Mission & Goals

The Architectural Heritage Center’s mission is to preserve the historic character and livability of our built environment, and to promote sustainability through the re-use of period homes and buildings.

Owned and operated by the non-profit Bosco-Milligan Foundation, we empower people in the Portland region to preserve both landmark buildings and the regular vintage homes and storefronts that collectively define our neighborhoods, culture, history, and quality of life.

Our Goals: Appreciate – Restore – Maintain

 Raise awareness of historic preservation & inspire participation...

  • Demonstrate its relevance in our communities.
  • De-mystify preservation methods and language.

Showcase the economic, cultural, & environmental benefits of preservation…

  • Promote adaptive re-use of vintage buildings.
  • The “ultimate recycling,” it supports sustainability.

Provide a resource center of practical information…

  • Facilitate connections with expertise and resources.
  • Share actionable information and technical assistance to neighborhood associations and other groups.

Serve as a catalyst in the region…

  • Call attention to threatened historic buildings
  • Help inform the discussion of their preservation and re-use.
  • Build coalitions for creative problem-solving that balance needs of property owners, neighborhoods, developers, and government.

AHC Programs strive to be:

  • Relevant
  • Authentic
  • Pro-active
  • Constructive
  • Practical
  • Inclusive
  • Inspirational
  • Resource-full

Preservation does not mean being frozen in time. New isn’t inherently “bad,” nor is old inherently “good.” But we believe a vintage building shouldn’t be demolished without careful consideration of its architectural, environmental, and cultural value, or without exploring possibilities for re-use. We also believe that in-fill construction should be compatible with the character, style, and scale of traditional neighborhoods.