PORTLAND, Ore — The movie houses of small town Oregon and gathering places in Portland's historic African-American communities are among the heritage sites in danger of being lost, according a preservation group.
Restore Oregon has released its annual Oregon's Most Endangered Places list of historic properties that are threatened by neglect, disuse or redevelopment.
New to the list this year is an Elks lodge that served residents of the historically African-American neighborhood of Albina and others. It was home to Elks members when the organization did not allow black members at lodges, it hosted USO events for black service members and it was a YMCA.
Another property that symbolizes the city's African-American heritage is the Mayo House. The owners of the 1895 home plan to turn it into an arts and community center on the lot where a relative's boarding house stood until it was torn down under racist "anti-blight" programs in the 1980s, according to Restore Oregon. Their plan is to turn it into a community center and hub of African-American arts, history and culture.
SLIDESHOW: Oregon's most endangered places
Also new are numerous historic theaters scattered across the state. Former downtown gathering places in small towns, the theaters have not benefited from preservation efforts other venues have had in larger towns, according to Restore Oregon.
Also on the list are a historic church in Albany, a ski lodge at Santiam Pass and Civil War-era store in The Dalles.
Check out the list of properties Restore Oregon is highlighting this year as most threatened.
The Portland Business Journal is a KGW News partner.
