(University of Oregon, 2010-06) Churchward, Patience, 1981-
This thesis examines the role of cultural heritage in adaptively reused historic
industrial buildings in Portland, Oregon. While it has been argued that adaptive reuse
contributes to the ecological and economic initiatives of sustainability, this research
explores how adapting historic industrial buildings for modern reuse can also be socially
and culturally sustainable for communities. Industrial buildings provide physical
evidence of a rich cultural and industrial past and there are opportunities to share this
heritage with a building's new users and/or the surrounding community. Case studies
include selectively chosen National Register nominated buildings that meet specific
criteria, share a common regulatory framework, and provide insightful information
regarding the relationship between history and new use. Strengths and challenges of conveying industrial heritage in modern use as well as opportunities for developers of
historic properties to highlight and improve upon this process are identified.
