Title
Buena Vista Civic Club Building Historic Designation
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Staff recommend Commission consider the opportunities and obligations of supporting local landmark designation for the Buena Vista Civic Club building.
BACKGROUND:
The Buena Vista Club 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 Civic Club was formed in 1923 and that the structure was relocated in 1930 by club members who moved the building onto the site in two sections. The 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, parks programs and private rentals. 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 working with stakeholders to determine if the building can once again be open to the community. A stakeholder group called Friends of Buena Vista Club House (FBVCH) privately raised funds be used to reconnect power to ensure that minimal levels of heat are provided to minimize the deterioration of the structure until a long-term solution is identified. A presentation was provided to the City Commission at regular meeting on May 1, 2019. At that meeting, staff were directed to reconnect power using the privately raised funds and to work with the FBVCH to determine a mutually agreeable scope of work and identify costs to reopen the building. A deadline of July 30, 2019 was selected to study this work and provide an update to the City Commission.
The FBVCH is also requesting the City support local landmark designation of The Buena Vista Civic Club building. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has provided the City with a determination letter stating that the building is eligible for listing on the National Register under Criteria A for its association with early social and civic development in Oregon City. Staff was directed by the Commission to bring back information regarding the opportunities and obligations that would accompany local landmark designation or National Register designation and the process required for nomination.
Oregon City Planning staff have provided a memorandum which outlines the process and regulatory implications of designating the Buena Vista Civic Club building as either a local historic landmark or on the National Register of Historic Places. The memorandum can be found attached to this staff report. Staff will be prepared to discuss and answer any questions during the June 5, 2019 City Commission meeting.