Southwest Neighborhoods newsletter, October 2024. Page 1.

Reprinted with permission from the Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. swni.org

Southwest Neighborhood Inc (SWNI) Newsletter Article

2024-10-02

Portland’s Last Pioneer Home at Risk

Bridlemile Hopes to Preserve Link to the Pioneer Era

Working against the clock, local preservationists and neighbors in the Bridlemile area are hoping to find a way to preserve the Tigard-Rogers House on SW Shattuck Road, which was built in 1855 and is now up for sale.

The house is listed on both the Portland and Oregon listings of historic properties.

“It’s the last real connection to Portland’s pioneer Oregon Trail ancestors,” says Mark Barnett, secretary of the Bridlemile Neighborhood Association. He says it is the oldest remaining building in the city – a preservationist’s dream opportunity but now an uphill challenge to protect. 

Cradled among tall conifers and a quiet stream on 2.86 acres on the south-facing hillside that overlooks Garden Home and the Tualatin Valley, the simple farmhouse was built by Andrew and Sara Tigard. The Tigard-Rogers house itself sits on 0.38 acres of the four parcel site.

Mr. Tigard was the brother of Wilson Tigard, who founded the town of Tigard. Purchased in 1875 by the Rogers family, it was operated as a 180-acre farm until most of the property was sold off during the Great Depression. The lovely parcel that remained stayed in the family for 150 years.

However, the most recent owner and occupant, Roger Hancock, passed away in 2022. Today, his heirs have put the property on the market. Originally listed at $2.75 million, the price recently was reduced to $1.95 million.

Possibilities?

The real estate agency, (w)here, foresees the property as a “private estate”. According to the agency’s website, “Boasting an exclusive environment, this estate is poised for development, offering a unique opportunity for those seeking an upscale living experience.”

On the other hand, preservationists see it as a private reserve, with the historic home being restored as an educational center for learning about Portland's early development. Its tall fir, redwood and pine trees (Ponderosa Pine Portland Heritage Tree #130 stands majestically on the property), meandering stream and quiet pastoral setting make it a special place worth protecting, Barnett says.

The Bridlemile Neighborhood Association will entertain ideas for saving the structure and, hopefully, the entire property as a unique public place or park at its Board meeting on Wednesday, October 9th, at 7pm via Zoom.

For a more complete understanding of the possibilities, read Barnett’s article on pages 3 and 4 of this issue.

“Keeping the Tigard-Rogers house could be the most direct, hands-on way to help future generations of Portlanders learn about the lives of their Oregon Trail ancestors.” -- Mark Barnett, Bridlemile Neighborhood Assn.

The pioneer Tigard-Rogers house stands vacant today, but tells the story of 170 years of Portland history — but only if it can be saved. Photo: Mark Barnett