Historic Meriwether’s restaurant to close, eventually reopen on top of a new 5-story building
Updated: the owner says “We are absolutely keeping our wonderful building and updating it for private events. It will remain alongside the new building on our property.”]
The original Food Dude is rolling over in his grave. Despite the forgettable food, Meriwether’s Restaurant & Skyline Farm was his favorite patio in Portland. This afternoon The Oregonian reports that the restaurant will be torn down to make way for a five-story building. If all goes well, the restaurant will eventually reopen on the roof.
A bit of history for you from the Meriwether’s website:
Meriwether’s Restaurant is situated on the site of Portland’s 1905 World’s Fair, the “Lewis and Clark Exposition.” The historic building sits at the entrance to the fair, on the corner of NW 26th Avenue and Vaughn Street in Northwest Portland’s industrial area. Except for paint and landscaping, the exterior of the building has remained relatively unchanged since the late 1920’s.
John and Renee Orlando toyed with the idea of tearing it down when they bought the building in 2003, but once they learned of its rich history and that of the area, they were committed to restoring its historical character. They renovated the building in the style of a classic country inn, to reflect its roots. From covering the large fireplaces with Montana mossy rock to restoring the original stained glass windows and panels, and upgrading the historic bar, the space was lovingly returned to its original splendor. Outside, gardens were designed to accommodate large and small numbers of guests, including a meandering circular garden and stone paths, a sunken patio and gazebo with a fire pit.
According to the article in the O, the owners feel they have outgrown the current kitchen and bar, and a remodel would cost over $200,000. They will be serving their last meal on Mother’s Day, May 13th. The plan is for the new version to open summer of 2019.
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