveyed to determine which may have historic significance. Despite
or.us/historic/ meeting the age threshold, many of these structures may not have
historic significance, but it is likely that some will. Even those that are
not found to have historic significance may be of value, in the way in
which they contribute to the character of established neighborhoods.
There may be areas where other tools, such as the Conservation District
«- designation, may be appropriate. Conservation districts are discussed
further on page 75.

Design issues related to these newer properties will sometimes be
(I
different from those of buildings from earlier periods. For example, an
alteration to a mid-century ranch style house may require a different
-
New infill development approach to how an addition may be designed or perhaps a garage
converted to a living space. If and when preservation design guidelines
are adopted, this must be taken into consideration.

Many Structures Will Not Be Considered for Potential Historic
Significance Until the Mid 21st Century
Continuing with a review of the building age data in the preceding
charts, approximately 20% of the existing buildings date from 1966 to
1980. Some of these properties are likely to be eligible for consideration
as historic resources during the next decade.

Finally, approximately 49% of existing structures were built after 1980
and will not reach the 50 year threshold for many years. While these
properties may not be in the current discussion of what buildings
are historically significant, their styles and character may become
significant over the next decades. Therefore, these structures should
continue to be discussed in years to come. These properties may raise
challenges to the way in which we think about historic significance and
the proper treatment of historic resources.

Oregon Historic Sites Database

In addition to the City’s GIS, the Oregon SHPO also maintains a
database of historic sites and their information that complements the
City’s system. The database is maintained by the SHPO and can be
accessed online. The web site provides a detailed search tool to learn
more about historic properties throughout the state. Information in
the database includes the construction date, architectural style and
other significant historical information. The database also allows one
to search for National Register properties based on designation criteria.

56 City of Corvallis