Accept the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission 2021 State of the City Preservation Report

May 25, 2022 SUBJECT: Portland Historic Landmarks Commission 2021 State of the City Preservation Report The attached report is a required Annual Report of the Portland Historic Landmarks State of the City Preservation Report for 2021. The report is required by Portland City Code [Title 33] to fulfill the Annual Report requirement for its actions and accomplishments for each fiscal year. The Historic Landmarks Commission is an active volunteer Commission, holding 19 public meetings between January 2021 and December 2021, during which they discussed land use cases, reviewed National Register listings and provided comments and advice through agency briefings related to such various topics as the South Park Blocks Master Plan, the Thompson Elk Fountain, as well as major transportation projects such as the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge. They also held one retreat during which they discussed issues relevant to their preservation work and their role as advocates for preservation in the City of Portland. The premise of this 2021 State of the City Preservation Report is to be educative and request City Council support for continued preservation-related work. Last year the Historic Landmarks Commission presented an overview of the Commission’s three goals and priorities for historic preservation in the City of Portland: 1. Preservation Justice, 2. Sustainability and Climate Resilience, and 3. Affordability. These are still Commission priorities, and this year they request City Council’s action to support this work with identified priority projects. These three priorities are also found in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. When used in a collaborative forward-thinking way, such as is discussed in the report, preservation can be a tool to successfully advance these three goals. The presentation will be led by the Landmarks Commission Chair, Kristen Minor, with other Landmarks Commissioners co-presenting and available to answer questions and supplement information. The Historic Landmarks Commission is proud to have been a part of the following 2021 Historic Preservation Successes: Held a joint Design Advice Request (DAR) with the Portland Design Commission on the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge. The discussion and consensus achieved at this joint DAR marked a turning point in design decisions for the future bridge in that it resulted in an acceptance, if not celebration, of an asymmetrical conceptual design, with each side of the bridge responding to its immediate context. This collaboration has proven invaluable in finding commonalities, particularly as it relates to the future of this important public project. Worked with the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) on the Historic Resources Code Project with Chair Minor participating in PSC work sessions throughout the year. Reviewed and recommended for approval several National Register of Historic Places nominations including the Golden West Hotel, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, and Dean’s Beauty Salon and Barber Shop, all three of which are related to Portland’s significant and under-represented African-American history. These nominations were supported with City resources and hopefully are the first of a list to soon be expanded. Reviewed and, following an initial lack of Commission support, ultimately recommended for approval the nomination of the South Park Blocks to the National Register, a critical City-owned asset. Provided early design advice on renovation for two historic affordable housing buildings, and approved renovation and new development on the Anna Mann Old People’s Home property for the purpose of converting the 3.14 acre site to affordable housing with 128 units in a beautiful setting close-in to downtown. Background: The Historic Landmarks Commission provides leadership and expertise on maintaining and enhancing Portland's historic and architectural heritage. The Commission identifies and protects buildings and other properties that have historic or cultural significance or special architectural merit. The Commission provides advice on historic preservation matters and coordinates historic preservation programs in the city. The Commission is also actively involved in the development of design guidelines for historic districts. The Historic Landmarks Commission consists of seven members, none of whom may hold public elective office. At least two members must have professional experience in historic preservation, local history, architectural history, or architecture. At least three of the additional members must have professional experience or working knowledge of historic preservation, local history, architectural history, architecture, landscape architecture, real estate, economics, construction, community development, urban planning, archeology, law, finance, cultural geography, cultural anthropology, cultural resources management, or related disciplines. The Commission may have up to two members at-large. All members must have demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge of historic preservation. No more than two members of the Commission may be in the business of buying, selling, leasing, or developing real estate for profit, or be officers of such a business. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The terms shall be a maximum of four years with a maximum of two full terms. Powers and Duties: The Historic Landmarks Commission has all of the powers and duties which are assigned to it by PCC Title 33 or by City Council. The Commission powers and duties include: Establishing, amending, or removing Historic Landmark and Conservation Landmark designations and amending Historic District and Conservation District designations in quasi-judicial reviews; Recommending the establishment, amendment, or removal of Historic Landmark and Conservation Landmark designations and Significant Resource identification to the City Council in legislative actions; Providing advice on the establishment, amendment, or removal of Historic Districts and Conservation Districts to the Planning and Sustainability Commission in legislative actions; Recommending design guidelines for Historic Districts and Conservation Districts to the City Council in legislative actions; Reviewing development proposals for Historic Landmarks and Conservation Landmarks and in Historic Districts and Conservation Districts in quasi-judicial reviews; Reviewing demolition and relocation requests for certain Historic Landmarks, Conservation Landmarks, and resources in Historic Districts and Conservation Districts in quasi-judicial reviews; Providing advice on historic preservation matters to the Hearings Officer, Design Commission, Planning and Sustainability Commission, Portland Development Commission, other City commissions and committees, and City Council; and Initiating and coordinating historic preservation and public outreach programs in the City, including making recommendations on National Register of Historic Places nominations and making recommendations to other governmental agencies regarding historic preservation programs and issues. The following exhibits are included: Exhibit A: Annual Report of the Portland Historic Landmarks State of the City Preservation Report for 2021. Exhibit B: A document tracking Commission meetings and Historic Review-related work for the year.