Historic Hood River
Not Too “Matchy-match?”
Notes
Hood River has a Landmarks Review Board to review additions or modifications to historic properties like the Hood River Middle School, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a 1996 Sally Donovan image of a relatively recent addition to the campus which illustrates one of the basic reviews which is conducted before new construction can occur. A review is conducted of the “EXTERIOR design of new construction is to ensure that new construction is compatible with the character of the district or designated historic landmark located on the same parcel.” The US Department of the Interior provides guidelines to help determine compatibility.
The basic idea is an addition should not detract from or clash with the original structure, and it should not pretend to be historic. In this case the facade of this small building uses similar brick materials to the main Hood River High School facade and has a similar profile, but it is smaller, set back, less ornate, and clearly a modern addition. In the words of our city landmarks expert, it’s “not too matchy match.”
I though about our landmarks review process as I watched the French government debate the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral after the terrible fire in 2019. There were many options proposed (check out this wonderful article to see how architects talk about this subject), but eventually they decided to commission an exact replacement. I cannot imagine how difficult it was to navigate the issues of religion and national identity to come to that conclusion. I am glad I didn’t have to be part of the review of that restoration.
Arlen L Sheldrake
While I didn’t appreciate it at the time, our former High School is an absolute classic. Arlen HRHS ’59
James
It sure is Arlen. With all the classic touches of windows and gables. The old auditorium is a classic too, those original wood seats are a wee bit hard for my bottom tho. Notice the old ‘hat racks’ under those old seats(an oval wire thing).
Dan
Fun fact, When I was at that school we planted that fir that’s located in the NE corner of the courtyard and placed a time capsule under or near it. Look at the size of it now! I wonder if that capsule is still there. BTW, I was born in 1960
Alan
It was an honor and pleasure to hold my school concerts in that beautiful auditorium for 26 years. . . .terrific memories for my students, parents and community members.
Kyle
My daughter is a middle school student there now, so we’re currently enjoying the beautiful old building.
Brent Emmons
This thread was just shared with me. I have served as the principal of Hood River Middle School for 14 years (prior to the construction of the library). I was involved in the LEED Platinum, NET Zero music and science building addition to our campus. I believe this structure is complimentary to the original, historic school. Much better than the library. Fun fact about the library… Please note the excavation of the site is greater that the platform of the library. The building was to occupy the entire site but expenses required a reduction in the size of the building. This left the odd "front lawn" at the site!
ArthurB
Thanks for filling in those details, Brent. I’ll have to take another look at the library building.
Will
I finally got to go into the auditorium for an Outdoor School meeting a couple of weeks ago. The Percy Manser murals are epic.
Cecelia
I was recently reading something at museum associated with "fun facts" (can’t remember the source) but this high school was listed for having it’s back face the street it was on. The next time I went by its west side I could see that the north side door does, indeed, look like a front entrance (facing football field.). I never considered that side as the front of the building as a student there in the 1950’s!