Portland Then/Now: The Portland Hotel/Pioneer Courthouse Square

Thursday, September 25, 2014

David Cath, GoLocalPDX Contributor

The Portland Hotel

The Portland Hotel circa 1897. Photo Credit: Auditor's Historical Records - A2004-002.82

The Portland Hotel shined on the center stage from its opening in 1890 until its demolition in 1951.

Currently in its place? Pioneer Courthouse Square.

In fact, much of the Hotel's original stone foundation reportedly lies under the present-day sidewalks that surround the Square.

Pioneer Courthouse Square circa 2014. Photo Credit: Byron Beck

THEN: After investing over a million dollars into the building's construction (and those are 1890 dollars!), The Portland Hotel established itself as a center of substance and elegant-living at the turn of the century. The Portland Hotel stood between Southwest Morrison and Yamhill, on Sixth Street, facing the Pioneer Courthouse until its transformation into a parking structure in 1951. It wouldn't be until 1984 when the parking space would be transformed into what we know as Pioneer Courthouse Square.

NOW: Affectionately known as Portland's "living room," Pioneer Courthouse Square is the city's most highly visible public space. Each year the park hosts over 300 programmed events, while helping bring together community volunteers and private sector contributions. This unique relationship has helped designate the park as one of the most successful public spaces in the United States.

Home Page Photo Credit: Auditor's Historical Records - A2004-002.82