Roseburg, Oregon, National Guard Armory - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

The following text is taken from the NRHP Nomination Form to describe this building's significance:

The Roseburg Armory meets National Register Criterion A and C as a well-preserved building illustrating the state-wide movement of armory-building during the decades between 1910 and 1931. After the Armory Bill passed in 1909 guaranteeing state funding for one-half of the construction costs, armory construction moved forward quickly. Fourteen armories were constructed during these years, substantial buildings that served not only as National Guard headquarters, but also as community centers offering a variety of social activities. The period of significance for the Roseburg Armory extends from its construction in 1913 to 1943 when the number of Oregon National Guard units reached a peak in World War II. The Roseburg Armory occupies a prominent site in downtown Roseburg. It is a visual reminder of the importance of a local military presence in the early part of the century and is important at the state level.

As an example of William C. Knighton's work, the Roseburg Armory fulfills National Register Criterion C. One of Oregon's most prolific and imaginative architects, Knighton designed buildings with a boldness and originality of detail that sets them apart from more conventionally-conceived structures. Oregon's armories of this period harked back to Medieval fortresses in their heavy, solid qualities. Usually constructed of stone, concrete, or brick, they imparted a sense of protection and permanence. The Roseburg Armory exhibits Viennese Secessionist details, unusual in Oregon at that time, that are skillfully melded with Arts and Crafts influences embellishing a Tudor Revival Castellated style building. The exterior of the building is in nearly original condition, the smooth tile-like details contrasting with the roughcast stucco finish. In spite of a non-historic paint scheme, the Roseburg Armory retains its integrity as few of Oregon's remaining historic armories have. In Roseburg it has, indeed, become a symbol of saving the city's historic architectural fabric.

Street address: 1034 SE Oak Ave Roseburg, OR USA County / Borough / Parish: Douglas County Year listed: 1993 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event Periods of significance: 1925-1949, 1900-1924 Historic function: Defense, Recreation And Culture Current function: Recreation And Culture, Social Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Secondary Website 2: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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