The Historic Landmarks Board is a voluntary advisory board appointed by the City of Forest Grove to act as a resource for the historic preservation community.

We offer financial aid to owners of historic property in the form of renovation grants. We work to educate the community of Forest Grove in regards to it's historic resources and how to preserve them.

LONG TERM GOALS

(UPDATED FEBRUARY 2008)

Short Term (1-to-3 years)

1. Public Relations Campaign and Education: Prepare a means of public outreach to better educate the residents and citizens of the historic significance of Forest Grove and the properties therein.
2. Continue to actively work on the Clark District design guidelines.
3. Complete formation of the Painter’s Woods District.
4. Work on obtaining a banner and display board for local events.
5. Gain historic district status for the Walker’s/Naylor’s addition.
6. Develop a demolition by neglect ordinance.

Medium Term (3-to-5 years)

1. Create a Downtown Historic District in conjunction with the City’s Downtown Plan.
2. Work with the Friends of Historic Forest Grove to develop the A. T. Smith House Living History Museum.

Long Term (5-to-10 years)

1. Additional Surveys of Historic Properties: Perform additional surveys.
2. Additional Historic District: Once survey work has been completed, and provided that the Board is confident in the percentage of historic contributing properties in the new survey area, complete a new historic district.
3. Museum: No specifics were adopted. The museum could be within town or outside, and could focus on Forest Grove, agriculture in the region, etc.
4. Downtown District: Work with the City in restoring the existing downtown, in an attempt to revitalize the downtown businesses and preserve the buildings located there.

2008-09 Goals

(ADOPTED FEBRUARY 26, 2008)

1. Recruit new members.
2. National Historic Preservation Month (May). Board activities to include: Hanging the banner over Pacific Avenue; a library display; Council proclamation; Stewart Award; and schedule a guest lecturer.
3. Founder’s Week house tour in conjunction with Friends (September).
4. Continue quarterly newsletter (February, May, August, and November).
5. Continue renovation grant program.
6. Apply for City Enhancement Funds and additional funding.
7. Identify stakeholders to be involved with the protection of and public access to the Stewart Collection in the Stewart History Room.
8. Continue political lobbying.
9. Assist as necessary with the Friends of Historic Forest Grove regarding the A. T. Smith house.
10. Continued to work with the City to enhance website content and improving its look (preferably to more closely resemble the original design).