EASTMORELAND HISTORIC DISTRICT OVERVIEW & FAQ
EASTMORELAND HISTORIC DISTRICT APPROVED
The Eastmoreland neighborhood’s nomination to become a National Register historic district was approved Dec. 7, 2022, by the National Park Service. The Eastmoreland Historic District is now officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. Note that Portland has taken the position that “Historic Districts” are now a Portland designation providing a higher level of protections than National Register Historic Districts such as Eastmoreland and Laurelhurst.
Considered significant for its reflection of City Beautiful planning principles, its mix of early 20th-century architectural styles, and its pattern of tree lined, contrasting straight and meandering streets, the district contains more than 1,000 contributing structures. Included historic greenspaces are the Eastmoreland Golf Course, Reed College Place, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Berkeley Park, the Eastmoreland Garden, and Eastmoreland Playground.
The approval of the district caps nearly a decade of efforts by residents seeking to protect historic houses from the wrecking ball; houses that represent a wide variety of sizes and varying degrees of affordability within the landscaped street scape and public green spaces. In that short period, the neighborhood lost more than two dozen homes demolished by developers, which in every case were replaced with larger, denser and far more expensive houses.
In the final analysis, the nomination to become an historic district was favored by 70 percent of homeowners, according to the exhaustive count overseen by state officials.
EASTMORELAND HISTORIC DISTRICT FAQ
Q. What are the boundaries of the Eastmoreland Historic District?
The district is roughly bounded by SE Woodstock Blvd. to the north, SE Cesar Chavez Ave. to the east south to Berkeley Park, then along SE 36th to SE Crystal Springs Blvd., then including all of the Eastmoreland Golf Course and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden along the south, west, and north boundaries encompassing approximately 475 acres. See a map of the district here.
Q. Are all buildings in the Eastmoreland Historic District contributing properties?
Not all but more than 80 percent of buildings within the historic district are considered to be “contributing”. In general, structures that are considered “non-contributing” are homes built after 1960 and homes that have lost their historical characteristics because of past remodeling. To see whether or not a particular property is contributing or noncontributing, go to PortlandMaps and search for the address. Then scroll down to the Permits & Zoning section and click on Zoning & Districts. The Zoning & Districts page for each property indicates if it is in the district and whether or not it is contributing or noncontributing.
Q. Can I appeal the listing of my house?
Yes. If you believe your home was listed improperly, you can petition for a review. Contact the Oregon State Historical Preservation Office here.
Q. Does the Historic District restrict demolitions?
Yes. Homes considered “contributing” may not be demolished without the owner engaging in a lengthy public process, including a city council hearing with an uncertain outcome. Properties that are not considered to be “contributing” to the historic nature of the district (such as those built after 1960, or houses that have had most of their historical features modified or removed over the years), are not subject to this process. All detached garages are exempt from the demolition protections.
Q. Are there new taxes or fees that come with the Historic District?
No. Homeowners of historic may be able to apply for tax relief under some circumstances when they rehabilitate their home. More details here.
Q. What are federal, state and local regulations regarding historic districts?
See: Federal: 36 CFR 60; State: OAR 660-023; Local (Portland): 33.445.120
Q. Does the Eastmoreland Historic District affect remodeling?
Please see the “Demolitions and Remodels” tab.
Q. Need to contact us with more questions?
First review the section Demolitions and Remodels. With further questions or suggestions, email to ENA at: communications@eastmorelandpdx.org