presents
The Menefee House:
A Pietro Belluschi-Designed Residence
June 8th, 2024
Open for touring for the first time ever, the historic Menefee House in Yamhill, Oregon was dubbed “the most progressive house in the United States” back in 1948, and still maintains many of its original features today.
Join us in Oregon Wine Country for wine, hors d'oeuvres, and an incredibly rare opportunity to visit one of Pietro Belluschi’s favorite residential projects.
The House
Sided with board and batten fir, this striking single-story house was designed to blend into its rural landscape while maximizing views of the surrounding hillsides and nearby Coast Range. Features include sheltered walkways, generous patio and courtyard spaces, and glass curtain walls, as well as an expansive wood-burning fireplace topped with a striking repousse’ copper hood designed and made by artist, and frequent Belluschi-collaborator, Frederic Littman.
The original owner of the house, Percy (“P.L.”) Menefee, was an actor turned turkey tycoon who, for a time, was known as the world’s largest producer of broad-breasted Bronze turkeys. Menefee granted Belluschi control over the design of both the interior and exterior, which resulted in something truly special.
With radiant heat flooring and a seamless transition between indoors and out, the house’s design was considered so radical for its time, it attracted the attention of publications nationwide, including Time Magazine and the New York Times. It also won an award for excellence from the magazine Progressive Architecture.
Also radical was the house’s price tag of $120,000, at a time when a modest new tract house could be purchased for just $5000.
Photo of Pietro Belluschi
1899 - 1994
About Pietro Belluschi
Pietro Belluschi (1899-1994) was a revered architect celebrated for his pioneering contributions to Northwest Regional Modernism. Born in Ancona, Italy, he made Portland his home, crafting timeless designs that integrated local materials, such as wood and rock, into elegant structures. Notable works include the Portland Art Museum and the Equitable Building.
Belluschi's influence extended far beyond Oregon, as he served as the Dean of Architecture at MIT and chaired numerous design juries, including that of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. His legacy lives on through iconic buildings such as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. Restore Oregon is delighted to showcase Belluschi’s design prowess and enduring impact on Pacific Northwest architecture through this delightful tour of his Portland-area churches.
You won't want to miss this gathering!
Tour one of Pietro Belluschi’s favorite residential projects while enjoying views of the surrounding hillside and nearby Coast Range. In addition to the view, sip wines from the grapes grown next door and listen to the enchanting tales from the current owner.
The Menefee House: A Pietro Belluschi-Designed Residence
DETAILS
Date: June 8th, 2024
Time:(two time slots to choose from)
Tour 1: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Tour 2: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Yamhill, OR
Ticket: $75
HOUSE TOUR RULES:
- You are taking this tour at your own risk and are responsible for navigating any slippery, uneven, or otherwise potentially unsafe areas.
- Drink responsibly.
- This home is ADA accessible.
- Parking is onsite.
Please show your support for Restore Oregon and preservation in Oregon by joining us for this fun and unique opportunity!
Join Restore Oregon’s Modernist Society Membership!
For modernism enthusiasts who want to enjoy this tour and the entire Restore Oregon Modernism collection of private and public events, Restore Oregon offers the Modernist Society membership for only $250 per year (that’s just about $20 a month). Click here to learn more or join today.
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One of Portland’s most anticipated design and architecture events of the year has grown to a year-round event, called Restore Oregon Modernism.
Sponsorships are available that cover all events and support our work to save historic places across the state.