Portland, Ore. – On Feb. 10, the National Park Service listed Portland’s Juniper House on the National Register of Historic Places for the property’s exceptional significance in LGBTQ+ history and health history. Operating from 1987 to 1989, Juniper House served as an end-of-life care place for those living with HIV and AIDS. Juniper House was the first facility of its kind in Oregon and influenced the opening of similar facilities across the Pacific Northwest during the height of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
The City of Portland’s LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project sponsored the National Register nomination. This listing automatically results in land use protections against demolition codified in Portland’s Zoning Code, ensuring that Juniper House will remain a visible landmark and cultural site for years to come. Historic landmarks may receive additional preservation and rehabilitation incentives if owners choose to participate in these programs.
“This new nomination elevates Portland’s history of compassionate care and mutual aid during a difficult time in local, state, and national history,” said Cayla McGrail, Associate Project Manager for the LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project. “HIV and AIDS care and activism will not be forgotten thanks to the nomination and Portland’s land use protections for our diverse landmarks.”
About Juniper House
Though Juniper House only operated for a little more than two years, the facility reimagined HIV and AIDS care by offering a compassionate and home-styled service centered on support, comfort, connection and education. The facility’s dedication to supporting individuals with HIV and AIDS influenced the opening of additional centers in the Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon in the early 1990s, including Portland’s Our House which continues to provide integrated health and housing services to Portlanders with HIV and AIDS.
More information about Juniper House and the National Register of Historic Places nomination can be found on the City’s website.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is responsible for the City’s long-range planning and sustainability programs, among its broad portfolio. The bureau oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, housing, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is part of the City’s Community and Economic Development service area, which also includes the Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Permitting and Development, Prosper Portland, the Enhanced Services Districts Program, and the Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Program. The Community and Economic Development service area aligns City programs focused on building prosperity for all Portlanders by creating and delivering efficient, transparent, and equitable solutions for a resilient built environment – and services, resources, and experiences for our community.