Key Takeaways
- Historic Restoration: McMenamins plans to convert the Taft Home, a 1912-built structure on East Burnside, into a boutique hotel.
- Project Scope: The development includes approximately 70 guest rooms, a restaurant, and multiple bar areas.
- Neighborhood Impact: The project aims to revitalize the Kerns and Laurelhurst transition zone with a new community-focused hospitality destination.
- Preservation Strategy: Known for their historical sensitivity, McMenamins will incorporate the building’s original architectural features into the new design.
Summary Lead
PORTLAND, OR — The landscape of Portland’s East Burnside is set for a historic transformation as McMenamins, the Pacific Northwest’s premier purveyor of whimsical hospitality, officially moves forward with plans to turn the storied Taft Home into a boutique hotel. Located at 2747 E Burnside St., the 1912 structure, which most recently served as a residential care facility, will undergo a massive renovation. This project marks another milestone in the company’s long-standing tradition of breathing new life into aging civic icons, blending historic preservation with modern leisure.
The Deep Dive
For decades, the Taft Home has stood as a stoic witness to the evolution of Portland’s inner east side. Originally commissioned as a home for the aged, the building’s Edwardian-style architecture has long been a candidate for a second act. This week, city filings and company announcements confirmed that McMenamins has secured the site with the intent to execute a top-to-bottom conversion that mirrors the success of their other flagship properties like the Kennedy School and the Crystal Hotel.
A Legacy of Adaptive Reuse
McMenamins has built an empire on the philosophy that history is best enjoyed with a pint of handcrafted ale. The Taft Home project fits perfectly within this niche. The building was originally designed by architect H.W. Hogue and has served various social functions over the last century. By choosing the Taft Home, McMenamins is doubling down on their commitment to the ‘Kerns’ neighborhood, providing a link between the bustling commercial corridors of 28th Avenue and the residential charm of Laurelhurst.
Architectural enthusiasts are particularly excited about the potential for the building’s interior. Early reports suggest that the renovation will preserve the high ceilings, ornate woodwork, and expansive windows that define the 1912 aesthetic. Following the brand’s signature style, locals can expect hand-painted murals that tell the specific history of the Taft Home, its residents, and the surrounding Portland neighborhood.
From Residential Care to Rooftop Views
The transition from a low-income residential care facility to a high-end boutique hotel is a significant shift for the property. While the project is still in the early permitting phases, current plans outline a multi-use space. Beyond the estimated 70 guest rooms, the proposal includes a large-scale restaurant on the ground floor and potentially a rooftop bar or terrace, taking advantage of the building’s prominent position on the Burnside ridge.
Industry analysts see this move as a strategic expansion during a period of recovery for the Portland tourism sector. By targeting a ‘historic experience’ rather than a standard corporate stay, McMenamins continues to attract a demographic that values character and local storytelling. The project will require significant seismic upgrades and modernizations to bring the century-old structure up to current safety codes, a challenge that McMenamins has navigated successfully in the past with projects like the Elks Temple in Tacoma.
Economic and Community Integration
The Taft Home conversion isn’t just about tourism; it’s a major economic development for the Kerns neighborhood. The project is expected to create dozens of construction jobs and, upon completion, provide permanent employment for hotel staff, chefs, and service workers. Furthermore, the inclusion of ‘community rooms’—spaces often reserved by McMenamins for neighborhood meetings and events—ensures that the building remains a functional part of the local social fabric rather than an exclusive enclave.
As the city of Portland continues to grapple with urban density and the preservation of its ‘Old Portland’ charm, the Taft Home project stands as a case study in how private development can align with public historical interests. If all goes according to plan, the Taft Home will soon reopen its doors, inviting a new generation of visitors to walk its historic halls.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q: When is the McMenamins Taft Home hotel expected to open?
A: While an official opening date has not been set, projects of this scale typically require 18 to 24 months for permitting and construction once initial approvals are granted.
Q: Will the hotel include a public bar and restaurant?
A: Yes. True to the McMenamins model, the Taft Home project is slated to include a full-service restaurant and multiple bars that will be open to both hotel guests and the general public.
Q: What happened to the previous residents of the Taft Home?
A: The Taft Home previously operated as a residential care facility managed by REACH Community Development. Residents were transitioned to other facilities prior to the sale and the commencement of the new development plans.
