SW Broadway and SW Taylor
The Heathman Hotel is a historic hotel located in downtown Portland, Oregon. It first opened in 1927 and quickly became an important part of the city’s cultural and social life. The hotel is located near theaters, concert halls, and art spaces, making it a popular place for visitors who enjoy the arts.
Outside the Heathman is a statue of Zelda the Dog. In the lobby of the Heathman there is an old post box and the columns in the lobby contain replicas of the Portland penny.
Over the years, the Heathman Hotel has welcomed many writers, musicians, and performers. The hotel is especially known for its large library, which reflects Portland’s strong connection to literature and learning. The beautiful polished wood in the main area of the hotel is eucalyptus imported from Australia. The chandelier in the main room is unique. There are only 6 like it in the world. Four of them are in the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria and one is in New York. Many of the books in the library are signed by authors who stayed at the hotel.
On the second floor of the hotel all the meeting rooms are named after Portland bridges. There is also a secret passage that connects the hotel to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall next door. Famous authors and musicians who stay at the hotel can access the theater through this passage.
The building’s architecture and interior design feature rich wood details and classic craftsmanship from the early 20th century. Today, the Heathman Hotel remains a landmark that represents Portland’s hospitality, history, and love of the arts.
_______________________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions
Why do cities preserve historic hotels like the Heathman?
How can a hotel become part of a city’s culture?
Why might artists enjoy staying at the Heathman Hotel?
What historic buildings are important in your community?
Vocabulary
Historic – Important in history.
Hospitality – Friendly and generous treatment of guests.
Culture – The arts, traditions, and ideas of a community.
Architecture – The design and style of buildings.
Landmark – A well-known or important place.
________________________________________________________________________
State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events, and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.12. Compare and contrast the history of the local community to other communities in the region. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources (artifacts, pictures, documents) to identify factual evidence. Historical Thinking