Oregon
Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 27
matching
grants worth $2,355,700 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations
across the state for building projects that encourage economic revitalization.
Projects range from façade improvement to elevator access and seismic upgrades
and awards range from $17,500-$100,000.
The
department funded projects that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private
investment and local economic development, and best fit within the community’s
long range plan for downtown vitality.
Funded
projects include:
·
Klamath Falls Downtown Association will receive
$100,000 to install elevators in two downtown buildings. The project will
address the goal of downtown housing and make available 20 units.
·
Astoria Downtown Historic District Association
will receive $100,000 for a downtown housing project that comprises 40 units
and retail space. Housing is a proven need in this community and people living
in downtowns support other downtown businesses.
·
A $100,000 project in Burns will restore a
historic hotel left vacant for decades.
·
A $100,000project in Independence will
rehabilitate an underused building to be a local brewery.
·
Several communities were selected for work to
repair or restore their historic theaters: The OK Theatre in Enterprise
$100,000, the Rivoli Theater in Pendleton $100,000, the Bungalow Theater in
Woodburn $100,000, and the Hill Theatre, now a retail store, in Hillsboro
$100,000.
Other
communities awarded grants include Baker City, Bandon, Beaverton, Carlton, Corvallis,
Florence, John Day, La Grande, McMinnville, Newberg, Oregon City, Port Orford,
Portland, Reedsport, St. Helens, Stayton, The Dalles, and Weston.
The
grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session, and placed with
the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The legislation established a
permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, and provided an
initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. The funds must be
used to award grants to participating Oregon Main Street Network organizations
to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings to facilitate community
revitalization. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds
go to rural communities as defined in the bill.
Complete list of awards
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| Merwyn Building - Astoria |
Central Hotel - Burns |
Kern Building - Klamath Falls |
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