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Council advances Criterion Schoolhouse historic designation to second reading
Summary
After a staff presentation and no public testimony, the Salem City Council voted to advance ordinance bill 2-25 to a second reading to designate the Criterion Schoolhouse (relocated to the Oregon State Fairgrounds) as a local historic resource.
The Salem City Council advanced to second reading an ordinance that would designate the Criterion Schoolhouse, located at 2330 17th Street NE on the Oregon State Fairgrounds, as a local historic resource.
Historic planner Jake Morris summarized the staff report and recommendation, describing the 1912 one‑room Criterion Schoolhouse’s historical and architectural significance, the building’s relocation to the fairgrounds in 1976, and how designation helps qualify properties for preservation funding and affords a protective review under city code. Morris said the designation does not obligate the city to maintain the structure but makes grants and incentives more accessible to the property owner.
Councilors asked procedural and funding questions; Councilor Brown asked how maintenance grants would be pursued if the property needs repair, and Morris said property owners or sponsoring organizations typically apply for preservation grants using the designation as part of the eligibility record. Councilor Nishioka said she attended the December 2022 presentation and praised the applicant groups.
No members of the public were signed up to testify on the designation during the hearing. Councilor Brown moved to advance ordinance bill 2‑25, and Councilor Brown (second) — the council recorded an affirmative roll-call and advanced the ordinance to second reading for enactment.
The item will return to council for a second reading and final enactment at a subsequent meeting.
