McMenamins is known for rehabbing old buildings and transforming them into restaurants, and this old school building is no exception. Once known as Kennedy Elementary School, this stately building in NE Portland is now home to one of the area’s most unique bar and restaurants.
This image from 1915 shows the school when it was still used for its original purpose as an elementary school.
It now looks nearly identical apart from its new siding and beautiful landscaping around.
Walking into the old school, the restored building is expertly decorated and filled with wide hallways and artwork.
Chalkboards, which once held lessons for students, are now used to detail specials in the kitchen.
There are several bars in the school, each retaining a theme from the school's past. The large courtyard restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating.
The boiler room is transformed into an epic bar that contains much of what you would expect to find in a boiler room, along with lots of beer and liquor.
An on-premise brewery provides a wide beer selection.
Artwork on the walls features images of the school at is prime, as well as history about the school.
When its time to hit the bathroom, you won't be surprised to find typical school bathroom stalls, with a little extra decorating of course.
The wide halls make you feel like you are back in school.
And when you are ready to lay down for the night, you can actually fall asleep right in class. The classrooms of the building have been transformed into hotel rooms.
Not to be forgotten, the school also features a salt water soaking tub that is a perfect break that can be used by guests of the hotel for free, as well as visitors, for a fee.
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