Neighbors hope history will save old homes

Residents work with city, builders to slow demolitions

Recent controversies over the proposed demolition of three historic homes proves the city is not doing enough to protect such culturally significant properties, say local preservationists and neighborhood activists.

Some advocates are proposing changes to city policies to reduce the growing number of demolitions and save more older homes. None of their proposals has been adopted.

Two of the recently contested homes are in Northwest Portland and one is in the Laurelhurst neighborhood. All three were on the Historic Resources Inventory compiled by the city in 1984.

Being on the list is supposed to trigger a public notice and 120-day delay before demolition can start. But in all three cases, developers requested the homes be taken off the list the same day they applied for the demolition permits, and the citys Bureau of Development Services complied.

The most recent home to become the focus of such a conflict is the Markham House at 3206 N.E. Glisan St. Built in 1911, it was the first house in what would become the Laurelhurst neighborhood, serving as the office for the realtor who sold the homes built in the following years. The Historic Resources Inventory listing for the house describes the style as California Mission and says it features include a gable roof finished with glazed clay tiles and exterior finished in smooth stucco. One side of the Laurelhurst Gate announcing the entrance to the neighborhood is on the northwest corner of the property.

Despite its historic significance, the house and grounds have fallen into disrepair. In recent years, the sloped driveway to a garage in the back of the house was bulldozed and replaced with a flat parking slab. The front porch and parts of the exterior walls were covered with newer tiles. Cracks are showing in some exterior walls and the garage appears on the verge of falling down. The interior, though largely complete, is dirty and in need of numerous repairs.

The previous owners sold the house on a short sale to developer Peter Kusyk. He is considering replacing it with two homes, which is allowed under the existing zoning because the lot can be divided. Or he might be willing to work with a buyer who wants to renovate it.

Although neighbors heard the house might be for sale, they were surprised when Kusyk bought it because there had been no advertising, lawn signs or open houses. Jennifer Moffatt, who lives just east of the house on Glisan, heads a group of neighbors opposed to the potential demolition and redevelopment project. It includes a Facebook page and online petition opposing the demolition.

If there was a requirement that the sale or demolition of historic homes be publicized, preservationists might step forward and buy them, says Kusyk.

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Neighbors hope history will save old homes