Friends of Historic Forest Grove

Projects

 

Committee to Preserve the A.T. Smith Property (CPATSP)

 

 

The Alvin T. Smith House was one of only two structures in Forest Grove that were documented for the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) in the 1930s. The house was placed on the National Register in 1971 by the Zurcher family who were the owners at the time. This 1938 photo is on record with the National Parks Service (NPS) and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

 

Built with oak timber framing, the house has defied nature and human neglect. The Classical Greek Revival elements are simple and elegant. The remaining 6-over-6 original windows were restored in 2005-06 and non-period windows will eventually be replaced. The roof replacement was completed in 2007.

 

 

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust, a fund that invests in our state’s arts, humanities and heritage. Funds supporting this phase of restoration are also provided by the Oregon Parks Department, State Historic Preservation Office, Preserving Oregon Grant and City of Forest Grove Community Enhancement Project Grant. The Friends of Historic Forest Grove purchased the house in 2005.

 

The stabilization plan details enhanced basement support and a perimeter drain system. Funding for this phase of the restoration is in place and work has begun to support the basement walls as a perimeter French drain is installed. This drain will redirect the ground water shed by the roof away from the structure and prevent moisture from accumulating under the house which could possibly cause the basement walls to collapse.