Your contributions support critical historic preservation of the John Yeon Center’s properties. Thank you!
John Yeon (1910-1994) is nationally regarded as a regional pioneer in the fundamental rethinking of 20th-century architecture. Yeon’s widely acknowledged masterwork of architecture is the Watzek House (1937). Beautifully sited and exquisitely detailed in native woods, the home was instantly recognized as a masterpiece.
The University of Oregon has been entrusted with the Watzek House’s care and preservation. A crucial component to the house’s design, functionally and aesthetically, is its cedar roof and hidden rain gutter system. The house is shingled, with a 2.5-inch reveal (as opposed to the traditional 5 inches). The downspouts are hidden internally in the walls, and the copper gutters are tucked behind a razor sharp flashing detail, the two connected by lead goosenecks that, after 80 years, are failing.
Fundraising to replace the roof is underway now. To ease the burden on the John Yeon Endowment Fund, which supports all aspects of Yeon Center operations, the University of Oregon is raising funds from private individuals and organizations. With your gift, the UO will be able to care for this National Historic Landmark now and for future generations.
Summer at the Watzek House. Conception and editing by Stuart Eagon. Made possible by a generous gift of Richard Louis Brown.
Contribute to the Watzek House Preservation Fund
Contribute to the John Yeon Center
Donations by check should be payable to:
University of Oregon Foundation
Please add in the subject line: John Yeon Center
Mail to:
John Yeon Center
College of Design
Office of Development
5235 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5235
Questions? Contact:
Kyle Harris, Director of Development
kharris@uoregon.edu