The adaptive reuse of Milwaukie City Hall transforms the historic 1937 Public Works Administration-era building into a vibrant commercial and cultural hub in the heart of downtown Milwaukie, Oregon. Once home to essential city functions—including the mayor’s office, council chambers, city departments, public library, police and fire stations, and a community meeting hall—this compact yet vital facility served as the cornerstone of civic life for over 85 years.

Now reimagined through a $5 million revitalization effort, the project preserves the building’s architectural legacy while supporting economic development and community-rooted stewardship. Led by City Hall Holdings (CHH)—a partnership of Henry Point Development (HPD), Owen Gabbert, LLC (OGLLC), and Reside Development (RD)—the renewed space welcomes key tenants such as pFriem Family Brewers and Keeper Coffee, aligning with the city’s vision for a lively, inclusive, and sustainable downtown.

Milwaukie City Hall is a two-story wood-frame building with a brick veneer, partial basement, and flat roof. Designed by architect Walter E. Kelly and built by contractor Joseph H. Anderson in 1938, the project cost $32,000 and was aided by a $13,200 grant from the Works Progress Administration (WPA)—the last project in Oregon funded by the WPA. Architecturally, the building exemplifies the Late Moderne style, characterized by symmetry, multi-pane windows, a brick façade, and restrained classical detailing—all hallmarks of civic architecture of the period. Prominently located on Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Milwaukie, the site sits one block from the Willamette River, and adjacent to the public farmers market and newly constructed public library-an important gateway to the city center.

Recognized by the City of Milwaukie (the City) as a “significant historic resource,” the building represents an important piece of the city's architectural and cultural heritage. Its designation reflects the value placed not only on its physical attributes but also on the stories, decisions, and community events that took place within its walls.

Rather than abandon or demolish this historic anchor, the City issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2022 to identify a development partner who could reimagine the space while honoring its historic and cultural significance. The RFP emphasized preservation, equity, and public benefit. Ultimately, the City selected CHH. Their proposal—developed with architecture firms Brett Schulz Architect and Design Department Architecture—envisioned a hospitality-forward, mixed-use redevelopment that would preserve the building's legacy while introducing vibrant commercial programming.

CHH brought extensive expertise in adaptive reuse and downtown revitalization and was drawn to Milwaukie’s appeal as an affordable, well-connected alternative to Portland’s urban core. Located just 13 minutes from downtown Portland, Milwaukie is attracting young families with its affordability, natural beauty, and growing downtown. At the time, downtown Milwaukie offered limited retail and dining options, many of which were either vacant or mismatched with the area’s changing demographics. The opening of a new library in 2020 and several successful multifamily developments signaled renewed investment and growth potential, giving the development team confidence in the project’s long-term viability.

After the City relocated its operations, permits were secured in March 2024, construction began shortly thereafter, and the project was completed in April 2025 by OGLLC. The redevelopment process was collaborative, involving ongoing dialogue with the City, the Milwaukie Historical Society, local stakeholders, and future tenants. The project team shared a commitment to adaptive reuse, place-based development, and inclusive community activation. They also brought prior experience in civic redevelopment and worked closely with BIPOC-, women-, and LGBTQ-owned businesses across all phases of the project.

The transformation converted the building from a civic use into two restaurant venues on the ground floor with creative office suites on the second floor. Interior renovations included the addition of two staircases, reconfigured restrooms, selective wall removals and additions, new MEP systems, walk-in coolers, and full commercial kitchens. Exterior improvements included structural roof upgrades to accommodate mechanical units, the addition of ADA-accessible ramps, stairs, and guardrails, as well as a heated pergola and outdoor seating with a play space—creating inviting public areas that foster community connection.

Over decades of civic use, the building had been altered with carpeting, dropped ceilings, and temporary partitions that obscured natural light, lowered ceiling heights, and blocked views of the original windows. These modifications were removed to reveal a striking timber structural system, which the team chose to expose and celebrate throughout the renovated space.

Working within a 1930s structure posed challenges, including uneven floor heights and circulation patterns designed for outdated uses. The design and development teams addressed these by retaining the existing elevator and adding one new interior staircase per tenant suite, improving vertical circulation and allowing food service and patrons to move fluidly throughout the space.

