Portland Customs House Plan

Several years ago the US government made a decision too sell the historical Customs house to a local developer who planned to convert the structure to a boutique hotel. It was a great idea and won out over other competing ideas for the property including using it as a community center.

Well after waiting and waiting for remodelling activity to start, we all figured out that the project was dead. Probably the economy.

Now we have a new proposal that seems to be gaining traction. The Portland International School has submitted an application to acquire the building. It has now been approved and the school plans to use green building techniques to renovate the empty space and preserve the historical character.

Sounds like a terrific plan. Now they just need to figure out how to raise the money. The building is being be donated to the school under a federal program but the costs to update the building will run many millions of dollars.

I am hoping they can pull it off.

- To learn more about the historical significance of the Portland Customs House go to this link - Customs House.

Saving the Morris Marks House

On SW 12th Ave, in downtown, sits a relic from the past. Among modern buildings and condominium towers, is a rare Italianate House. Some call it a Mansion, but it's a two-story, single-family residence in a somewhat flamboyant style. The Morris Marks House was built in 1880 by the legendary architect Warren H. Williams and is one of two remaining residences from this prominent Portland architect.

PSU's Historical Preservation club is holding an informational meeting on April 16th, 6-8pm at West Café, 1201 SW Jefferson St Portland. They are looking for ideas on how to save the house from possible demolition. The current owners have other plans for the site and are willing to give the house to any person or group that would move it to a new location.

For more information, contact Clem Ogilby at 503-572-5323 or http://www.morrismarkshouse.com/.

Photo from Preservationdirectory.com