If you’re looking to live or spend time in a classic Portland neighborhood, look no further than Grant Park and Irvington in 97212. Beautiful older homes, big trees, convenient shopping, great dining options – this area of Northeast Portland has it all.
Both neighborhoods were original “streetcar suburbs” and developed during the building boom in 1890-1913. The diversity of home styles – Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, Colonial Revival – is due to the development that happened during this time period. Grant Park was named to honor past president Ulysses S. Grant, who frequently visited the Portland area, while Irvington inherited it’s namesake from the William and Elizabeth Irving Donation Land Claim in 1851.
Both neighborhoods boast exceptional parks if your looking for some outdoor recreation within city limits. Both Irving and Grant Park feature sports fields and courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, off-leash dog areas, and more.
I’ve picked out just a few of my favorite areas of Grant Park and Irvington to share with you, but there is so much more that can be discovered just by taking a quick stroll on these historic streets.
Walking With Ramona
Both neighborhoods are full of historical significance, but Grant Park is especially notable, as it is known for being the setting of the Beverly Cleary’s classic Klickitat Street series of children’s books.
The Multnomah County Library put together a fun walking tour to help people explore the Grant Park neighborhood and get a look at some of the places mentioned in Cleary’s books. The Walking With Ramona tour, which starts at the Hollywood Library, even highlights some of the homes that Cleary lived in as a child.
Download the Walking With Ramona Tour Map
If you want to skip the full walking tour, be sure to make a stop at the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden for Children in Grant Park. Dedicated in 1995, the sculpture garden features life-sized renditions of three beloved characters: Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ribsy the dog.
Hollywood Theatre
The historic Hollywood Theatre is a Portland landmark. While technically located within the Hollywood District, the theatre is just a few blocks from Grant Park. The theatre and vaudeville house opened in 1926 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The theatre, which screens nearly 300 films each year, has earned a national reputation for its roster of award-winning film screenings, educational programs, and support from local filmmakers. See what’s playing and go catch a movie in this historic cinematic venue.
Chameleon Restaurant & Bar
Located on the edge of the Grant Park neighborhood is a cozy local restaurant serving up cuisine as unique as the creature it’s named after – Chameleon Restaurant & Bar. With delectable dishes that are defined as “Metro Europe” and “Asian Oasis”, this farm-to-table restaurant has been feeding the community for the past 19 years. Like a true Portland entrepreneur, self-taught Executive Chef and owner Pat Jeung grows his own produce at his farm in Corbett which provides the restaurant with sustainable and organic food.
Celebrate Chameleon this December 4th at their 19th Year Anniversary Hat Party! Come in your best hat to participate in the hat contest and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar.
Portland’s White House
Haven’t had enough of politics during this election season? Treat yourself to a mini-vacation at Portland’s White House in the Irvington neighborhood. Built as a summer home in 1911 by local lumber baron Robert Lytle, this beautiful and massive home was modeled after the famous Pennsylvania Avenue White House and was the most expensive home built in the neighborhood in the 1900s.
Now a bed and breakfast, you can stay at this historic home and enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced breakfast and complimentary espresso bar. Portland’s White House has been ranked as one of “Oregon’s Best Venues” for special events – perfect for weddings, corporate meetings, and parties.
I hope this brief tour gave you an idea of some things to check out next time you’re visiting Northeast Portland. Tune in this Friday to learn more about these areas on our next episode of UnZip The Zip-Code. Have an idea of where we should UnZip next? Email me or post a suggestion on our Facebook page.
Until next time!
_______________________________________________
STACY BENNER
Mortgage Specialist • NMLS 506902
C: 503.400.5738
stacyb@go-summit.com
why.go-summit.com
Summit Mortgage Corporation • NMLS 3236
A big thank you to realtor Anthony Michaud of RE/MAX EQUITY GROUP for providing RMLS information and statistics. A native to Grant Park, Anthony is intimately familiar with every street and neighborhood in Portland. Contact him today for your home buying or selling needs!