All the cool stuff is gone: the widow’s walk, the staircase windows, the dormer, the top turret, all the front windows, planter boxes, transom windows, all the molding around the windows, etc. Replaced with cheap siding and windows. I’ve seen places “remuddled”, but this is really sad because we know what it used to look like.
there is now a photographer in the structure as well. My kids had there high school grad pics inside with fire pole, gear hooks and all still intact.
The house on the right side (behind the station) is still there. You can tell by the strange roof line.
There is a vast difference between remodeling and restoring…what a pity that those who “remodel” old buildings do not have the same vision as those who “restore” old buildings. Restoration is an honor, paid to those who originally designed a structure…whereas, in some cases, remodeling is simply a faster, easier and cheaper way to “get the job done” and not be bothered with such petty details, like design and aesthetic value. Money does not always have to dictate the end result…it just takes someone with a little talent and imagination to achieve the end result. Think of it this way…how would you feel if someone decided to “remodel” the Pittock Mansion with vinyl siding and aluminum windows?
Happy New Year! 🙂
Great comment Jim! Unfortunately besides money, its the times that seem to dictate restoration, as earlier attitudes of what should be restored or razed are the result of any current trend. What was honored in the 1890’s was generally despised in the mid 20th century. What been built in the last 30-50 years (i.e. Urban renewal, Urban Freeways, our Portland Building…) standing the restoration barometer in the future is hard to predict. I think this is part of what makes the photo archives and this site so important – to memorialize and recognize the past for a future eye that may see what we don’t see today.
To Mike G:
Thank you…I appreciate your kind reply!
Just taking a look at the building today, The Stark Street Station…even some wide window moldings for the second floor windows…something in cream or ivory would make such a difference…even an “vintage looking” sign, centered above or even below those windows on the second floor…something like P.F.D. No. 19…nice “period” lettering in cream or ivory, painted on a rectangular olive sign board…something…and yes…I know…time…but maybe it’s at least “time” to “think” about something like that!
Again…thank you…and a most Happy New Year!
🙂
Station 19 is now right across the street from me at 73rd and E Burnside. I’m so thankful that they are there also, because the apt. next to us caught on fire Friday afternoon and I had to pull a burning mattress out of the neighbors apartment and run over to the station to get them!
also, wow, they really butchered that building. 😦
You know I could sware we’ve seen this building a while back (no not a couple of weeks, more like months or a year or something)
Speaking of the Pittock Mansion, the grand-daughter of Henry Pittock died December 2nd. She was 110 years old. Imagine all the history she lived through!
The views from the widow’s walk must have been awesome. I like the windows going up the stairs on the right
I assume that this building has been gone for a long time. Anyone know when it was razed?
Philip
Looks remarkably like the existing building at 61st and Stark now holding Coopers Coffee.
Still standing, just horribly “updated”.
@Philip: The building wasn’t razed.
@Gordon: It is indeed the building at SE 61st & Stark
For those that didn’t see it, I originally posted these links on 12/12/14.
From the Portland Fire & Rescue website (with some history & pictures from 1915 and 2010):
http://www.portlandoregon.gov/fire/article/331402?archive=yes
Street view image from August 2014 (it is now called Stark Street Station):
http://tinyurl.com/o4zd68t
All the cool stuff is gone: the widow’s walk, the staircase windows, the dormer, the top turret, all the front windows, planter boxes, transom windows, all the molding around the windows, etc. Replaced with cheap siding and windows. I’ve seen places “remuddled”, but this is really sad because we know what it used to look like.
there is now a photographer in the structure as well. My kids had there high school grad pics inside with fire pole, gear hooks and all still intact.
The house on the right side (behind the station) is still there. You can tell by the strange roof line.
There is a vast difference between remodeling and restoring…what a pity that those who “remodel” old buildings do not have the same vision as those who “restore” old buildings. Restoration is an honor, paid to those who originally designed a structure…whereas, in some cases, remodeling is simply a faster, easier and cheaper way to “get the job done” and not be bothered with such petty details, like design and aesthetic value. Money does not always have to dictate the end result…it just takes someone with a little talent and imagination to achieve the end result. Think of it this way…how would you feel if someone decided to “remodel” the Pittock Mansion with vinyl siding and aluminum windows?
Happy New Year! 🙂
Great comment Jim! Unfortunately besides money, its the times that seem to dictate restoration, as earlier attitudes of what should be restored or razed are the result of any current trend. What was honored in the 1890’s was generally despised in the mid 20th century. What been built in the last 30-50 years (i.e. Urban renewal, Urban Freeways, our Portland Building…) standing the restoration barometer in the future is hard to predict. I think this is part of what makes the photo archives and this site so important – to memorialize and recognize the past for a future eye that may see what we don’t see today.
To Mike G:
Thank you…I appreciate your kind reply!
Just taking a look at the building today, The Stark Street Station…even some wide window moldings for the second floor windows…something in cream or ivory would make such a difference…even an “vintage looking” sign, centered above or even below those windows on the second floor…something like P.F.D. No. 19…nice “period” lettering in cream or ivory, painted on a rectangular olive sign board…something…and yes…I know…time…but maybe it’s at least “time” to “think” about something like that!
Again…thank you…and a most Happy New Year!
🙂
Station 19 is now right across the street from me at 73rd and E Burnside. I’m so thankful that they are there also, because the apt. next to us caught on fire Friday afternoon and I had to pull a burning mattress out of the neighbors apartment and run over to the station to get them!
also, wow, they really butchered that building. 😦
You know I could sware we’ve seen this building a while back (no not a couple of weeks, more like months or a year or something)
@dbrunker there was this post from a couple of weeks ago:
https://vintageportland.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/station-19-circa-1915/
But maybe you meant that you recall another post from longer ago.
Speaking of the Pittock Mansion, the grand-daughter of Henry Pittock died December 2nd. She was 110 years old. Imagine all the history she lived through!