NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION NAMES PORTLAND, OREGON TO ITS 2008 LIST OF AMERICA'S DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS

History and Character amid Majestic Natural Beauty

Washington, D.C. (February 7, 2008) — Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Portland, Oregon, one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

Featuring both the charm of a small town community and the urban vitality of a big city, Portland, Oregon, is a dynamic destination that offers an alluring mix of natural beauty, lively downtown entertainment and landmark historic attractions. Effortlessly accessed by bike, an award-winning transit system or on foot, the city exudes a genuine, unaffected personality with its diverse neighborhoods, historic core and sustainable lifestyle.

Whether in the city's downtown area, trendy Pearl district or Old Town/Chinatown quarter, Portland offers the best of the Pacific Northwest's heritage. Oregon's Urban Growth Boundary legislation, which forbids city sprawl, has encouraged the preservation and re-use of many historic areas in Portland. One of the most stunning examples of re-purposed land is the city's Pearl District. What was once a decaying industrial warehouse area has been transformed into a chic urban neighborhood filled with a continually emerging collection of gourmet restaurants, cozy coffeehouses, eclectic boutiques and dynamic public art spaces. The Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood is the original heart of Portland. The area's rich cultural heritage includes the Portland Classical Chinese Garden — an urban oasis of pavilions, plants and walkways surrounding an 8,000-square-foot pond, the Portland Saturday Market — the largest continuously operated open-air arts and crafts market in the nation, and one of the country's largest collections of cast iron buildings.

From summer hiking and mountain biking to winter snowboarding and downhill skiing on Mt. Hood, and kayaking and fishing on the nearby Columbia River, Portland's moderate temperatures and dramatic terrain make it the quintessential outdoor city. The metro area is home to 37,000 acres of open space, including the 5,156 acres within Forest Park. The short, 200-foot city blocks combined with fountains, gardens and a scenic waterfront foster long casual strolls through the downtown area. Walking tours showcasing the best of the city's art and architecture are also available.

"With smart city planning that has kept sprawl in check, Portland provides a winning combination of history, character and a healthier way of life," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Its reputation for great scenery, urban attractions and cultural vitality makes it an ideal travel destination and promises not to disappoint."

"We're honored that Portland has been named to the 'Dozen Distinctive' list," Governor Ted Kulongoski said. "The city's commitment to history and preservation-from Benson bubblers to historic hotels-makes it a special destination, as well as a distinctive point of entry for many Oregon visitors on their way to our scenic coastline or majestic mountaintops."

"It is a special honor to be recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Distinctive Destination for 2008," said Mayor Tom Potter. "Portlanders value preservation across the board and are proud to have so much to show and share - our pristine natural environment, our vital central city with all its attractions and our diverse architectural heritage. As any local will tell you, these attributes make Portland unique."

"We are so proud that our National Trust for Historic Preservation has chosen to recognize the rich history of Oregon," said Barbara Sidway, Trustee of the National Trust and owner of the Geiser Grand Hotel of historic Baker City, Oregon. "We look forward to February 27, when Richard Moe will deliver a major policy statement on Sustainability and Preservation at the Armory in Portland." [Reception at 4:30, remarks at 5pm, this special event is free to the public; more information is available at www.nationaltrust.org/ssportland].

The 2008 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:

1. Aiken, S.C.
2. Apalachicola, Fla.
3. Columbus, Miss.
4. Crested Butte, Colo.
5. Fort Davis, Texas
6. Friday Harbor, Wash
7. Portland, Ore.
8. Portsmouth, N.H.
9. Red Wing, Minn.
10. Ste. Genevieve, Mo.
11. San Juan Bautista, Calif.
12. Wilmington, N.C.

This is the ninth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 108 Distinctive Destinations located in 42 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.nationaltrust.org\ddd. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town's character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits.

To download high resolution images of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, please visit http://press.nationaltrust.org.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history — and the important moments of everyday life — took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org

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