As Oregon City continues to honor its heritage throughout Historic Preservation Month, the City Commission acknowledged a local business for their preservation efforts during Wednesday night’s meeting.
The 2023 recipient of the Ruth McBride Powers Preservation Award was I.O.O.F building, home of “The Hive Social.”
The Historic Review Board nominates an individual or group for the Ruth McBride Powers Preservation Award yearly during Preservation Month to applaud the efforts of citizens, building/business owners, and others who show passion for preservation.
“The owners have been before the Historic Review Board numerous times and have done an amazing job preserving the features while improving the building structurally and enlivening our city with new social spaces. They have been very sensitive to the preservation of the structure and should be commended for their efforts. It is a real asset to the community.”
Accepting the award was Linette Dobbins, Ashley Hunt and Judith McGee. Dobbins explained some of the challenges their family has faced restoring the old building, while highlighting their desire to preserve the historic character of the structure.
Ruth Powers was born in 1903 and during the final 25 years of her life was a champion for preserving Oregon City’s historic properties, eventually donating several to the City.