Previously Awarded Grant Projects

Oregon Historic Theaters Needs Assessment

University of Oregon’s Community Planning Workshop was awarded a 2014/2015 Travel Oregon Matching Grant to document the physical, operational, and financial needs of Oregon’s historic theaters and develop recommendations for a statewide support system. University students partnered with Oregon Main Street, the economic development arm of Pacific Power, and Travel Oregon to thoroughly survey and assess the needs of the theaters. According to the Oregon Historic Theater Needs Assessment:

Theaters are economic catalysts that spur the growth and activity of surrounding businesses. According to 2011 estimates by Portland’s Regional Arts and Culture Council, each event ticket purchased generates an additional $24.24 in spending at local businesses. 

Survey results identified a significant potential for historic theaters to be an economic driver in their communities, however, most are currently facing challenges such as; aging infrastructure, lack of finances, lack of human resources, and increased competition.

In August 2015, a five-year “Action Plan” was initiated by Retore Oregon, Oregon Main Street, the Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Film, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Regional Solutions Team, Pacific Power, and the University of Oregon’s Community Service Center. The “Action Plan” will further the groundwork of the survey and in 2017, Restore Oregon plans to lead a committee that will develop strategic planning and preservation tools to help restore historic theaters and see them succeed as vital cultural and economic assets in their communities.

View the Oregon Historic Theater Needs Assessment

Visit the Oregon Historic Theaters website built from the findings of this project.

Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce – Rain or Shine Advertising Campaign

In 2017, Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce was awarded a $20,000 Competitive Small Grant for a multi-media marketing and advertising campaign to inspire travel to Newberg and the surrounding area during the shoulder season of February- April 2018.

The campaign, which ran in conjunction with Restaurant Month, included a video, printed marketing materials and paid advertising with social media, streaming television and broadcast TV ads. Visitors were shown how traveling to the Chehalem Valley in winter would still be enticing as images of crackling fires, world-class food and wines, and charming spaces (streets) filled the imagery of their campaign. At the completion of the campaign, the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce had built a consumer e-mail list, created a greater awareness of offerings in the shoulder season and enhanced the relationships between businesses and the destination marketing organizations in the area.

Visit the website and and watch the video:

Butte Creek Mill Foundation – Restoration of Butte Creek Mill

In 2017-2018, the Butte Creek Mill Foundation received $80,000 through Travel Oregon’s Competitive Small and Medium Grant programs to help with restoration of the Butte Creek Mill after the historic building was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Day in 2015. Through the restoration process, the Travel Oregon Competitive grants have funded ADA improvements; including paved

handicap parking, updated visitor access to the building entrance, and the construction of an elevator, all while preserving the historic integrity of the mill.

The Butte Creek Mill Foundation has raised over $2 million to rebuild this Southern Oregon icon, known as the “capital of Eagle Point.” Once the full restoration is complete and operational, visitors of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the locally sourced products and rich history that this building has provided for over 130 years.

Restore Oregon – Historic Theater Conference

Restore Oregon was awarded a $15,000 Competitive Small Grant to help fund 21 scholarships to historic theater organizations across the state, to attend the 2018 League of Historic American Theaters regional conference in Portland. Through this grant, Restore Oregon, was able to connect owners/operators facing similar challenges and facilitate conversations about how to strengthen their efforts in restoring and operating historic theaters.

“This is the best opportunity some of these communities will ever have to strengthen their theaters and their downtowns. This project will ultimately result in improved community development, livability, and quality of life for Oregonians and a positive, measurable economic impact to our state and local communities,” said Nicole Possert of Restore Oregon.