Northwest Bank/Barber Block Case Study

Preservation in Action Award Recipient

Bruce Burns, Barber Block LLC - owner
Lundin Cole Architects
Tracey Simpson, IDEA Inc – designer
Eric Money, Commercial Contractors Inc

Built in 1890, the story of the preservation of the Barber Block goes back to Jerry Bosco and Ben Milligan, who convinced Bruce Burns to restore the building instead of demolishing it – and a preservationist was born!

The award recognizes the adaptive re-use of the interior as a Northwest Bank office. Many businesses have occupied the Barber Block over the years. It started as a mortuary, served as a Nickelodeon theater, Digger O’Dell’s restaurant, and finally the Rose and Raindrop pub. In the adaptation of the building as a bank, much of the history of the building was saved and incorporated.

The overall design strove to be in keeping with a bank of the 1890’s. The mahogany woodwork, stained glass, and chandeliers were repaired, and the first floor of the building was repainted in its original colors. You will not find another bank like this in Portland!

More Photos of the Barber Block

Click to enlarge the images below.