Deepwood Estates, Salem, Oregon

Welcome to the Historic Built Environment Program, presented by Environmental Services, Oregon Department of Transportation. The site offers links to information and photographs of a variety of the state´s historically significant resources, including a selection of covered bridges, residential and commercial architecture built by some of the state´s earliest settlers, pioneer wagon roads, and the nationally-significant coastal bridges designed by Conde B. McCullough in the mid-1930s, as well as America´s premiere historic and scenic route - the old Columbia River Highway. There are also descriptions of the various laws and regulations which protect Oregon´s historic resources. As our cities grow and change through the years, the protection of our cultural resources becomes more and more important (see Portland: 1895/1985).
 
Information about the Cultural Resources process and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) can be accessed here. 

The ODOT Cultural Resources Unit has just completed development of comprehensive guidance materials for local government agencies to assist in the preparation of Historic Downtown Main Street enhancement projects. The new guidance materials include information on the selection and design of streetscape enhancements, sidewalks, landscaping, pedestrian features, and lighting considerations. The guidance brochure is available in PDF format - Historic Downtown Main Streets: Strategies for Compatible Streetscape Design.