We all love our vintage homes and their charming features such as porches, stair step approaches, multiple stories, and staircases to the upper floors and basements. But as our houses age, so do we…think of your house and you as “appreciating in value.” As anyone who has had a mobility-limiting accident, such as a broken leg knows, however, we quickly find how challenging it is to navigate into and around our houses.

As we get older and deal with mobility limitations, sometimes we think we need to move from our wonderful vintage houses, and that’s not necessarily the case. “Aging in place” is a growing field of house modifications that can be made to let us comfortably remain in our houses. The focus of our program is to learn about what modifications are available, and how we might plan them without damaging the historic features of our houses. There are good options – including ramps, stair transport systems, bathroom and kitchen improvements, and more.

Two presenters, Karen Richmond and Barbara Murphy, who are Certified Aging in Place Specialists with the Neil Kelly Company, will cover lots of options available and highlight some case projects they have completed that maintain architectural character. Their projects include bathroom access in a 1920s Sellwood English Cottage, and access into and around a 1929 Colonial Revival. Don’t be afraid of your staircase - now is the time to plan ahead, and be sure our houses move forward into the future with us.

Pre-registration is Strongly Suggested.

This program is assisted by a Partners in the Field challenge grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

With support from: Oregon Cultural Trust and Multnomah County Cultural Coalition