West Linn Historic City Hall Listed on National Register of Historic Places

YOU'RE INVITED: 3:00 to 5:00 pm  - Thursday, September 8, 2022

You're invited to the Historic City Hall National Register Ceremony! This culturally significant historic landmark has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, and we'll celebrate with a ribbon-cutting and reception to unveil the new plaque. We'll also get a sneak peak at remodeling plans that will help keep this site a living, active part of West Linn history now and in the future. Read more about its history here.

The recognition of the property’s significance is a key component to revitalizing the area as a gateway and anchor for the West Linn Waterfront Project and the Willamette Falls Heritage Area.

The listing will allow the City and its partner, the Willamette Falls & Landings Heritage Coalition (WFLHC), to apply for grants and funding for planned restoration work to Historic City Hall. The City and the WFLHC are moving forward with building renovations to create a cultural center operated by the WFLHC. Once renovated, Historic City Hall will have community meeting facilities, office spaces, and an interpretive center highlighting area history and displaying local artwork. Read more about future plans below.

AGENDA:

3:00 to 5:00 pm  - Thursday, September 8, 2022

3:00 – Welcome speech by Mayor Walters

3:05 – WFLHC speech

3:10 – Ribbon cutting

3:15 – Reception inside the building featuring remodel renderings by Islelin Architect, as well as historic photos . Light snacks will be provided.

5:00 – Thank you and conclusion

All interested members of the public are welcome to this free event! If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Schroder or Danielle Choi. Thank you all for your dedication to preserving West Linn's history!

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WEST LINN, OR – October 27, 2021

We are excited to share that the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office just announced that West Linn’s Historic City Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places! The recognition of the property’s significance is a key component to revitalizing the area as a gateway and anchor for the West Linn Waterfront Project and the Willamette Falls Heritage Area.

The listing will allow the City and its partner, the Willamette Falls and Landings Heritage Coalition (WFLHC), to apply for grants and funding for planned restoration work to Historic City Hall. The City and the WFLHC are moving forward with building renovations to create a cultural center operated by the WFLHC. Once renovated, Historic City Hall will have community meeting facilities, office spaces, and an interpretive center highlighting area history and displaying local artwork.

“This is a tremendous achievement for our community and the Waterfront Area,” Mayor Walters stated, “I am excited for the momentum this brings to revitalizing the Historic City Hall Building and the surrounding area.”

Historic City Hall was unique in that it was conceived as a public-private partnership in 1936, housing government services and commercial businesses. Funded through the Public Works Administration relief program of the Great Depression, Historic City Hall served as a center of city life, housing the council chambers, city offices, library, police station, post office, and a grocery market that was the flagship store to what would later become the Thriftway grocery store chain throughout Oregon.

Progress towards renovation of Historic City Hall as a destination cultural heritage and community center remains underway, thanks to our tribal partners, area landowners, Willamette Falls and Landings Heritage Coalition, Clackamas County, and funding from the 2018 General Obligation Bond passed by voters.

Interested in learning more about the history of West Linn, Historic City Hall and the area? Read the application materials submitted for National Registry of Historic Places here

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