Simon Benson House, Queen Anne style residence in Portland, Oregon.
The Simon Benson House is a Queen Anne style residence in Portland featuring detailed woodwork, multiple gables, and decorative elements throughout its exterior. The structure displays the characteristic features of turn-of-the-century residential architecture with carefully crafted details at every level.
Built in 1900, the house was owned by Norwegian immigrant Simon Benson, who later became known for founding a polytechnic school and donating public drinking fountains to Portland. Benson's contributions shaped the city's educational and public health infrastructure.
The house shows how successful Portland merchants of the early 1900s expressed their status through careful craftsmanship and refined design choices. The ornamental details reflect the tastes and values of the city's business community at that time.
The house is located on Portland State University campus and functions as a meeting space and visitor center. Access to the building may vary depending on university events and activities, so it is best to check ahead before visiting.
The entire structure was relocated from its original location to its current position on campus in 2000, marking one of Portland's most ambitious preservation efforts. This move allowed the building to survive and continue serving the community in a new context.
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