Advocacy Watch: PSU to Demolish Historic Housing
Blackstone and Montgomery Court 120 Day Demo Permit Filed

SPEAK OUT TO SAVE EXISTING HOUSING: PSU to Demolish Historic Park Blocks Residence Halls! How might these be retained for existing housing now?

Portland State University filed for a 120-day demolition permit to tear down two historic 1930s residence halls on the Portland Park Blocks, a designated National Register historic site to which these buildings are significant contributors. This reckless move threatens PSU’s architectural heritage and the integrity of the Portland Park Blocks.

There will be no demolition review hearing or any way for the public to have a voice unless you speak out now.
The 120 day Demolition Delay expires on July 2nd so the time is now to take action!

Both buildings are eligible for national registry listing because of their historic, cultural, and architectural importance. Montgomery Court (formerly the Martha Washington) was designed by Portland's most famous architect, A.E. Doyle and has a significant importance in women's history (See video linked below). The Blackstone Apartments were designed as low income housing by Elmer Feig for Harry Mittleman. PSU has let the buildings decline through willful disinvestment, however, these buildings are too important to the downtown and our city's identity to lose.

At a time when PSU is facing serious financial struggles, why demolish irreplaceable historic resources to build new housing they can’t afford for a declining student population—especially when they have available, vacant land? In a housing crisis, we can't afford to be removing multi-family housing. This decision is shortsighted and unnecessary, and has huge carbon and climate impacts. 

Sign the petition now to urge PSU to withdraw the demolition permit and send a letter using our template encouraging them to retrofit the buildings instead and retain existing housing. Urge PSU to use their existing vacant land instead of demolishing our heritage.