Soapstone was originally designed in the 1970s by Portland architect, Will Martin, who designed Pioneer Courthouse Square and other notable Oregon landmarks. He built it himself, entirely by hand (no power tools), with the help of his father and son. In 1991, some years after his death in a private plane accident, Soapstone bought the property. We have kept as much as possible of the original structure and added significantly more space and amenities while preserving the character and spirit of Will’s vision.

In 1993 Portland architect, Michael McCulloch, donated the design and plans for the first stage of construction—the discussion room and terrace—completed in 1994.

During 1995 and 1996 we brought electricity up the highway, had a phone line put in, began the long process of obtaining water rights to Soapstone Creek, and had a septic system installed.

In 1996 we began working with Portland architects, Martha and Jim Andrews, who donated the design and provided plans for the second stage of construction. The bathroom, hallway, breezeway, upper deck, and Water Studio were all added at this time. We worked with an engineer to design a state-of-the-art water system that uses ozone and ultra-violet light, rather than chemicals, to purify the water. By 1997 we had a finished structure with electricity, plumbing, and running water.

In 1998, with the help of Ricardo Lovett, we replaced the original plexiglass sunroof that Will Martin had built in the main area with a custom made double-glazed sunroof, and largely rebuilt the Wind Studio, replacing Will’s bubble windows with flat double-glazed windows.

In 2003 the Meyer Memorial Trust awarded Soapstone a grant to grade and pave around the cabin with natural stone, making it wheelchair accessible. Avison Rock Quarry in Mollalla donated a large percentage of the flagstones.

Because of the extensive grading, in 2004 Landscape Architect, Jurgen Hess, planned and began work on a restoration project as a contribution to Soapstone. With the help of Susan Hess and volunteers, he is transplanting native plants from our property to the area around the cabin.

For those who would like to read more:
• Linda Besant's tribute Martha and Jim Andrews: An Appreciation
• Soapstone's native plant restoration project Jurgen Hess's Landscape Restoration