Embassy Suites 319 SW Pine St.
Introduction
Once known as the Grand Lady of Fourth Avenue, the Multnomah Hotel is one of Portland’s most famous and historic buildings. It has stood as a symbol of the city’s hospitality and growth since it first opened its doors in 1912. At the time, it was one of the largest hotels in the Pacific Northwest, with over 700 guest rooms. The hotel’s grand size and elegant design showed how much Portland had grown since its early pioneer days. The building’s name honors the Indigenous Multnomah people who once lived in the region.
The hotel’s structure is shaped like a giant “M,” allowing light and fresh air to reach many of the guest rooms. This design made the hotel both beautiful and practical for travelers in the early 1900s.
A Place for Big Events
During the early 1900s, the Multnomah Hotel became a center of activity and excitement. Presidents, movie stars, and world travelers stayed there, and it hosted community celebrations, dances, and meetings.
One of the most memorable events happened shortly after the hotel opened. In 1912. Portland pilot Silas Christofferson made history by flying his Curtiss Pusher biplane off the roof of the Multnomah Hotel. To accomplish this feat the plane was disassembled and carried in pieces to the roof where it was reassembled. Christofferson lifted off in front of a cheering crowd and safely landed at nearby Vancouver, Washington. The daring flight made national headlines and helped make both Christofferson and the Multnomah Hotel famous across the country. A replica of Christofferson’s plane is on display in the hotel lobby.
Changes Over Time
As Portland changed, so did the Multnomah Hotel. After years of success, it closed in 1965, and the building was later used as office space. But its beautiful architecture and history were too important to lose. In the 1990s, it was restored and reopened as a hotel again. It now has 275 rooms and provides private bathrooms for each room, something not available in 1912.
Today, it operates as part of the Embassy Suites by Hilton, but many of its original design details remain. Guests can still admire the ornate plaster ceilings, brass fixtures, elegant chandeliers, and the original post box that once carried guests’ letters through the hotel’s mail chute system. Sharp-eyed visitors can also spot the decorative “M” symbols built into the structure̶ an elegant reminder of the hotel’s proud name and history.
______________________________________
Discussion Questions:
I’ve heard that “back in the day” ladies were not allowed to be on the main floor of the hotel unless they were escorted by a gentleman. They had to remain on the mezzanine level. How would we feel about that today?
Point out architectural features on the columns and the dentil and egg and dart motifs in the ceiling.
Vocabulary: dentil; egg and dart
_______________________________________
State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources including artifacts, pictures and documents to identify factual evidence. Social Science Analysis
Visual Arts.10.CO1.3 Identify and show how artwork forms meanings, situations and/or culture (e.g. popular culture, online and local experiences) Connecting artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context, to deepen understanding.