          
Photo at top is comet Hale Boppe courtesy of Tim Chase. Sketch on right by Teresa Kasner. |
CROWN POINT STATE PARK, COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON "Unless treatment of problems is begun, the jewel created by Edgar Lazarus and other visionary Oregonians will continue to deteriorate until the historic materials are destroyed and the structure itself may become compromised."  -- from Vista House Report, September 1995, McBride Architects In 1994, Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, the State Historic Preservation Office and the Friends of Vista House agreed to combine their efforts and finance a detailed structural study to assess the current condition of the historic Vista House. It would be used as a "blueprint" for restoration efforts of the OPRD & the Friends organization. Care was taken to select a highly professional firm to conduct the study. During the summer of 1995, an army of specialists descended upon the building, poked, prodded, and studied every nook and cranny. They examined the building materials, structural strength, mechanical and electrical systems and moisture intrusion and damage. The team produced a document that thoroughly assessed the condition of the building, and recommends a prioritized list of restoration projects. |