Oregon Public Broadcasting

The controversial and crumbling Oregon State Hospital is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Andrew Theen reports.

The entire 144 acre campus is included in the distinction.  Local organizers started the push to recognize the mental health facility last fall.

Roger Roper is the deputy Historic Preservation Officer for Oregon.  He says the State Hospital is a "significant facility" that warranted the recognition.

He said the some of the older buildings are relics of a late 19th century mental health system, and that they could be some of the nation's most preserved examples of that era.

Roger Roper: "Other states might have some good examples, but so often facilities get modified over the years so much that they don't retain those characteristics whereas this one does."

Roper added that being listed doesn't mean those buildings won't ultimatley be torn down.  The city of Salem can make some recommendations there.  Last year the legislature approved replacing the state hospital.