Tag Archives: city of portland

City of Portland’s Historic Belgian Blocks

Portland’s historic streetscapes were composed of Belgian Blocks, more commonly referred to as cobblestones. From 1885 to the 1900s, the City of Portland used Belgian Blocks as the primary paving surface, bridging the gap between mud roads and asphalt pavement. To better understand how the City of Portland might redeploy the existing Belgian Blocks, we completed a research report on the Belgian Blocks for the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and facilitated two listening sessions with the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission to gather perspective.

The report provides the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission (PHLC) and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) with background information and technical data for consideration of how best the city might utilize the redeployment of its Belgian Blocks. Our report demonstrates that it is possible through manipulation of the stone surface, use of setting means and methods, and testing, to modify the Belgian Blocks to allow for reuse as horizontal surfaces. Modifying the physical characteristics of the blocks to meet tripping and slipping standards for re-deployment is possible. Many modification techniques exist for both shop and field modifications

FULL REPORT
City of Portland, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability: Study outlines opportunities for incorporating stone pavers into accessible public spaces.

New Chinatown / Japantown Historic District Design Guidelines

The New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District Design Guidelines are adopted land use approval criteria that protect the architectural integrity and cultural significance of Portland’s New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District. Guidelines were adopted in 2017. The document consists of a full context and historic background for the neighborhood which significantly expands the existing NRHP Historic District nomination. The document also includes land use approval criteria applicable to new development and alterations in the district. The guidelines allow change to take place which will respect the unique character of the district, the only historic district in Portland which is primarily significant for its cultural history.

PMA was part of the selected consultant team that coordinated with PDC and BPS staff to create the design guidelines. The guidelines are written to be flexible, yet to guide future projects to take cues from the architectural and cultural history in the historic district. There were a number of directly relevant tasks involved in the development of the guidelines and background. Developing an understanding of the difficulties experienced by immigrant cultures in Oregon was critical. Interviews with community members were also an important tool for learning about cultural attitudes, past events, and the aspirations of the ethnic and cultural groups with ties in the District. Finally, the guidelines advocate for preservation of the presence of a thriving community, which is different from preservation of the original architecture of the District. They are not applicable to types of uses within a building or to interiors. The resulting document includes a background and context discussion preceding the actual design guidelines, each of which is illustrated with photographs (both modern and historic) and options for how each guideline can be met.

Local Historic Preservation Incentives Available in Portland, Oregon

With a firm comprised of architects and planners, we understand and assist owners and developers navigate local historic preservation incentives made available by the City of Portland. The following is a comprehensive overview of incentives offered by the City, as of 2016, in the form of various use allowances, development rules “waivers,” and opportunities to transfer allowed but unused floor area to other property owners, creating an opportunity for a monetary benefit. We grouped the available historic preservation incentives available by the following: City of Portland Incentives, City of Portland/State of Oregon Building Code Allowances, and Portland Development Commission Programs.

The City of Portland’s Central City 2035 Plan (as well as other related City code projects) are currently under review. The Proposed Draft was published in June 2016 and is being reviewed by many City and non-City agencies, bureaus, and organizations. Proposed changes directly affect portions of the Portland Zoning Code, but the existing Zoning Code will remain in effect until adoption of the final Central City 2035 Plan, probably in late 2018. Increased transfer options are the major change proposed.

“Landmark” as defined by the City is a property individually listed on the National Register, or evaluated by the City of Portland as a local historic resource. Many incentives are also available to resources designated contributing to a National Register-listed Historic District or locally designated Conservation District.

Marshall Wells Lofts building preservation plan.

CITY OF PORTLAND INCENTIVES
Additional density in Single-Dwelling zones. Landmarks in Single-Dwelling zones may be used as multi-dwelling structures, up to a maximum of one dwelling unit for each 1,000 square feet of site area. No additional off-street parking is required, but the existing number of off-street parking spaces must be retained. The landmark may be expanded and the new floor area used for additional dwelling units only if the expansion is approved through historic design review.

Additional density in Multi-Dwelling zones. Landmarks and contributing structures in historic districts located in multi-dwelling zones may be used as multi-dwelling structures, with no maximum density. No additional off-street parking is required, but the existing number of off-street parking spaces must be retained. The building may be expanded and the new floor area used for additional dwelling units only if the expansion is approved through historic design review.

Nonresidential uses in the RX zone. In the RX zone, except on certain sites which directly front on the Park Blocks, up to 100 percent of the floor area of a landmark or contributing structure may be approved for Retail Sales and Service, Office, Major Event Entertainment, or Manufacturing and Production uses through Historic Preservation Incentive Review.

Nonresidential uses in the RH, R1 and R2 zones. In the RH, R1 and R2 zones, up to 100 percent of the floor area of a landmark or contributing structure may be approved for Retail Sales and Service, Office, or Manufacturing and Production uses as follows:

a. Review required. The nonresidential uses must be approved through Historic Preservation Incentive Review; and

b. Previous nonresidential use required. The last use in the structure must have been in a nonresidential use category and have been allowed when established; if part of the structure was in residential use, the proposal must include at least as many dwelling units as were part of the last allowed use or uses. If the last allowed use was residential only, the structure is not eligible for this incentive.

Daycare is an allowed use in all residential zones in historic landmark or contributing structures. In non-historic structures, daycare uses in residential zones other than RX require a conditional use review.

