Vance Lump standing in his workshop holding a window he is working on.

Preserving the Past, Building the Future: CCC Alumnus Builds Business with Historic Preservation Skills

Clatsop Community College alumnus Vance Lump has turned his passion for historic craftsmanship into a thriving local business. Vance, the owner of Astoria Wood Windows, has been restoring and creating custom wood windows for homes and businesses throughout the region since finishing his studies in the Historic Preservation and Restoration program at CCC in 2023.

After being furloughed from his job due to COVID shutdowns in 2020, Vance decided to pivot his career by enrolling in the college’s Historic Preservation program. His focus on workshops and hands-on training, particularly those centered on window restoration, ignited his enthusiasm for working with his hands and mastering the craft. “I went through the program to have a career. I was very intentional. I hung around after workshops and bugged the instructors to learn as much as I could,” Vance shared.

Today, Vance builds, paints, installs, and finishes windows entirely in-house, without subcontracting. His work, primarily residential with some commercial projects, preserves the region’s architectural heritage while meeting modern needs. With a growing reputation for craftsmanship, Vance has hired a part-time employee and hopes to expand his team with skilled graduates from CCC in the future.

While CCC’s Historic Preservation and Restoration program provided Vance with foundational restoration skills that got him ready for his career, he sees room for expansion in the curriculum to support the need of training construction specialists. “The college teaches great foundational craft skills, but I didn’t have much guidance on what to do with those skills after college or how to start my own trade business,” Vance explained. “I’d love to see the program expand to really focus on putting construction trades people to work by adding classes focused on business development for tradespeople and training students to become job-ready employees and successful entrepreneurs.”

The demand for specialty trades like window restoration, door repair, plastering, and woodworking is ever present in the community. “I’ll be out at a job working on windows, and the homeowner will ask if I know someone who can fix their rotting porch. We need more woodworkers who understand old buildings,” Vance noted. “Woodworking skills are critical to maintain what already exists. You can’t buy this stuff off the shelf.”

CCC President Jarrod Hogue has been exploring options to strengthen the unique programs at the college and sees potential in expanding the Historic Preservation and Restoration program to include more construction content. “There are immense opportunities in the construction industry, and in response, we are actively developing a comprehensive construction management program,” stated President Hogue. “For professionals involved in the renovation of historic homes, buildings, and other significant structures, understanding and respecting historic integrity is crucial. This involves honoring craftsmanship, preserving materials, all while ensuring compliance with the latest life, safety, and energy codes.”

CCC’s Historic Preservation and Restoration program continues to play a vital role in preserving the region’s historic structures while equipping students with valuable skills. By expanding its curriculum to include more construction-related content and business training, CCC has the potential to further enrich the local community and support the growth of businesses like Astoria Wood Windows.

Non-Discrimination Declaration

It is the policy of Clatsop Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Questions or complaints should be directed to Anita Jensen, Affirmative Action/Gender Equity (Title IX) Officer, Lower Library, Suite 102, ajensen@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2450; TDD : Oregon Relay- Dial 711. For Student Access Services, contact Faith Forster, Columbia Hall, Room 111, fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313

Accommodations

Students having questions about or a request for classroom accommodations should contact Faith Forster, Columbia Hall, Room 111,  fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313.   Community members having questions about or a request for special needs and accommodation should contact Anita Jensen, Lower Library, Suite 102, ajensen@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2450; TDD: Oregon Relay- Dial 711. Please send special needs and accommodations requests here. Contact should be made at least two business days in advance of the event.  

Declaración de no-discriminación

Es la política de Clatsop Community College que no habrá ningún tipo de discriminación o acoso por razón de raza, color, sexo, género, estado civil, religión, origen nacional, edad, orientación sexual, identidad de género o expresióno discapacidad en los programas educativos, actividades o en la contratación. Preguntas o quejas deben ser dirigidas al Anita Jensen, Oficial de Acción Afirmativa / Título IX localizada en la biblioteca, oficina número 102 , ajensen@clatsopcc.edu número de teléfono (503) 338-2450, TDD (discapacidad auditiva) marcar 711 en su teléfono. Para servicios de acceso para estudiantes, comuníquese con Faith Forster localizada en Columbia Hall, oficina número 111,  fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313.

Ayuda a personas discapacitadas

Estudiantes que tengan preguntas o una requieran solicitud de adaptaciones en el aula deben comunicarse con Faith Forster, localizada en Columbia Hall , oficina número 111, fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313. En cuanto a los miembros de la comunidad, se les pide que se comuniquen con Anita Jensen, localizada en la biblioteca, oficina número 102 , ajensen@clatsopcc.edu número de teléfono (503) 338-2450, TDD (discapacidad auditiva) marcar 711 en su teléfono. Haga el favor de notificar a la oficina para que se le pueda proporcionar apoyo. La comunicación debe tomar lugar por lo menos dos días de trabajo antes del evento por el cual se requiera tal ayuda. Para más información, vea la página Web de Clatsop Community College bajo Información en Español. 

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