There are certain homes that remind me exactly why I love Portland real estate. This 1926 Colonial in the heart of Grant Park with a very special ADU is one of them.
I’m excited to share that this home was recently featured in Realtor.com’s Unique Homes series, in a story exploring its century-old architecture, thoughtful renovation, and the details that make it such a special part of Northeast Portland.
I had the pleasure of helping the current owners purchase this home and have watched its transformation firsthand. Getting to represent a home at different points in its story is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Portland real estate broker.
A historic Portland home with a thoughtful modern renovation
Built in 1926, this five-bedroom Colonial sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Portland’s beloved Grant Park neighborhood.
The home has all the architectural details that make older Portland homes so compelling: arched doorways, generous proportions, original character, and a warmth that can be difficult to recreate in new construction.
But what makes this renovation especially successful is that the updates feel like they belong.
The kitchen was taken down to the studs and rebuilt with custom cabinetry, marble countertops, and high-end appliances. New built-ins and lighting were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the home, while a powder room, mudroom, and butler’s pantry were reimagined to make everyday living more functional.
The owners also invested in the less glamorous, but incredibly important, improvements: a new roof, HVAC system with a heat pump, upgraded electrical, sewer improvements, and an EV charger.
As I shared with Realtor.com:
“A buyer gets a 1926 house without the 1926 to-do list.”
That’s a pretty compelling combination.
What makes Grant Park one of Portland’s most beloved neighborhoods?
One of the things I love about Grant Park real estate is that the neighborhood offers so much more than beautiful homes.
Grant Park itself is nearly 20 acres of green space, with walking paths, tennis courts, a swimming pool, playground, dog park, and a sledding hill for the occasional Portland snow day.
It’s also a neighborhood with a little literary history. Beverly Cleary grew up nearby, and the park is home to bronze statues of Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ribsy.
The Hollywood District and NE Broadway are close by, offering neighborhood restaurants, shops, and everyday conveniences.
And one of my favorite local details? The Hollywood Theatre opened in July 1926, the same year this home was built. A century of Portland history, just a few minutes apart.
The details that make this home special
Beyond the original architecture and beautifully updated interiors, this property offers a few features that are particularly hard to find in close-in Portland neighborhoods.
A separate ADU, affectionately known as “the cottage,” includes its own kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. It’s an ideal setup for guests, extended family, or a dedicated home office.
Outside, a large ipe deck opens onto irrigated gardens designed by Bloke, creating a quiet, private setting just steps from Grant Park.
For buyers looking for a historic Portland home, these are the kinds of details that can make a property stand out: character, thoughtful design, functional improvements, and a location that supports the way you actually want to live.
A special home in Portland’s Grant Park neighborhood
It’s rare to find a close-in Portland home with this much original character where the major, expensive work has already been completed.
Add a separate ADU, a quiet cul-de-sac, and Grant Park just steps away, and you have a combination that’s difficult to replicate.
I’m grateful to have been part of this home’s story, from helping the owners purchase it to representing it through this next chapter.
And a big thank you to Realtor.com for featuring the property and sharing its story.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Portland?
Whether you’re drawn to historic homes in Grant Park, a classic Colonial in Northeast Portland, or a home with a little more room to grow, I’d love to help you navigate the Portland real estate market with a thoughtful, strategic approach.
