Woodlark Hotel
Location: Portland, Oregon Size: 82,000 SF, 9 story combined buildings Status: Built Program: 150 room hotel with restaurant, coffee bar, tavern, and meeting rooms Client: Woodlark Owner, LLC
chevron_leftAdaptive Reuse becomes Modern Classic
Portland balances rugged natural beauty with urban sophistication. Likewise, Woodlark Hotel brings those qualities together within a historic downtown setting.
The project revives two of Portland’s notable early commercial buildings. In doing so, it celebrates their ornate detailing and hospitality legacy. Historic hotels also shaped the design. For example, inspirations include Hotel Portland’s palm-lined court and the Multnomah Hotel’s Arcadian Garden.
The New Northwest
Two Historic Buildings, One Destination
Woodlark Hotel combines the Cornelius Hotel and the neighboring Woodlark Building. Together, the nine-story structures create an 82,000-square-foot destination.
The restoration preserves the Cornelius Hotel’s French Renaissance character. In addition, it renews the building’s iconic mansard roof. New interventions support modern hotel operations while respecting both structures. For instance, an elevator penthouse and stair tower rise above the Cornelius roof.
As a result, the project gives both buildings a shared future. Their restored architecture now anchors a contemporary hospitality experience in downtown Portland. The 150-room hotel includes 2,500 square feet of meeting space. Moreover, guests can access a restaurant, coffee bar, tavern, and lounge.
Ground-floor dining spaces open toward the surrounding neighborhood. Consequently, visitors and Portland residents can share the hotel’s public areas.
The culinary spaces also reflect the city’s distinctive character. At the same time, each venue introduces its own atmosphere and identity.
The House of Welcome
Continuing a Portland Tradition
The Cornelius Hotel originally called itself a “House of Welcome.” Therefore, Woodlark Hotel continues that tradition for visitors and locals.
Bright public spaces encourage conversation and shared experiences. In addition, darker lounges provide intimate settings for dining and gathering.
The lobby creates another point of connection. For example, comfortable seating and abundant plant life welcome guests into a residential atmosphere. Meanwhile, the hotel’s restaurant and lounge invite Portland residents inside. As a result, the property remains connected to downtown life.
Nature Reimagined
Botanical patterns and organic forms connect the hotel to its surroundings. However, the design interprets nature without relying on rustic imagery.
Guestrooms offer another expression of this approach. For instance, green upholstery and custom furnishings create a distinctive residential atmosphere.
Modern lighting adds warmth and character. At the same time, natural materials reinforce the hotel’s connection to the region. Consequently, each room feels polished, comfortable, and rooted in Portland’s landscape.
A Natural Material Palette
Connecting Past and Future
The interiors express a refined interpretation of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout the hotel, soft details balance natural references with urban sophistication.
Luxe textiles appear alongside wood, leather, lacquer, and brass. Moreover, abundant plant life brings Portland’s landscape indoors. Mossy green velvet adds richness to guestrooms and gathering spaces. In contrast, oceanic blues introduce depth and calm. Natural wood tones warm the overall palette. Furthermore, metallic accents add light and polish throughout the interiors.
Portland continues to grow and evolve. Similarly, Woodlark Hotel presents a new model for contemporary hospitality in the city. The design balances historic architecture with modern comfort. Therefore, each space respects the past while supporting new experiences.
By reviving two historic buildings, the project connects Portland’s heritage with its future. It creates a welcoming destination rooted in place, history, and community.


AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Best Guestroom Upper Mid-scale Finalist – 2019 Gold Key Awards
https://bdny.com/2019-gold-key-awards-finalists-revealed
Luxury, Upscale, and Lifestyle Guestrooms Finalist – 2019 Hospitality Design Awards
https://www.hospitalitydesign.com/galleries/projects-hotels-resorts-wellness/2019-hd-project-awards-finalists/?blocked=true#21
Finalist – 2019 Interior Design Competition
http://www.iida.org/content.cfm/2019-idc-finalists
Most Innovative Hotel – 2019 Indie Awards Independent Lodging Congress
https://ilcongress.com/ilc/2019-indie-awards-hotels
Top 15 Hotels in the USA – Fodors Travel
https://www.fodors.com/worlds-best/hotels/usa
World’s Greatest Places of 2019 – TIME Magazine
https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2019/5654077/woodlark-portland-oregon/
Historic Preservation Excellence Restore Oregon Winner – 2019 DeMuro Awards
https://restoreoregon.org/2019-demuro-award-winning-projects/

