A developer in Lake Oswego announced plans to tear down the 1910 Emma Austin House on 49 Briarwood Road, dividing the 1.04‑acre lot into high‑density units. The developer, whose identity remains undisclosed, filed a demolition permit two days before the historic Arts and Crafts bungalow could be saved. The house, a 3,074‑sq‑ft gem of Joseph Jacobberger’s work, had never been granted landmark status, leaving it vulnerable.
Within 48 hours, the Lake Oswego Preservation Society mobilized, reaching out to Portland builder John McCulloch. McCulloch agreed to purchase the property for $610,000, halting the demolition and preserving the 1910 architecture. His swift acquisition earned him the society’s preservation award.
McCulloch Construction then launched a comprehensive overhaul. They replaced river‑rock stonework, rebuilt retaining walls, installed a new concrete foundation for seismic safety, and upgraded electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Inside, workers stripped layers of paint, restored original woodwork, and spent $75,000 on period‑accurate finishes, while the second floor was expanded into a master suite with a fireplace and marble bathroom, and the basement was converted into a climate‑controlled wine cellar.
After the renovations, the property hit the market and sold for $1.47 million, turning the once‑threatened bungalow into a modern luxury home that honors its heritage. The sale closed on 12 August 2026, marking the end of the preservation saga and the beginning of a new chapter for the Emma Austin House.