John Gray, a native Oregonian, businessman, philanthropist and real estate developer, built several high-end resorts in Oregon through the 1960’s and 1970’s. In planning Salishan, he envisioned a community that both benefitted from, and enhanced, the natural beauty of the Oregon coast. Gray created Salishan in 1961 by purchasing 600 acres of land with over two miles of oceanfront property that eventually offered 369 homesites. The original team of developers, investors and Architects supported his vision of creating a community in natural harmony with the beauty of this coastal site. Following is an abbreviated list of Architects who influenced the design philosophy of Salishan:
John Storrs, an influential member of the Northwest Regional style of Architecture, which is characterized by its use of natural, native materials and connection to the landscape. Storrs designed the Salishan Lodge in collaboration with Barbara Fealy, a renowned Landscape Architect.
The Portland office of Skidmore Owings and Merrill, with Dave Pugh as Principal Architect (and a Leaseholder), designed and engineered the master plan of Salishan with minimal intrusion into the natural view pathways and landscape. SOM also designed the original golf pro shop, the community center, and the original sales office/gate house (now a private residence). Salishan was the first gated community of its kind in Oregon.
Van Evera Bailey, another member of the Northwest Regional style of Architecture, designed some of the earliest homes in Salishan.
Saul Zaik designed the architecturally significant Long House, one of the first condominiums in Oregon.