The ending of World War II brought profound changes to this nation culturally, economically, and architecturally. The ensuing baby boom, rising car culture, and new technologies all thrust America into a new era. The mid-20th  century in America would be a time of exceptional growth and expansion. The generation of Americans that lived through the Great Depression had just won a world war and was looking to the future. Following the war, eager and industrious Americans went to work on building modern... more

Previously in this column, we discussed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in our entry titled A Little Place for Mom.  ADUs are often called “mother-in-law” apartments, and a major hurdle for homeowners in constructing one is the $7,500 to $12,000 in city systems fees imposed. The Portland City Council passed an ordinance on March 3 that waived the System Development Charges (SDCs) for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) beginning April 15, 2010 and ending June 30, 2013. So, during this period, the... more

Dutch Colonial houses were built in Portland, OR from around 1900 until 1930. They can trace their stylistic roots back to the early 17th century colonial homes of New Amsterdam (New York City) and the remainder of New Netherlands (present day Long Island, Hudson River Valley, Western Connecticut, and New Jersey). All Dutch Colonial houses in Portland are by necessity Dutch Colonial Revival houses as we have no 17th century Dutch colonial heritage in Oregon. The term “Dutch Colonial”... more

This issue’s musings from across the drawing board ponders what it means to be green. Kermit the Frog got it right. It’s not easy being green. The word is thrown about so cavalierly that the term is poised to lose its meaning completely. If you are planning a renovation project and want to be green, I will give you advice in only one word. The word is not “plastics” like Mr. McGuire said to Benjamin in the classic film The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman. (If you have never seen the film,... more

The new kid on the block Old Portland Hardware & Architectural is making friends fast with quality house parts from Portland and other parts of the country. Northwest Renovation decided to pay them a visit and ask owner Bret Hodgert a few questions. We explored the showroom, finding many one-of-a-kind architectural gems and replacement hardware. Also new to the neighborhood is Portland Vintage Plumbing, owned by Brenda Wasco. Her shop is nestled in OPH&A, selling new, vintage reproduction... more

Is your bathroom in the pink? If so, consider yourself fortunate indeed! Vintage bathrooms often sported a wide array of colored bathroom fixtures. The adventure into color began in the 1920s. Changes in technology brought opportunities to experiment with glazes on porcelain fixtures. This facilitated a shift away from the white on white approach common during the Sanitary Movement that held sway during the early 1900s. Also, emerging technology brought changes to printing. The ability to create... more

When planning an addition to your home, a number of meetings are involved. Which is the most important? You will meet with architects in determining who should design your project. These meetings are necessary, but not the most important. You will meet with contractors to decide who will build your addition. These meetings are informative, but not the most important. Many homeowners opt not to hold the most important meeting of the project, the pre-construction conference. Having a great team of... more

A fireplace is more than just a place to warm yourself on a cold day. In any weather, it sets the atmosphere for its surrounding environs. A home with the right fireplace will feel more comfortable, both because of its heat on a winter day and its aesthetics year-round. Likewise, a house with an unharmonious hearth will feel disjointed. If you suspect you’re not getting enough from what should be the centerpiece of your home, you have a few decisions to make before dismantling that mantle. When... more