The Historic Preservation League of Oregon (Restore Oregon) just released their list of the “most endangered historic places” in Oregon. Communities nominated their top choices and the HPLO chose ten. Of that ten, one is the 85 year old Egyptian Theatre, in downtown Coos Bay. Inside is an original Wurlitzer organ, hand-painted backdrops. According to OPB, the City of Coos Bay “purchased the theater in 2006. After it was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, a required structural inspection revealed that the building is unsafe to occupy; repairs and other renovations will cost about $3.7 million.” (Listen to the OPB story here.)
Friends of other historic theaters around the state are hoping they too will be restored, and the University of Oregon’s Community Service Center, (partnered with Pacific Power, Oregon Main Street, and Travel Oregon,) researched an inventory and “needs assessment” of historic theaters in the state (2014-2015). You can view their findings here.