After enduring two car crashes that knocked the building off its foundation and rendered it unsafe, the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce has been renovated and reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned in late September.
The building, designed by MaryAnn Ewing of Beech Hill Studios, was crafted to intentionally reflect the area’s heritage, incorporating elements of local industries, the natural environment and Native American traditions.
The first car crash, which occurred more than 16 months ago, caused significant damage to the original chamber building, leading to extensive reconstruction. Partway through the rebuilding process about a year later, a second vehicle crashed into the building, requiring the structure to be repaired again, further delaying the opening.
For the renovation, Ewing sought to create a building that would serve as a lasting tribute to Lebanon’s historical and industrial legacy, designing the exterior and interior both to feature materials and motifs that honor these elements.
“My inspiration came from realizing, as the old growth log went by in the Strawberry parade, that this town is built on logging,” Ewing said. “I also researched and found out the land had been used by Kalapuya Native Americans to grow crops. The concept was to utilize natural materials from the Lebanon area, honoring the Kalapuya, the logging industry and the history of Lebanon. This project was about anchoring the chamber to the land and the community.”
The color scheme, dominated by shades of yellow and green, was chosen to reflect the natural environment of Lebanon. These colors not only draw from the surrounding landscape but are also intended to keep the interior of the building light and welcoming. Large glass and steel windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that emphasizes the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.
Central to the building’s design is a cedar tree donated by Cascade Timber Consulting, LLC. This tree was not only a functional material but also a symbol of cultural significance. Before the tree was harvested, members of the Grand Ronde Tribe, including tribal elder Deitz Peters, performed a blessing ceremony. During the ceremony, a tribal member carefully stripped a 40-foot length of bark from the tree, which will be dried and used to create baskets and other traditional items in the future.
The cedar tree was used throughout the chamber building for both functional and decorative purposes. Raw-edged wood from the tree lines the reception desk and was also used to create two prominent pillars at the front of the building, which greet visitors with a powerful connection to the area’s timber heritage. Inside and outside, large rounds of cedar were crafted into stools and tables, ensuring that as little of the tree as possible was wasted. Cedar boughs from the tree were preserved for future ceremonial events, maintaining the connection to the cultural practices of the Grand Ronde Tribe.
The cedar tree is also featured prominently in the lobby of the chamber, affixed to the wall as if the tree is growing there. On one side of the tree are pictures of Peters in his regalia playing a Native American flute. On the other side are pictures of different flutes with a corresponding QR code to hear him playing the instrument.
“We wanted to put something on the wall about the tribe and how it connects with the building,” Peters said about the planning process. “I’d like people to know that our people used to travel to these areas, lived here, provided for the community and continue to do so today.”
The back patio of the chamber features a roof designed to resemble a traditional Native American longhouse, further tying the structure to the land’s indigenous history. The timbers used in this roof were salvaged from a burn area in Oregon.
In addition to honoring Native American traditions, the chamber’s design also pays homage to Lebanon’s industrial roots, particularly the timber and railroad industries that have played a significant role in the town’s development. The timber industry’s influence is evident in the use of natural wood throughout the building.
Dave Gillott, a local craftsman, milled the siding that covers the exterior of the building. The timbers used for the back patio roof, salvaged from a burn area, adds historical significance and serves as a reminder of the town’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The chamber also celebrates Lebanon’s railroad history through unique design elements. Rick Franklin, of Rick Franklin Corporation, a local company known for its work with trains and railroad salvage, donated a rail container that now serves as storage for the chamber.
Additionally, the parking lot side of the chamber’s outdoor covered patio will be enclosed by a steel fence designed and donated by Rick Franklin Corporation. This fence will feature a cut-out of the Santa Maria 205 steam engine, a train that is part of the Santiam Excursion trains housed in Lebanon. These elements serve to remind visitors of the crucial role that the railroad industry has played in the community in the past and present.
The rebuilding of the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce involved numerous local businesses and contractors. The project received significant financial support, including a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile, specifically allocated for the construction of the back patio cover. This grant, along with contributions from the city and county, ensured that the chamber’s new design would serve the community well into the future.
“It’s been a hard 16 months since the chamber was hit by the car, but I always knew that once we started the redesign process, we were going to end up with something that would serve Lebanon for many years to come,” said Chamber Executive Director Rebecca Grizzle.
“The construction and design phases saw the involvement of local companies such as JR Ellis Construction, which handled the main building, and TNT Builders, responsible for the patio cover,” she said. “Hill Electric provided electrical services, while Buckmaster handled plumbing and mechanical work. Breise Concrete Construction constructed the back patio, and various other local contractors contributed to the project’s completion.”
The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce now stands as a symbol of the town’s perseverance and commitment to honoring the past while looking toward the future. Photos and antique frames, donated by the Linn County Museum, adorn the walls of the chamber, anchoring the building in the community’s rich history.
With its thoughtful design and deep connections to Lebanon’s history and industries, the new Chamber of Commerce is poised to serve as a hub for business and community events, ensuring that the town’s heritage continues to be celebrated.
A ribbon cutting and open house for the new building will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Sept. 27, with the ribbon cutting ceremony to take place at 4 p.m.