By the 1980s, the 1890 Osborn Hotel building at SE Grand and Ash Street had seen better days. Years of neglect could have doomed this building but it would see better days again, as the building is nicely restored today.
(University of Oregon Libraries)
Tags: Cast-iron architecture, Champion, Oregon, Portland, Standard Auto Parts
February 11, 2013 at 6:47 am
Thanks for this great photo! I go by here often and now will enjoy making the comparison as I look at this on my iPhone and the up at the building.
February 11, 2013 at 7:18 am
Yay. Finally one that doesn’t say in the last sentence “still an undeveloped surface parking lot.”
February 11, 2013 at 7:53 am
A similar view todayM.
February 11, 2013 at 8:43 am
Here’s the modern corner of the building
http://www.flickr.com/photos/poetas/5386609246/
February 11, 2013 at 8:47 am
I wonder if there was originally a “witches hat” roof on the tower.
February 11, 2013 at 9:35 am
Wow…lovely restoration. Could there be a “Vintage Portland Citation for Excellence in Preservation” for such projects?
February 11, 2013 at 9:43 am
Nice to see one that is looking better than before. Wish there were more like this. I heard on the radio today that an old Victorian was being levelled to make a double condo in Portland.
February 11, 2013 at 7:19 pm
nice! yes, always good to see a beautiful old building brought back from the dead. I frequent the East End bar quite often. little did people know over a hundred years ago that people would be rocking out in the basement of the building. (rocking out not even being in existence in those days.
February 12, 2013 at 6:49 am
“OSBORN HOTEL!
AN ELEGANT NEW BRICK HOTEL!
Free Baths for All Guests.
Electric Call Bells and All Modern Conveniences. An Elegant Family Hotel.
MISS MARY ALDRIDGE, Prop. W. C. WOOD, Manager.
Corner Fifth and H Sts., – - – - EAST PORTLAND, OREGON
Morrison Street Bridge Cars Pass the Door.”
Morning Oregonian, Feb 2, 1890, Page 1
February 12, 2013 at 6:54 am
“The Osborn Hotel, on East Ash and Grand avenue, has been successfully moved back to the new street line. After it has been raised up sufficiently high, it required only four hours to move it ten feet. This is the last large building on Grand avenue that had to be moved to accomplish the widening of the street.”
Morning Oregonian, East Side Notes, June 21, 1894, Page 6
February 13, 2013 at 7:50 pm
it still amazes me that it’s possible to pick up a bulding and move it. even in modern times, let alone in 1894.