Many commercial districts across Oregon contain vacant or unused upper floors. At the same time, cities across the state face massive housing shortages and lack work, event, and cultural spaces. Some small communities are bringing a creative approach to these twin challenges—re-activating their vacant upper stories to achieve wide-ranging community benefits.
Recognizing potential for supporting housing affordability, climate friendly development, preservation, and revitalization, Oregon Heritage partnered with the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement to:
• Document current uses of upper story spaces
• Identify what inhibits upper story use
• Outline a pathway for overcoming barriers to upper story use