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City of Eugene - dohansen-Mooa~ .)ouse / Historic Landmark Designation Application - Written Statement Page 7 March 24, 2004 Neither the construction of the Chambers Connector nor the widening of River Road significantly affected the subject property. A large fir tree remains just west of the sidewalk. Preservation and thoughtful reuse of the property is timely and critical given · the above recommendation and land use changes which may soon occur in the Lower River Road Nodal Development area, directly east' of the property on the other side of River Road. (2) Designation is based on a determination of historic significance according to one or more of the following: (a) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history. (b) Is associated with the lives of persons significant to our past. (c) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction. (d) Yields, or may be likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history. The proposed designation meets criteria (a) and (c) above. The property is associated with the settlement of the River Road and Bethel/Danebo areas by Danish immigrants around the turn of the 19th century (1901). References to the home's builder and owner, Neils Johansen, can be found in historical documents ranging from the history of Bethesda Lutheran Church to the Blair Boulevard Historic Commercial Area nomination application to the Eugene Area Historic Context. The home's integrity of location on River Road, a historic stage route to Corvallis and Portland, and its prominence among early homesteads in the area contribute to the pattern of history associated with Danish settlement of this part of Eugene. With regard to criterion (c), the Johansen-Moody House clearly embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Vernacular Gothic (American Farmhouse) style. The structure is virtually intact and is a patent contributor to the historic cluster of homes located on lower River Road, along with the Elgaard and Potter houses. The house is typical of the Vernacular Gothic style in its emphasis on the vertical and its undecorated exterior. It is .Z2.5 stories in height and set on a cast stone foundation, which is in excellent condition. Small ornamental brackets accent the roof peaks. The house has a covered front porch that was widened soon after its construction. There are two front doors; one provides access to the hall/dining area with built in pass-through hutch, and the other opens onto the front living room. With two exceptions, the doors are all five panel originals, as are the two screen doors, all woodwork, and all fixtures (note decorative twisted hinges on front screen door). The windows are primarily double hung wood sash (a few windows have had the glass replaced). The small stained glass windows in the attic are original. All rooms feature Douglas fir casings and door molding, picture hanging molding, and Douglas fir floors. 57