Title
Buena Vista House Update
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Staff seeks direction from the City Commission concerning the request to reconnect power to the Buena Vista House, the City's long-term vision for the Buena Vista House and how Community Services staff should dedicate resources to the Buena Vista House
BACKGROUND:
The Buena VIsta House is a 1,012 square foot community meeting space located in Atkinson Park in the McLoughlin Neighborhood of Oregon City. Records indicate that the Buena Vista Social clubhouse was erected in the 1923 by club members who moved the building onsite in two sections. This social club was created for the residents of the Buena Vista neighborhood of Oregon City and is a good example of a local neighborhood civic and social club.
The building was taken over by the city of Oregon City in 1987 by request of the remaining club members. From 1987-2013 it was used as a rental facility for events and parks programs. The last year of full operation saw 28 reservations and approximately $3,400 in revenue. The building was flagged by the Building Official in 2013 as a dangerous structure and was closed. Electrical service was disconnected from the house shortly after and minimal maintenance funds have been used on the building.
CIty staff are currently working with stakeholders to determine if the building can once again be open to the community. Staff have received estimates from construction firms on the repairs and improvements that would be required to reopen the house. At this time stakeholders are requesting that privately raised funds be used to reconnect power and have minimal levels of heat available to minimize the deteriorization of the structure until a long-term solution is identified.
Staff will be providing a presentation on the history of the house, the repair and improvement requirements, the public engagement process and eligibility status for the national register of historic places.