An Exterior Makeover for Eugene’s Castle on the Hill

Shelton McMurphey Johnson (SMJ) House, better known as the “Castle on the Hill,” has been a staple in the City of Eugene since 1887. The original owner, Dr. Thomas Winthrop Shelton, hired architect Walter Pugh to design a home to be a beacon of the new community on the south slope of Skinner Butte.

This stunning building was the home of the Shelton, McMurphey and Johnson families until 1967. Following the death her husband, Dr. Eva Johnson continued to live in the house, renting out rooms to university students. She wrote the trust in 1973 for the house to be passed to Lane Historical Society on the condition that she would live in the house until her death. In 1986, upon Eva’s death ownership of the house was transferred to Lane County. The house is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is kept open to the public by the nonprofit Shelton McMurphey Johnson Associates

Ausland Group was selected by the City of Eugene to perform an exterior renovation. Ausland’s presence in the Eugene business community is reaching its decade mark. The firm’s expertise in historic restoration work was a leading qualification for the selection.

The Ausland team is honored to have been chosen to steward the delicate process of restoring the structure while maintaining the historic presence and framework of the house. Project Manager Brian Gray describes the effort as follows; “The scope of the work includes preservation of original windows and sashes, repairs to exterior decorative woodwork, new roofing, envelope repairs and new paint. Work also includes extensive documentation of existing conditions and of our work to allow for future generations to continue to maintain this historic building. Ausland was selected to complete this work based on our team of highly qualified professionals and our background in preserving historic structures.”

Today SMJ House serves as a museum with revolving exhibits that highlight Eugene’s history and those that lived within its walls as well as provides a unique event space to experience Victorian style tea or weddings. The structure has evolved into an architectural landmark and a jewel of Eugene’s historic buildings.

The much-needed refurbishment will secure the longevity and function of the building. The completion is scheduled for later this year. It will boast a beautiful facelift of the century plus old house as it continues to educate and entertain. For more information on current and upcoming exhibits and events, visit www.smjhouse.org.

Sarahanne Driggs | October 7, 2022

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