The National Register-listed Fairmount Apartments, originally known as the Hotel Fairmount, were constructed in 1905, directly across the street from the main gate of the Lewis and Clark Exposition. Meant to supply lodging for fairgoers visiting Portland from around the globe, this building is one of the only Exposition structures still standing. And like most other buildings erected in support of this famous World’s Fair, it was envisioned as a temporary structure.
By the time Urban Development + Partners (UD+P) assumed operation of the Fairmount in 2015, the building had had suffered decades of neglect. In fact, several apartment units were abandoned and left vacant due to extensive disrepair. Rotted joists and posts caused some of the building’s floors to sag as much as six inches; while leaky plumbing, windows and roofing left the structure at risk for demolition.
With the building at nearly-full occupancy, the UD+P team faced a challenge: How could they uncover its bones — and determine the full extent of repairs necessary for a building which was never intended to stand for over a century — without emptying the building of occupants?
UD+P elected to engage in a lengthy tenant move-out process, working early and closely with a leasing team to incentivize natural tenant move-outs. Through this process, they were able to avoid issuing evictions. At the same time, UD+P’s design team was able to investigate hidden structural conditions via spot demolition in the building’s abandoned apartment units.
By 2017, with all tenants successfully rehomed and new insight into the Fairmount’s structural challenges, UD+P was able to begin interior demolition in earnest. Happy developments during this process included the exposure of the building’s post-and-beam structure, the emergence of long-hidden original hallway windows, and the discovery of thousands of feet of wood framing, most in good enough condition to be repurposed.
After careful sorting, all useable wooden boards were stored for eventual re-use. An on-site wood shop was then created, allowing this precious salvaged material to be lovingly crafted into cabinet doors, drawers, open shelving, and a floor-to-ceiling railing for the main staircase – each helping the Fairmount Apartments reclaim a bit of the historic patina obliterated by previous remodels.
Today, inviting common areas include a lobby lounge with a welcoming fireplace, a light-filled reading nook, and two private courtyards. Modern amenities have been added, too, including secure bike storage, shared laundry rooms and WiFi. Ultimately, this reimaging of a century-old “temporary” hotel yielded 80 apartment residences featuring hardwood floors, lofty ceilings, custom cabinetry and freshly tiled bathrooms. Meanwhile, the historic charm of the building’s exterior has been lovingly preserved.
This project would likely not have been possible without an Oregon historic property tax abatement. Thanks in part to this incentive, a beautifully repurposed hotel continues to occupy a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, while also providing affordable housing for dozens of Northwest Portland residents.
Restore Oregon was delighted celebrate the rebirth of the Fairmount Apartments at our 2019 Restoration Celebration gala by awarding a well-deserved De Muro Award to the following hardworking team:
- Owner/Developer: Urban Development + Partners
- Architect: MFA Architecture and Planning Structural
- Engineering: WDY, Inc.