Goodenberger has advocated for the appreciation and preservation of Astoria’s historic architecture and its context for more than 30 years. He has done this through the inventorying of properties and the nomination of National Register Historic Districts. He has provided design and technical assistance as an individual contractor, Senior Designer in Ecola Architects, PC., and as City staff. And, he helped form the Lower Columbia Preservation Society to advocate for the protection, promotion and preservation of historic buildings and sites in the Lower Columbia Region.

Realizing that education was the key to valuing the area’s history, Goodenberger produced a heavily researched newspaper column on Astoria’s notable architecture and its ever-changing environ. Today, his new column features every-day people in their preservation efforts. He also does public history lectures featuring civic projects and the life of Astoria’s most eccentric, frequently unknown characters. And, for more than 25 years, Goodenberger has worked with 5th graders, teaching them architectural styles, history and hand drawing. His walking tours are a favorite among his students.

When it became evident that a lack of preservation craftspeople prevented people from restoring their structures, Goodenberger helped found Clatsop Community College’s Historic Preservation program. A hands-on focused program, Goodenberger teaches historic preservation theory and law, hand-drafting, and the history of Northwest architecture.

In 2018, he was given an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award for “extraordinary dedication to preserving the physical and cultural heritage of Astoria.”

In 2019, Restore Oregon honored the M & N Building with a Demuro Award for excellence in preservation, reuse, and community revitalization. Today, the building is fully occupied, housing a fish market, shop, massage studio, and antique mall.

Marcus and Michelle Liotta, two first-time commercial building owners, led an effort to renovate the M & N Building in downtown Astoria. Constructed over a former tideland, the building’s foundation began to sink. This--combined with the fact the structure was unoccupied for nearly 25 years--made renovation especially challenging. In 2016, Restore Oregon designated it one of Oregon’s Most Endangered Buildings.

The Liotta’s hired Rickenbach Construction as their general contractor. Bergeman Construction stabilized the building. PAG member, John Goodenberger, provided assistance with financial incentives including Special Assessment and 20 % Federal Tax Credits.