DOWNTOWN AND HOUSING · A POSSIBLE LOCATION
A more active downtown
A coordinated group of downtown restaurants, independent shops and family activities, with upper-floor housing where building conditions and approvals allow.
Illustrative concept — not an approved design.THE PROPOSED USE
Reopen storefronts and put upper floors to use.
The downtown proposal concentrates investment around Jackson and Main and the Douglas, Oak, Cass and Lane blocks. A bakery, independent restaurants, specialty retail and hands-on family activities would create a sequence of destinations within walking distance. Suitable upper floors provide a separate opportunity for homes and regular customers.
The first phase requires a manageable group of willing owners and viable operators. Building assessments should establish which properties can accommodate a useful use at a supportable cost. Existing residents and businesses need a place in the project, including access during construction and a practical transition where work affects them.
- Dining & independent retail
- Upper-floor homes
- Discovery & maker activities
- Connected public spaces
Select the first buildings through priced reuse assessments.
The marker identifies a district. It does not identify a building offered for sale or reserved for this proposal. Owners must nominate properties and authorize assessment before individual projects are advanced.
Roseburg’s code provides review routes for alterations, additions, infill and demolition. Historic designation does not prohibit every change; the applicable process depends on the property and proposed work. Structural condition, roof, accessibility, fire safety and utilities should be assessed together, then matched to a business or housing use the building can accommodate.
Published property information
- Roseburg's historic-resource code provides review paths for alterations, additions, infill and demolition; historic status is not a blanket prohibition on reuse.
Recorded property-information review: November 8, 2026. Listings and inventory records can change; current availability and terms need confirmation from the owner or appointed representative.
Intended community benefit
A concentration of occupied premises gives customers several reasons to visit the same blocks and supports businesses across the day. Lighting, shade, clean public facilities, accessible crossings and dependable maintenance are necessary companions to building work. The measure of success is sustained occupancy and use between events.
Required site and business assessments
The following assessments establish whether the use is feasible at this location, what it will cost and which parties are prepared to proceed.
- 01
Willing owners need to identify specific buildings and authorize the condition reviews required to assess them.
- 02
Qualified professionals need to examine structural, fire-safety, accessibility and seismic conditions and price the work each proposed use would require.
- 03
City staff need to confirm the actual historic designation and review requirements for each building.
- 04
A project needs achievable rent and an operator or housing proposal that can support the cost of rehabilitation.
- 05
Plans need to account for current residents and viable businesses so reinvestment strengthens the existing community.
- 06
Building improvements need to connect with safe walking routes, useful lighting and activity that supports the district through the evening.
Related business and activity proposals
Contribute local knowledge.
Which downtown experiences would bring you back regularly? Owners can suggest a building for review, while existing merchants can identify the changes that would help them serve more customers.