The State Advisory Committee on Historic Properties will review the nomination at two meetings, one today and another in February. If the committee approves the proposal and if a majority of the affected property owners consent to it, the nomination will be forwarded to the federal level. A final decision is expected sometime around May.

If successful, it would be the first national historic district in Deschutes County. Oregon currently has 75 historic districts in Portland, Albany, Talent and Baker City and elsewhere.

The proposed boundaries for the propsed Old Town district in Bend are approximately Delaware Avenue, Hill Street, Broadway and a ragged boundary along the north edge of Downtown. Some 338 properties, 295 property owners, 75 acres and 33 city blocks are encompassed by the proposed boundaries, which were altered and reduced after an initial public hearing in March.