Redmond is taking steps to ensure its historic structures around town survive well into the 21st century.

The city’s Historic Landmarks Commission is expected to adopt a detailed historic preservation plan today, which, according to associate planner Scott Woodford, will serve as an outline for Redmond in all things related to historic preservation.

The 53-page document highlights the city’s past preservation efforts and argues there is cultural and economic value in preserving historic landmarks.

The core of the preservation plan identifies four goals and action steps the city should follow.

First, the plan — drafted by Preservation Solutions out of Boise, Idaho — argues for Redmond to strengthen its protection and preservation efforts. Specifically, the plan calls for the city to nominate downtown Redmond to the National Register of Historic Places and to encourage and support homeowners who nominate their Craftsman-style bungalows to the National Register, among other things.

The plan also recommends the city encourage preservation as an economic development tool.

“Heritage appreciation aside, historic preservation is a proven economic development tool that has demonstrated effectiveness in downtown revitalization efforts nationwide,” the preservation plan reads.

The preservation plan goes on to suggest that the city seek out incentive plans — grants, tax benefits and free marketing — for landowners of historic properties, as well as create programs of its own that reward preservation.

Improving public awareness and cultivating partnerships is the third goal of the preservation plan. This includes increasing the public’s access to historic preservation information, specifically with an expanded Historic Landmarks Commission website.

“Public awareness and partnerships promote policies that support preservation efforts and expand the base of preservation players,” the plan states.

Finally, the proposed plan urges Redmond to tap into the potential tourism market created by historical sites and buildings.

“Investing in preservation sets the stage for visitors seeking a glimpse of Redmond’s historic assets,” the document reads. “Heritage tourists spend more on travel than other tourists, spurring economic development in historic areas and generating jobs in service sectors, as well as construction trades.”

Redmond’s Historic Landmarks Commission meets today from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in City Hall’s Conference Room A. The meeting is open to the public.

— Reporter: 541-617-7829,

beastes@bendbulletin.com