In converting the building for modern use, the team approached the project with deep respect for its historic character. Rather than disrupting the original façade with two separate entrances, they preserved the historic main entry as the primary entrance for both pFriem Brewing and the building as a whole. A new entry for Keeper Coffee was created along the north façade, using an existing opening and including an ADA-accessible ramp.

Although much of the original hardwood flooring was covered with asbestos mastic and couldn’t be preserved, the team was able to salvage the original hardwood floors above Keeper Coffee. Elsewhere, the flooring was replaced using salvaged materials from a UC Santa Barbara basketball court. Additional examples of the team’s dedication to authenticity include:

• Rebuilding the original front entry system, including full-light doors, sidelights, and transom windows;

• Custom milling and installing window casings, door casings, and baseboards to original specifications;

• Reintroducing a curved soffit and glass door system for the second-floor office suite;

• Repurposing the original firehouse pole as a functional design element in the pFriem bar, channeling tap lines;

• Salvaging ceiling joists to create a community table and repurposing a 10’ door from the original firehouse into a conference table; and

• Restoring the original trophy case.

Where new elements—such as staircases, patios, and kitchens—were introduced, they were designed to be both functional and sympathetic to the building’s character.

During construction, the team uncovered several historical artifacts, including a decorative copper plaque featuring Abraham Lincoln and a copper time capsule installed behind the keystone in 1938 by the local Masonic Lodge. The capsule is set to be opened during a rededication ceremony in July 2025, with the City, the Milwaukie Historical Society, and the Masons. Its contents—including the original WPA work order—will be displayed in the restored trophy case.

Through inclusive tenant selection, public access, arts engagement, and strong civic partnership, the project preserves a vital community asset and fosters connections across Milwaukie’s diverse population.

Now open seven days a week, from early morning through evening, the building once again serves as a welcoming civic gathering space. Tenants were selected not only for their commercial viability and regional recognition but also for their alignment with community values and contributions to the social fabric of Milwaukie.

Keeper Coffee, a woman-owned café founded by Brittany Huff in 2019, is known for sustainable sourcing, homemade food, and an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Its expansion into Milwaukie supports small business growth while providing a warm, accessible gathering place.

pFriem Family Brewers, an award-winning Oregon-based brewery, brings family-friendly dining, quality jobs, and a strong connection to Northwest craft and culinary culture.

Start Consulting and Circus Art, a woman-owned sustainability consulting firm, leases a second-floor office suite that also includes a retail gallery space for upcycled artwork. Additionally, a second-floor room has been converted into a public conference room available for community use.

The City retains ownership of the building’s exterior grounds as a designated public park, which includes a sculpture garden, bus mall, and key sites for the annual Christmas tree lighting and New Year’s Eve ball drop. In collaboration with the City, CHH launched an RFP to commission two murals. From over 80 applicants, six artists were shortlisted and provided stipends to develop designs. Two were ultimately selected, and their works now welcome visitors at the building’s main entry and interior staircase, celebrating the cultural and civic legacy of Milwaukie.

In addition, CHH has partnered with the Clackamas County Arts Alliance to launch a quarterly rotating exhibition program inside the building, ensuring that diverse artists have an accessible, high-profile platform for their work—free of charge—and that the public has a dynamic, ongoing opportunity to engage with local culture.

The adaptive reuse of Milwaukie City Hall stands as a testament to the power of preservation, partnership, and place-based development. By honoring the building’s historic significance while thoughtfully adapting it for contemporary use, the project reinforces the role of civic architecture in shaping community identity and fostering connection. It is not just a revitalization of bricks and mortar, but a revival of purpose—offering a shared space where heritage, enterprise, and culture intersect. As Milwaukie continues to grow and evolve, its former City Hall once again serves as a vibrant civic heart, welcoming residents and visitors alike to gather, create, and celebrate in the center of town.

Developer/Owner: City Hall Holdings LLC, a partnership of Henry Point Development, Owen Gabbert, LLC, and Reside Development
General Contractor: Owen Gabbert, LLC
Architect: Brett Schulz Architect, PC
Interior Designer: Design Department Architecture
Structural Engineer: Kurt Fischer Structural Engineering
Photographer: Gregor Halenda
Tenants: pFriem Family Brewers & Keeper Coffee