Key Takeaways
- McMenamins is converting the historic Taft Home in downtown Portland into a new hotel.
- The project will add 63 hotel rooms, three restaurants/bars, a gift shop, and a skybridge to the Crystal Ballroom.
- The building, originally built in 1907 and designed by Edgar Lazarus, previously served as low-income senior housing.
- McMenamins acquired the property in 2024 for $1.5 million and is currently renovating the upper floors.
- The development aims to enhance Portland’s West End as a live music and entertainment district.
Summary Lead
McMenamins, a hospitality company known for restoring historic properties, is transforming the former Taft Home, a 1907 building in downtown Portland, into a new 63-room hotel. The project, which also includes three new dining and drinking establishments and a skybridge connecting to the iconic Crystal Ballroom, is set to revitalize the area and expand McMenamins’ presence in what they dub ‘rock ‘n’ roll row.’ The company acquired the building in 2024, with renovations underway to convert its upper floors into hotel accommodations.
The Deep Dive
A Historic Building’s New Chapter
The Taft Home, a historic four-story building located at 1321 S.W. Washington St. in Portland’s West End, is undergoing a significant transformation by McMenamins. Originally constructed in 1907 and designed by renowned local architect Edgar Lazarus, the building is in the style of the “Chicago School,” known for its blend of new construction techniques and classic architectural elements. For decades, it served as low-income congregate housing for disabled seniors. However, it closed in 2021 after state regulators cited various safety and care violations, leaving the building vacant.
McMenamins’ Vision for ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Row’
McMenamins purchased the Taft Home property in 2024 for $1.5 million with a clear vision to integrate it into their portfolio of distinctive Pacific Northwest establishments. The company plans to renovate the second, third, and fourth floors of the building to create approximately 63 new hotel rooms. This expansion is strategically located adjacent to McMenamins’ existing properties, including the Crystal Ballroom and the Crystal Hotel, further solidifying their vision for the area as a vibrant ‘rock ‘n’ roll row’—a hub for live music and entertainment. A key feature of the renovation is the addition of a skybridge that will directly connect the new hotel to the Crystal Ballroom, enhancing convenience for guests and performers alike.
Enhancing Downtown Portland’s Appeal
The revitalization of the Taft Home represents a significant investment in downtown Portland’s economic recovery and cultural landscape. Co-founder Mike McMenamin expressed his admiration for the building’s “absolute beauty” and its potential to be a “perfect complement” to their other downtown holdings. In addition to the hotel rooms, the project will introduce three new restaurants and bars, as well as a gift shop, adding to the area’s amenities. The ground-floor establishments, Cassidy’s restaurant and Scooter’s bar, will remain open during and after the renovation, preserving some of the building’s existing character. McMenamins is known for its unique approach to restoring historic buildings, often incorporating whimsical interiors, hand-painted murals, and original artwork, which are expected to feature in the new Taft Hotel.
Future Outlook
While an official opening date for the new McMenamins hotel has not yet been announced, renovation work is actively in progress. The project underscores McMenamins’ commitment to preserving and re-imagining historic structures while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of Portland’s downtown core. The company’s consistent focus on developing unique hospitality experiences in historic settings continues to be a hallmark of their expansion across Oregon and Washington.
FAQ: People Also Ask
What is the history of the Taft Home building?
The Taft Home was built in 1907 and designed by architect Edgar Lazarus. It originally served as a hotel known as the Hotel Ramapo until 1955, and later became a residential care facility for low-income and disabled seniors before closing in 2021 due to safety and care violations.
What amenities will the new McMenamins hotel include?
The new hotel will feature 63 hotel rooms, three restaurants and bars, a gift shop, and a skybridge connecting directly to the Crystal Ballroom.
When is the new McMenamins hotel expected to open?
McMenamins has not yet announced an official opening date for the new hotel, but renovations are currently underway.
