FAQs

This historic resource survey is s a high-level, preliminary survey of the Robinwood neighborhood in West Linn. The purpose is to document the history and development patterns of the Robinwood neighborhood, identify its 620 historic-age resources that were built in 1975 or earlier, collect photographs and basic survey data about the resources, identify potentially significant resources that may be eligible for individual historic designation, and recommend areas of Robinwood that have potential for designation as historic districts and potential future smore in depth studies of the resources.

Properties are evaluated for historic significance based on the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, which was developed by the National Park Service to establish consistent, nationwide standards for historic preservation efforts.  

There are four basic criteria for determining whether or not a building is historic: architectural significance, integrity, setting and history. Architectural significance deals with style, rarity of type, craftsmanship, materials, and the architect, designer or builder. Integrity looks at how much original fabric remains and whether alterations are compatible. Setting refers to how well the building fits into the neighborhood and streetscape and whether there are early plantings on the site. History deals with the significance of the owners or occupants, whether the building represents any significant trends or if the building is associated with an important event.

As part of the evaluation, the consultant will assess the architectural character of each building, including any visible exterior alterations, to make a preliminary determination about whether the property may merit more detailed evaluation in the future.

The purpose of this evaluation is to understand the historical context of the Robinwood neighborhood. Being included in this survey does not impose any rules or restrictions on a property. Additionally, property owners may find the information interesting and useful, especially those who may choose to pursue landmark designation in the future.

There are 25 individually designated local landmarks located throughout the City. The landmarks are predominantly residential and range from late 19th century Queen Anne homes to Craftsman bungalows and Period Revival style properties. Additionally, there are 38 homes that are contributing resources to the Willamette National Historic District.

This evaluation does not designate any property as a historic landmark, nor does it impose any regulations or restrictions. For property owners interested in pursuing a historic landmark designation in the future, the evaluation can serve as a helpful resource. However, a property cannot be designated as a historic landmark without the owner pursuing landmark status for the property.

The City has completed historic surveys of the Bolton, Sunset, and Willamette neighborhoods.

In 2006, the City prepared a Historic Context Statement for the Willamette and Holly Grove Neighborhood. In 2009, the City completed a Reconnaissance-level Survey of Historic Resources for the Buck Street Neighborhood. In 2010, the City completed Reconnaissance-level surveys for Bolton & Sunset Neighborhoods. In 2007, the City listed the Willamette Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2012, the City conducted a Selective Reconnaissance-level Survey of the Willamette Neighborhood of 250 selected properties within the Willamette Neighborhood were built in 1965 or earlier.

Residential development in Robinwood began in the early 1920s. The first recorded subdivisions were Cedaroak Park (1922), Holly Acres (1922), and Robinwood (1923). Cedaroak Park was platted by the Province of the Holy Name, Holly Acres by the Associated Realty Company, and the original Robinwood tract by the American Warehouse & Sales Company.

Although these three subdivisions were established in quick succession, little construction occurred during this initial period.

Additional development followed in the early 1940s. The Kenthorpe Tract was platted along Kenthorpe Way in 1940, and the Maple Grove tract, located directly south of Kenthorpe, was platted in 1944.

Substantial residential growth did not begin until the late 1940s, when development expanded from the edge of the Marylhurst College campus to the West Linn city limits at Jolie Point Road.

In 1956, West Linn School District voters approved a special levy to purchase a seven-acre site in Robinwood for a grade school, which became Cedaroak Park School. Two years later, voters approved a tax increase to add eight classrooms to the school, reflecting the neighborhood’s rapidly growing population.

In 1967, the City of West Linn formally annexed the Robinwood area, extending its municipal boundaries to include this expanding community.