List of historic buildings in Klamath Falls, Oregon facts for kids
Klamath Falls, Oregon, is home to many amazing old buildings, especially in its downtown area. These buildings tell stories about the city's past and how it has grown over the years. Many of them are even on a special list called the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are very important and worth preserving!
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Buildings from the 1800s
The 1800s saw the start of some of Klamath Falls' earliest important buildings.
Judge Henry L. Benson House
The Judge Henry L. Benson House was built in 1892. This house is quite unique because it's an Octagon house, meaning it has eight sides! It also features the fancy Queen Anne Style, which was popular for homes back then. This special house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Buildings from 1900-1910
The early 1900s brought more growth and new styles to Klamath Falls.
Baldwin Hotel-Museum
The Baldwin Hotel-Museum was completed in 1905 by George T. Baldwin. This building used to be a hotel and is now a museum, letting people explore its history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Fred Goeller House
The Fred Goeller House, also known as the Goeller-Caillouette House, was built between 1900 and 1905 by John Fred Goeller. It shows off the Queen Anne style, but with some changes from the Eastlake movement. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Williams Building
The Williams Building was built in 1927 by Herman Winters. It features the elegant Italian Renaissance style, which often includes grand designs and classic details.
Richardson–Ulrich House
The Richardson–Ulrich House was completed in 1908. It is built in the American Craftsman Bungalow style, which is known for its simple, sturdy, and natural look.
Buildings from 1911-1919
This decade saw the construction of several important public and commercial buildings.
Blackburn Sanitarium
The Blackburn Sanitarium was built in 1912. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, recognizing its historical importance.
Klamath County Museum
The Klamath County Museum was built in 1935. It was originally known as the Klamath County Armory & Auditorium, serving as a place for military training and public events.
Klamath Falls City Hall
The Klamath Falls City Hall was completed in 1914. This building is where the city's government operates. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Courthouse Annex (Elk's Temple)
The Courthouse annex, originally known as the Elk's Temple, was built in 1915 by the Klamath Falls Elks. It features the Colonial Revival style, which brings back designs from early American colonial homes.
Arcade Hotel
The Arcade Hotel was built in 1919 by Christos Blanas. It is an example of the Chicago Style, known for its tall, steel-framed buildings.
Buildings from 1920-1929
The 1920s were a busy time for construction in Klamath Falls, with many new hotels and commercial buildings.
Hotel Earley
The Hotel Earley, also known as the Collins Building and later as Hall Hotel Annex, was built in 1920. It features the Italian Renaissance style, similar to the Williams Building.
Warren Mills House
The Warren Mills House was also built in 1920.
Crater Rooms Hotel
The Crater Rooms Hotel was completed in 1924 by B. L. Barkley.
Bisbee Hotel
The Bisbee Hotel was built in 1926. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, recognizing its importance.
Hotel Cascade
The Hotel Cascade, also known as the Arcade Apartments, was built in 1926 by Christos Blanas. It features the Greek Revival style, which uses elements from ancient Greek temples.
Ewauna Apartments
The Ewauna Apartments, originally known as the Arcade Garage, were also built in 1926 by Christos Blanas.
Old Klamath Falls City Library
The building now known as the Klamath Falls City Hall was formerly the Old Klamath Falls City Library, built in 1926.
Willard Hotel
The Willard Hotel, also known as Lake Park Towers, was built in 1858 by Willard D. Miller. It is designed in the Mission architecture style, which often includes smooth stucco walls and red tile roofs.
Balsiger Building
The Balsiger Building was completed in 1929. It features the unique Egyptian revival style, which was inspired by ancient Egyptian art and architecture.
Buildings from 1930-1939
The 1930s brought more modern and grand designs to the city.
Oregon Bank Building
The Oregon Bank Building, also known as the Medical-Dental Building, was built in 1930. It features the Gothic style, known for its tall, pointed arches and detailed stonework.
First National Bank Building
The First National Bank Building was also completed in 1930. It shares the same Gothic style as the Oregon Bank Building.
Winema Apartments
The Winema Apartments, also known as Hotel Elk, were built in 1930.
U.S. National Bank
The U.S. National Bank was built in 1937. It showcases Modern architecture, which focuses on clean lines and functional design.
Buildings from 1940-1949
Even during the 1940s, new and important buildings continued to be added to Klamath Falls.
Ross Ragland Theater
The Ross Ragland Theater was built in 1940. It was originally known as the Art Deco Esquire Theater, featuring the stylish Art Deco design popular at the time.
Valley Hospital
The Valley Hospital was completed in 1941. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Oregon.
Buildings with Unknown Dates
Some historic buildings have stories that go back a long way, even if their exact construction date isn't known.
1888 County Court House
This building was purchased in 1888 for $3,500 to be used as the county offices. Before that, it might have been a school or a rented business space.
Anchor Hotel
The Anchor Hotel was built in 1927 by Sydney Darling.
Demolished Buildings
Sadly, some historic buildings are no longer standing, but their stories are still part of Klamath Falls' history.
Melhase Building
The Melhase building was built in 1905 but was torn down in 2014.
Winthrow-Melhase Block
The Winthrow-Melhase Block, also known as the Stevens Hotel, was built in 1906 by George W. Brooks. It featured the Italianate style. This building was destroyed after damage from the 1993 Klamath Falls earthquakes.
Hot Springs Courthouse
The Hot Springs Courthouse was built in 1913. It was designed with Grecian architectural lines, looking like ancient Greek buildings. It was torn down in 1927 to make space for Klamath Union High School.
Klamath Falls Carnegie Library
The Klamath Falls Carnegie Library opened in 1914 and was used as a library until 1928. After that, it became a high school library until 1957.
Main Street Courthouse
The Main Street Courthouse was built in 1918. Like the Winthrow-Melhase Block, it was destroyed after damage from the 1993 Klamath Falls earthquakes.
White Pelican Hotel
The White Pelican Hotel burned down in October 1926. The land where it once stood is now the location of the Balsiger Building.