Known as the “Northwest Industrial Triangle,” the historic Pearl District in Portland, Oregon is famous as a former warehousing district with its seaports and railroads built during the city's growth in the early 20th century. Today, the industrial heritage of the neighborhood remains in the form of rehabilitated masonry buildings, lofts, and loading docks repurposed for dining, travel, and retail. Over the last decade, artists and galleries alongside new industries, such as technology and hospitality, have rejuvenated the district into a vibrant and creative community.

For locals and visitors alike, the Portland Proper Hotel will fit right in. The design takes its cues from the surrounding masonry and industrial buildings. Brick was selected as the primary material to connect the building with the robustness of older buildings in the neighborhood. Although its massing is simple, the hotel’s exterior uses textured bricks and coursing offsets at each floor. Masonry arches and brick patterning at the ground floor put the artistry of the mason’s craft on high display. Inside of the hotel, the refined yet colorful interiors are designed by Kelly Wearstler.

The building has been designed to engage the ground floor in both program and form. Large windows at street level allow for the activity of the hotel, restaurant, and event space to connect with guests or passersby. Clear, low-iron glazing on the first floor allows the rich interior environments and warm accent lighting connect to the outside activity. The windows and doors are recessed back from the building face to provide an intimate transition from the public to the more private spaces inside.

Whether someone is just visiting or attending an event, the hotel will feel like a well-deserved vacation.