The Owyhee Grocery, commonly known as The Rock Store, located in Malheur County, Oregon, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The listing was confirmed by the National Park Service last month, following a recommendation from the Oregon State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation in February, according to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Built in 1933 at the intersection of OR-201 and Owyhee Avenue, the building originally served as a service station and later became a convenience store and restaurant. It has long served visitors to Nyssa, Adrian, and the Owyhee Dam. The structure is known for its use of petrified wood and volcanic rock and is considered a strong example of 1930s roadside commercial architecture.
The National Register listing recognizes the building's local historical and architectural significance and supports the goals of Oregon’s 2024–2033 Preservation Plan. Properties on the register are eligible for federal tax benefits, preservation grants, and may receive flexibility under certain building codes.
Under Oregon state law, local governments are required to develop protections for listed properties. This can include creating local historic districts or designating landmarks. The National Register is overseen by the National Park Service as part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
