Cornelius Hotel, historic hotel building in Portland, Oregon, USA
The Cornelius Hotel is a seven-story stone structure in downtown Portland with decorative tile work and a distinctive roof lined with metal shingles. Inside, the lobby features a tall ceiling with carved wood details and custom wall designs throughout the interior spaces.
The building was constructed in 1907 and 1908 by architects led by John V. Bennes in the baroque revival style. After decades of various uses, a fire in 1985 damaged the upper floors, and the building remained largely vacant until a major restoration project began in 2016.
The hotel is named after Charles W. Cornelius, a doctor and business owner whose family helped shape Portland's early development. Inside, visitors can observe original carved wood ceilings and decorative wall details in the lobby that reflect the building's past as a gathering place.
The hotel is easily accessible on foot in downtown Portland with clear pathways for visitors to explore. Inside, color-coded corridors and special staircases help guests move between the different sections of the building and find their way around.
The building nearly faced demolition in 2013 before plans changed to preserve it and combine it with the adjacent Woodlark Building into a single hotel. The restoration project removed fire escapes and made extensive upgrades while keeping the historic appearance intact.
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