Bishop's House, former archdiocese residence in Portland, Oregon, USA
The Bishop's House is a three-story building built in 1879 in downtown Portland, featuring Gothic Revival style with pointed arches and decorative stonework. The structure includes a steep gable roof and was constructed with granite stones transported down the Columbia River, creating a substantial presence on the street with tall, narrow windows throughout.
The building was constructed in 1879 as the Catholic Church moved its seat from Oregon City to Portland and required a proper residence for its bishop. Although designed for that purpose, it only served as the bishop's home starting in 1893 before the church leader relocated after the new cathedral was completed in 1885.
The house takes its name from its original role as the bishop's residence and stands as a symbol of the Catholic Church's long presence in Portland. Today, different businesses occupy the building, including a Lebanese restaurant, showing how the space has adapted to serve the community in new ways.
The building is located in the Yamhill Historic District downtown and is easily accessible on foot, with many other historic structures nearby worth exploring. The ground floor now houses a restaurant and office space, giving visitors easy access to view the historic facade and architectural details from the street.
During Prohibition in the 1920s and 1930s, the building was secretly used as a place to sell alcohol illegally, with small peepholes still visible today. The structure is also believed to have had a telephone line connecting it to police headquarters, adding another layer of intrigue to its hidden activities.
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