Historic Resources Commission

The Benton County Historic Resources Commission (HRC) promotes the preservation of local historic sites, objects, and culture to enrich the present, inspire the future, and foster a sense of community. Additionally, the HRC aims to:

Inspire the community to celebrate the rich history of our structures and places, and the people connected to them, encouraging interest in preserving them for the future
Actively coordinate with State Historic Preservation Office and property owners to encourage preservation of historic resources
Safeguard our historic sites and objects, preserving them for future generations
Speak out to support local preservation efforts
Nurture opportunities for growth and partnership in the community

The county strives to create a foundation for understanding the impact of where we’ve been in order to forge a path to where we are going. This understanding includes the tangible and intangible aspects of material, culture, and multi-cultural value.

Soap Creek Schoolhouse
The Whiteside Theater
The Irish Bend School
The Frantz-Dunn House
The Bellfountain School Gym

The Benton County Historic Resources Commission is focused on engaging with the community, as well as:

Reviewing and maintaining a Cultural Resources Survey for the County;
Reviewing sites for eligibility and placement on the Benton County Register;
Promoting the use and preservation of historic resources;
Seeking funding and professional assistance for survey, planning, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic resources;
Promoting public awareness and interest in Benton County historic resources;
Reviewing applications for demolition permits and building permits for exterior alterations of structures listed on the Benton County Register of Historic Resources.

Find out more about this program by going to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s website here.

Altering Historic Resource Buildings

Benton County is focused on preserving the architectural beauty of historic buildings throughout the county while understanding that buildings need repairs from time to time or occasionally, must be demolished due to safety hazards. Visit our structural perm its page and scroll to the “Altering Historic Buildings” section, or the demolition application section, to locate the proper application forms. If you have any questions, please call email or call us.

Additional guidelines for altering historic buildings.