Architectural Heritage Center

09/01/2026

The Goose Hollow Neighborhood Assn hosted a wonderful street fair celebrating southwest Portland’s iconic landmark bridge on Sunday, Aug 30th. Closed to traffic for the day, a packed crowd took advantage to stroll, shop, eat, and celebrate the bridge’s centennial. Remarks were made by Mayor Wilson and all four District 4 city councilors.

A special platform was erected so spectators could peer above the temporary su***de fencing and take in the glorious view of the city.

The AHC has placed the Vista Bridge on our Watch List to advocate for a replacement barrier that meets the important goal of saving lives while also opening the public view and stopping damage to the bridge that’s being caused by the temporary fencing.

08/31/2026

The National Trust for Historic Preservation shared a webinar on the importance of Section 106. You can watch the recording here!

Watch the recording of yesterday's webinar, Section 106 Regulations Under Threat: Guidance for Advocates.

This session is designed to help prepare advocates as the review process for the revised Section 106 regulations gets underway.

Speakers share key talking points, advocacy approaches, and tools and resources to craft clear, concise, and personalized arguments.

Watch now: https://ow.ly/UJpZ50ZFkZo

08/28/2026

Will Logic Prevail at Keller Auditorium? Fred Leeson, former president of the Bosco-Milligan Foundation and a member of the foundation's Board of Advisors, shares his thoughts on the latest Keller update. Read more on our blog at visitahc.org/b

https://visitahc.org/blog/will-logic-prevail-at-keller-auditorium

08/27/2026

There's been a small step forward for the Vista Bridge. In anticipation of the bridge's centennial, the city recently cleaned out the debris from behind and under the "temporary" fencing. We hope this becomes regular maintenance and urge the city to pursue a permanent su***de barrier that does not damage the bridge structure, is compatible with its iconic design, and restores the public's view. You can enjoy and celebrate the Vista Bridge this Sunday, August 30th, from 11:00 to 4:00!

https://nwexaminer.com/p/vista-bridge-celebration-sunday-aug

08/26/2026

Join a public conversation about the return of the Abraham Lincoln statue. At this free event, the City of Portland and other community members will host a public conversation at the Portland Art Museum, September 8th at 6. Let your voice be heard! Be sure to rsvp at the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lincolns-return-a-public-conversation-tickets-1995133997494

08/25/2026

The AHC is a local Portland chapter of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We're working in tandem to protect Section 106 and we hope you will too!

Last week, the National Trust sent a letter to Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and House Committee on Natural Resources expressing our concerns about the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's (ACHP) proposed elimination of all meaningful Section 106 regulations.

“Section 106 has served the nation remarkably well because it is not merely a compliance exercise; it is a collaborative planning framework. It has enabled federal agencies, states, Tribes, local governments, project applicants, preservation organizations, and communities to work together to identify practical solutions that both advance infrastructure and development projects and protect the places that define our shared history. It has improved project outcomes by identifying concerns early, avoiding costly conflicts later in the permitting process, and fostering collaboration rather than litigation.”

We ask the Committees to weigh in during the comment period, given their longstanding jurisdiction over the National Historic Preservation Act, and respectfully urge the Committees to call on the ACHP to pursue targeted, consensus-based improvements that enhance efficiency while preserving the core principles that have made Section 106 one of our nation's most successful collaborative planning tools.

Read the full letter: https://ow.ly/1LYG50ZES08

And join today’s free webinar, Section 106 Under Threat: Guidance for Advocates for the most current information and resources: https://ow.ly/knAi50ZES09

08/22/2026

Join us for a free book talk from C.J. Lake on September 12, 1 - 2!

Across the high plains and rugged mountain passes of the Oregon Trail came thousands of settlers seeking a new life, and for many, the burgeoning city of Eugene became their new home. The newcomers were fur traders and farmers, physicians and soldiers, teachers and hoteliers. Set against the backdrop of the nineteenth century’s great upheavals, this collection brings to life the intertwined destinies of pioneers, immigrants, and Native people in the Pacific Northwest. Drawing from archival photographs, letters, and public records, author C.J. Lake illuminates the human stories behind Oregon’s extraordinary everyday pioneers.

08/21/2026

"Did you know that the 1886 Abbington Building was the first five-story building in Portland? This cast iron medallion depicting a lion once adorned the Abbington Building, which stood on SW 3rd between Stark and Alder Streets.

The Abbington Building was constructed for Simeon Gannett Reed and was named for Reed’s hometown of Abbington, MA. Much of Reed’s wealth came from his investment in the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. Reed’s estate helped found Reed College with a 3 million dollar donation.

The Abbington Building was torn down in 1967, but we're glad to have these features in our collection to remind people of Portland's history.

08/20/2026

Looks like tomorrow will be a great day for a walking tour! We'll be touring the South Park Blocks at 10 am. Stroll through the beautiful trees in some of the city's oldest parkland, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all while learning about the rich architectural heritage of the neighborhood. Tickets are available through our website at visitahc.org/walking-tours