A Changing Neighborhood

The Morris Marks House sits at its original location at 1134 SW 12th Avenue.  Located midway between Goose Hollow and the South Park Blocks.  In the late 19th century this neighborhood was comprised of upper middle-class homes and churches. Once a residential neighborhood filled with single family homes, today the area between Goose Hollow and the South Park Blocks is dominated by high-rise condominiums and large commercial buildings.

The Morris Marks House sits at its original location at 1134 SW 12th Avenue, located midway between Goose Hollow and the South Park Blocks.  In the late 19th century this neighborhood was comprised of upper middle-class homes and churches.  Once a residential neighborhood filled with single family homes, today the area between Goose Hollow and the South Park Blocks is dominated by high-rise condominiums and large commercial buildings.  Already dwarfed by surrounding development, the Morris Marks House is  threatened by zoning regulations that allow for high-density development on the tax lot it currently occupies.

Dwarfed by Development

Intricately carved and molded woodwork, decorated pillars and curved window architraves are just a few of the historic design details that make this house both architecturally and historically significant. 

Possible Uses

Once the house has been moved and restored to its former glory, reuse options could include a variety of commercial, community or housing opportunities.  The existing floor plan allows for several flexible use options such as single or multi-family residential uses including condominiums, office or retail space or even live/work space for artists.

Actions Needed

 

- Need for Relocation of Historic Property Due to Inevitable High-Density Development on Current Site

 

- Need to Secure an Appropriate Vacant Parcel Within Specific Geographic Area Due to Moving Constraints

Property Requirements

 

- Meet Moving and Relocation Criteria for the Morris Marks House

- Fit Current Zoning

- Currently Vacant

- Fits Into Neighborhood, City, Metro and State Planning Goals

- Supported by the Community

Portland has a history of strong community planning.  The proposed relocation of the Morris Marks House would help to achieve the community livability and sustainable development vision outlined in  existing community plans:

- Portland Central City Plan

- Portland Downtown Plan

- Metro 2040 Plan for Density

 

Next Steps

- Determine feasibility of securing site for Morris Marks House

- Land-use flexibility study with regards to property sale of long term lease

- Find tenant for the Morris Marks House

- Time line for 2007 - 2009

For more information contact:

The Ogilby Group. LLC

8316 N. Lombard St. PMB #405

Portland, OR 97203

Portland, OR 97201

Phone: 503-572-5323

www.morrismarkshouse.com

 

The Ogilby Group, LLC

Building Preservation & Relocation Specialists

Historic Morris Marks House (1880)

Portland, Oregon

Built in 1880 for Polish immigrant and successful shoe merchant Morris Marks, the Morris Marks House is one of two remaining residences attributed to prominent architect Warren H. Williams and the sole remaining Italianate residence in the downtown core.  Although he practiced in Portland for just 15 years, Warren H Williams’ prolific and innovative architecture made a dramatic impact on the city.  In addition to the Morris Marks House, he designed the Blagen Building and the Old Church in Portland, Oregon and Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC among others. 

An Exciting Preservation Partnership Opportunity

Morris Marks at his Shoe Store