Historic Resources Commission to meet, decide on approval

for bell-tower alteration

Oregon State University’s iconic bell tower may soon undergo its first alteration.

OSU plans to add 10 additional feet to the tower’s height: The bell tower currently stands at 69-feet and 7-inches tall. OSU will also add two additional bells of varying size to increase its musical capabilities and sound quality.

The bell tower was built in 2001 as a companion piece to the Valley library. OSU dedicated the tower to the late H. Dean Pape, noted alumnus and Oregon businessman.

The bell tower was originally donated by the Pape family. Near the end of 2013, the family reached out to the OSU Foundation and offered to extend the height and add more bells.

Before construction begins, the project must be approved by the Historic Resources Commission, because the bell tower is located in OSU’s Historic District. Many of the structures within the district are more than 50 years old.

Although the bell tower is a recent addition and not a historic building, the HRC wants all structures within the district to maintain an appearance similar to the older buildings.

“We try to ensure compatibility with the historic characteristics within the district,” said Carl Metz, associate planner for the city of Corvallis.

Structural compatibility means the design, height and materials of the bell tower must resemble the older structures within the historic district.

Lori Fulton, OSU project manager, will oversee this aspect of the project. Currently, the design is not complete, but Fulton said she is confident that HRC will approve their request.

The next HRC meeting will be held at the Fire Station at 400 NW Harrison Blvd August 12 at 6:30 p.m. Metz and the city planning staff have made a recommendation on behalf of OSU, but the final decision will be made by HRC.

The decision should be made at the next meeting, and if approved, construction is slated to begin in October 2014, Fulton said.The renovation of the bell tower would be the first in the district since its formation in 2008.

Ria Rankine, news reporter

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