The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce that we are a winner of the DeMuro Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. Restore Oregon selected nine historic projects across Oregon to receive a 2025 DeMuro Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, the state’s highest honor for the preservation, reuse, and revitalization of architectural and cultural sites. ORHF received this prestigious award for the restoration and reconstruction of the historic Brooklyn Railroad Roundhouse Turntable and joins more than 120 projects across Oregon that have been recognized with DeMuro Awards since 2013.
The Brooklyn Roundhouse Railroad Turntable holds significant historical value to the railroad infrastructure in Portland. Initially installed in 1925 by the American Bridge Company, the turntable was a crucial component of the Brooklyn Yard, a significant hub for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Its primary function was to rotate locomotives, allowing them to be directed onto different tracks or into the roundhouse for maintenance and repairs. The turntable was decommissioned in 1999 and relocated to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in 2012. With reconstruction completed in 2024, the newly restored turntable now sits as the centerpiece of the front plaza at the Center.
The restoration project involved the meticulous reconstruction of the 100-year-old turntable, ensuring that it met current building codes while preserving its historical essence. A delicate balance between maintaining the original design and incorporating necessary modern updates was required. The result is a faithful replication of the original turntable, featuring updated components such as motors and trucks that adhere to the original blueprints.
The reconstructed Brooklyn Roundhouse Railroad Turntable not only preserves a significant piece of railroad history but also serves as an educational and recreational asset for Oregon and beyond. It stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and dedication to preserving historical landmarks – and to the extraordinary commitment, skill, and countless hours of work contributed by volunteers. Their passion and craftsmanship brought this historic piece back to life, ensuring it will continue to inspire and educate future generations.