Arlington Club, historic building in Portland, Oregon, USA
The Arlington Club is a four-story brick clubhouse in Portland's cultural district, designed by local architects Whidden and Lewis and completed in 1910. The building showcases Georgian Revival and neoclassical features, including columns, symmetrical facades, and terra cotta detailing.
Founded in 1867, the club initially gathered Portland's wealthy business and banking elite at various locations before constructing its permanent home in 1910. This building coincided with the city's post-exposition growth period, when Portland was establishing itself as a regional commercial hub.
The Arlington Club was modeled after prestigious London clubs and reflects Portland's historical connection to international business traditions. Its formal architecture and membership structure show how the city's elite once gathered to conduct civic and commercial affairs.
The clubhouse is conveniently located in Portland's cultural district near theaters and galleries, making it easily accessible from the downtown area. Guest rooms are available for overnight stays, and its position within the cultural zone makes it a natural stop when visiting nearby arts venues.
For over a century, women were permitted only as guests on one spring evening annually, until the membership voted to accept them starting in 1991. This shift reflects how Portland's institutions adapted to broader social changes within the community.
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