City Seeks Placing Carnegie Building on National Register
July 29, 2026
Hermiston’s City Council voted unanimously on July 27 to pursue nominating the 108-year-old Carnegie Building for the National Register of Historic Places.
The building is one of 1,700 libraries built nationwide by Andrew Carnegie in the early 1900s, and one of 31 in Oregon. It served as Hermiston’s public library until 1986, when the city built a new library, and has since been used for city offices and, temporarily, as a library during recent renovations.
Cassie Hibbert of the Wenaha Group presented findings from a June assessment, reporting that the building is in good condition and has been well maintained. Much of its historic character remains intact, including original wood windows, though the entry doors have been replaced and a wheelchair ramp was added on the north side. The roof was replaced years ago, and a north-side addition dates to the 1950s or 1960s.
Hibbert outlined several relatively minor concerns: accessibility shortfalls, painted-shut windows, roof water damage, attic ventilation issues, disconnected downspouts, asbestos and lead paint, aging galvanized plumbing, limited water supply capacity, an outdated water heater, no fire sprinklers, and disorganized IT wiring. The outdated ADA ramp and general accessibility gaps were noted as ongoing compliance issues. Electrical and plumbing systems were flagged as the most pressing concerns, with the electrical system operating at capacity and lacking clarity due to years of modifications, though nothing was considered a major red flag.
Hibbert noted that while roughly 100,000 properties nationwide hold National Register status, none currently exist in Hermiston, despite several eligible historic buildings. Those five, along with the Carnegie Building, are the Hermiston Irrigation District Building, 204 E. Hurlburt Ave.; the Skinner Building, 201 E. Main St.; the Donovan Bland Building, 201 W. Hermiston Ave.; and the Bliss Building, 106 E. Main St.
City Manager Byron Smith recommended pursuing the nomination, noting that most restrictions tied to historic listing only apply when federal funding is used for renovations. Councilors Allen Hayward and Josh Roberts both voiced support, citing community pride and potential access to grant funding. Hibbert said the council can expect budget options for building improvements around October.
Source: Hermiston Herald, July 29, 2026