Conditional uses in Residential, Commercial, and Employment zones. In these zones, applications for conditional uses at landmarks or contributing structures are processed through a Type II procedure, rather than the longer Type III procedure requiring a public hearing.

Exemption from minimum density. Minimum housing density regulations do not apply in landmarks or contributing structures.

Crane building historic consulting for storefront updates.

Commercial allowances in Central City Industrial zones. National Register-listed properties or those contributing to a National Register-listed historic district have potential to include office and retail uses.

Commercial allowances in employment and industrial zones. Office and retail uses are allowed in landmarks in areas where those uses are otherwise restricted.

Increased maximum parking ratios in Central City. National Register-listed properties or those contributing to a National Register-listed historic district within the Central City Core parking area are allowed to increase parking ratios.

Commercial allowances in Guild’s Lake Industrial Sanctuary District. Increases allowances for office and retail uses in landmarks in an area where non-industrial uses are otherwise restricted.

The transfer of density and floor area ratio (FAR) from a landmark to another location is allowed in Multi-Dwelling, Commercial, and Employment zones. Historic properties with unused development “potential” therefore may find a market for the FAR.

Proposed Development transfer opportunities (potentially adopted in 2018):
Landmarks and contributing resources in historic districts will be able to transfer FAR City-wide, as long as the “sending” resource meets seismic reinforcement standards. Seismic work may be allowable in phases over a period of years. FAR to be transferred is not only the base amount unused by the existing historic structure, but also an additional 3:1.

U.S. Custom House renovation and historic tax credits.

PORTLAND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PROGRAMS
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) has operated several programs to benefit owners of existing buildings (not necessarily historic buildings). These programs have been suspended and will be replaced by the Prosperity Investment Program (PIP). Information about the PIP is not yet available, but the program may still provide benefits to owners, similar to the suspended Storefront Improvement Program.

For further information on how PMA helps owners consider reuse options, navigate the regulations, and take advantage of available benefits – please visit our website to review our multidisciplinary projects and comprehensive architecture, building envelope science, and planning services.

Written by Kristen Minor, Associate, Preservation Planner

Lovejoy Fountain Pavilion Rehabilitation

Designed by Charles Moore in 1962 as part of Lawrence Halprin’s fountain sequence, the Lovejoy Pavilion represents a significant departure for Moore moving away from traditional design towards a Post Modern architectural vocabulary. This new design direction is expressed by Moore in the use of wood cribbing support columns and compound trusses resembling the surrounding West Hills of Portland, Oregon.

Despite the copper clad roof, the wood structure was in early decay and the crib support columns were inadequate to support the roof load as visible in the crushing of support members. The structure’s Owner, Portland Parks and Recreation, committed to replacing wood components with original design, material, species, and craftsmanship.

Building Envelope Corrections:
• Guided Structural dismantling.
• Created the documentation to support the replacement of deteriorated components with original species, tight grain Douglas-Fir, and improved details for weather protection.
• Provided on-site guidance to the sub-contractor team for copper work and repair techniques.

Pittock Mansion Restoration

Built for Henry Pittock, an Oregon pioneer, newspaper editor, publisher, and wood and paper magnate, Pittock Mansion was designed in 1909. PMA updated and rewrote the existing Historic Structures Report and acted as Conservator and lead Preservation Architect.

As part of the Historic Structures Report (HSR), PMA conducted Infra-red analysis, ground penetrating radar and non-destructive evaluation to locate exterior veneer anchors and concrete reinforcing steel.

Building Envelope Corrections:
• Sandstone restoration repair.
• Infra red analysis to locate existing plumbing.
• Ground penetrating radar.
• Non-destructive evaluation to locate exterior veneer anchors and concrete reinforcing steel.
• Exterior repair documents of the water intrusion damage to the terraces and deck levels.

Mercy Corps World Headquarters Renovation

The historic Packer Scott building, now the World Headquarters for Mercy Corps, had significant damage to the original masonry resulting from inappropriate sand blasting cleaning techniques. PMA provided a complete building exterior assessment and identified areas of 50% or more cross section loss to the masonry and guided the design team towards suitable replacement material. In addition, PMA investigated foundation drainage issues during construction using non-destructive investigation techniques, and worked with the sub-contractors to provide proper techniques in the use of lime-based mortar.

Building Envelope Corrections:
• Analysis of exterior masonry and identification and specification of proper repair material and techniques.
• Analysis of the original construction means and methods of the sheet metal entablature as well as techniques for repair.
• Conducting full building window assessment and development of the drawings and package leading to support for window replacement.

Meier & Frank Warehouse Renovation: Vestas HQ

Peter Meijer Architect, PC (PMA) was the Historic Preservation Architect for the full restoration of the 160,000 square-foot Meier & Frank warehouse to office conversion for Vestas Headquarters, a wind turbine developer. Built in 1928, the renovation added a penthouse with ecoroof and outdoor gathering spaces to the original four story structure. For the renovation, PMA provided:

• Building condition assessment
• Analysis for the repair and design
• Construction documents

Additionally, PMA completed a limited exterior assessment of the roof for the added penthouse at the Meier & Frank building. The deficiencies noted at the penthouse level were similar in nature to the deficiencies at the lower elevations. The building is LEED platinum.

The Meier & Frank [Warehouse] built in 1927, was designed by the noted Portland architectural firm of Sutton and Whitney. The restoration of the Meier & Frank Warehouse required the evaluation and repair of extensive concrete cracking, replacement of reinforcing bar, and detail drawings suggesting the construction of repair concrete form work.