The Burnside Blog
Hotel Modera Debuts
Before urban renewal took a dump on the areas we refer to as the South Auditorium District and University District, a neighborhood called South Portland was one of the most unique and diverse neighborhoods in the city. Today, with notable buildings like the PSU Rec Center and Cyan Condominiums in the works, Seattle-based Posh ventures was smart to purchase the ailing Days Inn in 2007 and hire the renowned PDX design honchos at Holst Architecture to transfigure an eyesore into a gem, the new Hotel Modera. At an opening party jointly hosted by Modera’s backers and the Portland Business Alliance, business leaders and media got an official first look at the hotel, which is without question Stumptown’s sleekest lodging endeavor yet.
Though Holst played the role of design God on the project, its designers collaborated with Lango Hansen Landscape Architects on the porte cochere and the courtyard, which features Portland’s first living wall. Portland’s Corso Staicoff was responsible for the interiors. In short, the hotel is beautiful. Don’t believe me, see for yourself.
By mr nice guy on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 07:41AM PDT
that’s me hanging in the lobby…i’m so cool!
By Jon W. on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 07:55AM PDT
I stopped by there last week and was amazed by the courtyard, It is one of the more sophisticated spaces in Portland – we need more spaces like this. It reminds me of a courtyard you would happen upon somewhere in Denmark – very european. Does anybody know when the restaurant space will be filled? I can’t wait to sip two or three martinis and then go feel the fuzzy wall.
jon
By Mike Thelin on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:47AM PDT
I’m told the owners are talking with several restaurateurs. Who ever ends up leasing this space is going to do incredibly well. Even with Higgins a block away, there are not enough dining options in that end of downtown. I generally avoid superlatives, but the courtyard will be without doubt the best outdoor dining spot in the city. If only I had a few million and knew how to cook…
By Penny on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 03:48PM PDT
Great pictures. This looks like a cool place to sit and chill after the city dies in the evenings. I hope they find a good restauranteur and don’t waste the space on anything stuffy or boring (Read: Higgins dinner).
By Laurence Balter on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 10:18AM PDT
Great job Alan. It’s a superb piece of work. Many years of prosperity ahead!
By Y. J. Whang on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 12:31PM PDT
Very elegant and stylish yet comfortable… New “must-see” and “place-to-stay” for tourists and business travelers to Portland.
By stuart on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 12:47PM PDT
It’s a nice place Whang, but until they find a restaurateur, I wouldn’t recommend it for business travelers. Where are you supposed to eat breakfast?
By kevin on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 03:46PM PDT
Stuart, I believe they are actually providing a free continental breakfast until the restaurant is open. Not to mention all the other places to eat in this town.
By Mike Thelin on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 04:23PM PDT
Plus Higgins is one block away. It’s not open for breakfast, but there are numerous coffee shops and cafes in the CBD that are open.
By Paul Jeffries on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 02:09PM PDT
Plus, whoever lands this restaurant space will be lucky. It’s huge, it already has expensive kitchen equipment installed, and it will anchor an area of downtown with few great dining options (besides Higgins of course). I’m not aware of the details, but from my own experience (12 years) in the restaurant industry, it’s tough right now for even established, profitable restaurant operators to find credit to open their projects. The current economy is so strange for restaurants, retail start-ups and residential estate. The demand is there, but the loans are tough to get. I wonder if that’s the case with Modera? Anyway, thank the Bush Administration for their lack of oversight of the credit markets. It’’s what’s deflating our dollar, which is partly responsible for higher construction and fuel costs. It’s funny that the dollar took a one-day jump on the global currency market the day Obama secured the nomination. What does that tell you?
By Marni on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 10:47AM PDT
We are looking forward to our stay at Modera, but coffee is a priority! Can anyone recommend a good, independent coffee shop near the hotel?
By Mike Thelin on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 10:58AM PDT
I think your best bet is Cacao on Salmon and Broadway. It’s primary focus is chocolate, but their coffee is good. The Heathman also has good coffee and brunch as well.
By h-lin on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 12:14AM PDT
This place looks great. Nicely done Mr’s HolSt.
By Patrick MacLane on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:41AM PDT
I was the supplier for some of the items that are at the hotel and wow it looks sooo nice.