Laurelhurst Club

 

A Craftsman-era building in the Laurelhurst neighborhood with an interesting pedigree could be headed to a new future if the owner can find the right person to attract and manage events.

 The Laurelhurst Neighborhood Association recently took possession of the Laurelhurst Club near the northeast corner of Laurelhurst Park with the hope of returning it to its roots as a community center – and earning enough income to manage upkeep of the building erected in 1914.

 The building was originally funded by subscriptions from homeowners in the Laurelhurst neighborhood, then one of the fanciest developments on Portland’s east side.  Fundraising and development of the club occurred simultaneously with planning for Laurelhurst Elementary School and with completion of amenities in the landmark Laurelhurst Park.

 Newspaper articles from the era suggest that the original construction budget would be $14,000, but that number rose to $20,000 and then to $25,000 by the time it was finished in December, 1914.  Proponents talked about a community center as grand as the Multnomah Athletic Club, but in the end of the result was considerably smaller and offered fewer facilities than the MAC with its region-wide clientele. 

 However, the same architectural firm, Whitehouse and Fouilhoux, designed both clubs.  The architecture firm was one of the city’s most prominent of the era, designing Jefferson High School and the original Lincoln High School, which now serves as Lincoln Hall at Portland State University.

 The firm also was well-plugged in to Portland’s social circles.  Its other work included the University Club, Waverly County Club and the city’s Eastmoreland golf club.  The Laurelhurst Club comprises a ballroom and small stage under an open-trussed roof, with a few smaller meeting rooms in a wing at the rear of the lot.

  Photographs indicate that the ballroom was a later addition, but it blends nicely with the original structure.  From a preservationist’s perspective, the building unfortunately was wrapped at some point in vinyl siding but that is not an irreversible harm.

 The club opened with festivities on New Year’s Eve, 1914.  The Oregonian reported, “The big fireplace at the end of the hall gives a hospitable appearance.  The furnishings are in perfect taste.  The decorations for the opening night were greens and holly.”

 The club originally included tennis courts, but those later gave way to residences.  A landscaped side yard on the west makes an attractive location for parties and outdoor events. By the 1930s, neighborhood interest waned in the community center, and it was taken over by a group promoting dances and dance lessons.  The pandemic shut down dance operations, and the Laurelhurst Neighborhood Association agreed to take possession.

 As the neighborhood association looks for a manager, one can think of many opportunities for the building.  The formal dances are expected to return, and the ballroom could be a good venue for tango and contra dancing.  Small music and drama groups might be recruited as well.  Smaller rooms might work for meetings, daycare or a preschool, and the building and side yard are attractive for weddings and parties in good weather.

 One hopes that this historic building sits on the cusp of new life, new activities and community success.