The State of Oregon unveiled a first look at the schematic design for the new Oregon State Hospital building in Salem.

The currently proposed 700,000 square foot structure would result in the demolition of large portions of the J Building and other, related historic buildings. However, the current plan calls for the preservation of the landmark “Cascade Hall” and buildings on either side of Cascade Hall that would reduce the J shaped building to a U shape. The plans call for the historic building to be restored and connected to the sprawling new hospital.

In addition to restoring parts of the historic J Building, the plans call for the restoration of 8 of the 21 historic homes located on the campus. The other 13 homes will be untouched.

An administration building (”Siskiyou Hall”) located directly across from Cascade Hall will be demolished in favor of restoring a historic fountain which was found in the old hospital’s vast storage areas. Many of the older images of the hospital grounds include the fountain, which was removed many years ago.

Current plans for the historic part of the hospital (the J Building) include the creation of a “mental health museum” in Cascade Hall, while the adjacent historic wings will likely be used as administrative offices for the new hospital.

Many local historians and friends of the Oregon State Hospital questioned the disposition of the hospital’s crematorium, now located in the middle of the proposed new development. The State indicates that the crematorium will be preserved and moved to another location on the campus.

The unveiling of these plans on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 begins a four month “schematic design” process that includes public comment and research.

People interested in monitoring the preservation of the historic buildings on the Oregon State Hospital campus should add their names and emails to our EMAIL LIST and visit this site often. We plan to share information about the progress to preserve this part of historic Salem Oregon and we will contact our email list if the need arises.

Please also consider TELLING A FRIEND about this website by using our TELL A FRIEND form.

Please feel free to make comments about these plans right here on this website (see comment section below.)

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LARGER MAP OF THE CURRENT HOSPITAL WITH NOTES ABOUT WHICH BUILDINGS MAY BE SAVED AND WHICH MAY BE ELIMINATED.

Using the numbers on the buildings on the above map, here is what buildings will be demolished in the currently proposed plan and which buildings will be restored. Any building not listed here will potentially remain untouched.

Demolished Under Currently Proposed Plan:

• 29
• Part of 31. (Part of this building, called 31-A, will be saved.)
• 43, 46, 47, 49
• 76
• Other buildings not shown on this map.

Restored Under Currently Proposed Plan:

• 30
• 41, 42, 44, 45
• Houses: 1-A, 2, 2B, 3, 4, 11, 12, 14

CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE ABOUT THE PROPOSED PLAN FOR THE OREGON STATE HOSPITAL.

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