Portland, Ore. – Long‑time residents of the University Park neighborhood are mobilizing to protect a landmark that has stood for more than a hundred years: a mature tree and the historic house that shelters it. The Bureau of Development Services has issued a notice indicating that the tree is slated for removal as part of a new housing project.
“It’s beauty, the animals that live in it, and what it brings to our neighborhood,” said John Garofalo, a neighbor of 30 years. Garofalo added, “Neighbors, it’s culture, it’s family, it’s ancestral. We found this neighborhood, University Park, to be very livable.”
On Wednesday night, members of the University Park Neighborhood Association gathered for a candlelit vigil outside the threatened site. The event highlighted the community’s deep attachment to the tree, which they describe as a living piece of the neighborhood’s heritage.
“The concern that we have here is that there’s a huge incentive to destroy the things that draw people to the city,” said fellow resident Madeline Masters. The association’s board member, Steph Mohr, emphasized that while the current tree and house may not be saved, the group hopes to prevent similar losses in future developments: “We can’t stop the taking down of this beautiful home and tree, but we’re hoping to stop that from future neighborhoods that might be impacted.”
Greenwood Homes LLC, the developer slated to replace the site with new housing, holds several permits that are either pending or under review, according to the city’s website. The Neighborhood Association has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Greenwood Homes and the City of Portland to explore preservation options or design modifications that retain the historic elements.
City officials have not yet responded to inquiries from local reporters or the association. The Bureau of Development Services’ notice, however, confirms that the removal is part of the approved development plan, underscoring the tension between growth objectives and community heritage.
University Park residents are calling on the city’s planning department to weigh the cultural and environmental value of the tree and house against the benefits of new housing. They argue that preserving such landmarks can enhance neighborhood livability, support local wildlife, and maintain the character that draws families to the area.
What’s at stake?
The tree, estimated to be over a century old, provides shade, habitat for birds and small mammals, and a visual anchor for the streetscape. The adjoining house, also built more than 100 years ago, reflects the architectural style of early Portland neighborhoods and serves as a reminder of the city’s historical development patterns.
Preservation advocates point to studies showing that mature trees can reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality, and increase property values. They also note that historic homes contribute to a sense of place and community identity, factors that align with the city’s broader goals of sustainable and livable neighborhoods.
Next steps
The Neighborhood Association plans to attend upcoming planning commission meetings to present their case and to seek a compromise that might incorporate the tree and house into the new development’s design. Residents are also organizing a petition to demonstrate broader community support.
As the city balances the demand for new housing with the desire to protect its historic fabric, the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how future projects address similar heritage concerns in Portland.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
