By Living Room Realty, July 5, 2018
THE HISTORIC MORELAND/SMITH/COHN HOME
Situated at the corner of NW 22nd and NW Kearney in the historic Alphabet district, this house was originally built by Judge Julius and Abigail Moreland in 1906. The next owner was Elizabeth Smith, the widow of a wealthy hotelier followed by Jennie and Eugene Cohn, owners of Cohn Furniture. When the property gained Portland landmark status, it is for these three early Portland residents and owners during the first half of the twentieth century that the house takes its historic name as the Moreland/Smith/Cohn House.
Although the use of the house has changed over the decades—it was a boarding house during WWII and has served as a triplex since 1976–the building itself remains an example of nearly unadulterated Craftsman features. It’s original construction came during a time when the Arts and Crafts movement was gaining popularity in America. Indeed, in 1905, the Lewis and Clark exhibition showcased several Craftsman style homes constructed in Northwest thereby increasing the popularity and local demand. The unique features and craftsmanship held wide appeal and soon both grand and more affordable versions of Craftsman bungalow construction were spreading throughout our Portland neighborhoods.
I’m delighted that my clients, Lisa and Rich just became the new owners of this triplex. They will be conscientious stewards of the property, honoring the home’s past and tending to the immediate and oftimes unique needs of a vintage property. I am proud to have brought these wonderful people forward as the next caretakers of the Moreland/Smith/Cohn House –with genuine care, they will carry this grand gem of a house forward into Portland’s future.
