Community members in Grants Pass are being asked to weigh in on the future of one of the city’s historic park structures as officials consider a proposal that could transform the building into a small overnight lodging destination while helping fund its long-term preservation.
The Caretaker’s Cottage, also known as the Reed Building, sits within Riverside Park, one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces along the Rogue River. The park itself holds historic significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making the preservation of structures within the park an important issue for both local heritage and community planning. City officials say the Reed Building has long been recognized as a historic asset but requires restoration work to ensure its continued use and structural stability.
In recent years, city leaders have explored different options for preserving the building while minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers. A community survey conducted in 2024 indicated strong public support for restoring and maintaining the historic structure. However, identifying a practical funding strategy has remained a central challenge.
One potential solution being explored is a public-private partnership that would allow the city to lease the property to a private operator. Under such an arrangement, the private entity would invest in rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance while operating a business within the building. City officials believe this approach could significantly reduce or eliminate the need to rely on General Fund tax dollars to cover restoration costs.
Last year the City of Grants Pass invited residents, businesses, and organizations to submit ideas outlining how the cottage might be preserved and used in a sustainable way. Several concepts were presented for consideration, and city officials reviewed proposals that aimed to balance historic preservation with economic viability.
After reviewing those proposals, the Grants Pass City Council has tentatively identified one concept as a leading option. The proposal would convert the Reed Building into a small paid overnight lodging facility while adding a limited number of additional accommodations nearby. The concept includes the construction of six yurts in a small fenced area located just east of the building within Riverside Park.
Supporters of the concept believe the plan could create a modest but steady revenue source for the city through lease payments and annual lodging tax collections. That revenue could help support ongoing maintenance and preservation of the historic building while also contributing to the local tourism economy. City officials have emphasized that the overnight lodging use would be limited specifically to the Reed Building and the adjacent yurt area within Riverside Park, rather than expanding lodging uses throughout the park.
Before moving forward with any final decision, the City Council is seeking additional input from residents and park users to better understand community perspectives on the proposal. City leaders say public feedback will play an important role in determining whether the concept should proceed or if additional alternatives should be explored.
Residents interested in sharing their views can participate in the city’s public survey, which asks for feedback on the potential overnight lodging use and the addition of yurts near the historic cottage. Community members can participate by selecting click here to take survey.
The survey will remain open until 5 p.m. on March 27, 2026, giving residents several days to review the proposal and provide feedback that could help shape the future of one of Grants Pass’s historic park landmarks.