PCAD Display Options
PCAD Display Options
Select theme to display preview image.
AKA: Benson Hotel, Portland, OR; Westin Benson Hotel, Portland, OR
Structure Type: built works - dwellings -public accommodations - hotels
Designers: Doyle, Patterson and Beach, Architects (firm); Lohse, Henry, Sr., Building Contractor (firm); James George Beach (engineer); Albert Ernest Doyle (architect); Henry Lohse Jr. (building contractor); William B. Patterson (engineer)
Dates: constructed 1911-1913
12 stories
Overview
Opened on 03/05/1913, this skyscraper was originally built as an annex to the Oregon Hotel next door. Just after opening, it was called the "New Oregon Hotel," but was rechristened 16 months after opening as the "Benson Hotel," named in honor of its new owner and most famous inhabitant, Simon Benson.
Building History
The important Portland architectural firm of Doyle, Patterson and Beach designed this hotel for Simon Benson (1852-1942), a lumber magnate and James Beach's father-in-law. Benson, like most really wealthy people, relocated to Beverly Hills, CA, and died there at age 90.
Buidling Notes
The much larger Blackstone Hotel (1909) in Chicago, IL, designed by Benjamin Marshall of the firm of Marshall and Fox, inspired A.E. Doyle's design for the Benson Hotel.
Alteration
A large addition was made to the Benson Hotel in 1958-1959.
PCAD id: 9802
