Centrally located in the heart of downtown Portland, 2nd and Salmon reunifies and strengthens the character of a critical block near Lownsdale Square. Its location offers an opportunity to cultivate interest and identity in a neighborhood connected to public parks, the Willamette waterfront, transportation, and entertainment in the central city.
The hotel massing responds to the scale step-down within the district, transitioning from the giants of the governance district to the reduced scale of Yamhill historic district. The boutique hotel is a delicate transition, breaking down the block into a welcoming scale. Warm brick is a sophisticated interpretation of the area’s historic masonry structures. Metal detailing gleams in bronze to reveal the simplicity of the hotel design within–sharp and shimmering.
2nd and Salmon envisions an engaging ground floor, a sense of arrival, and improved walkability for the neighborhood. The curtainwall face of the tower and podium opens to views of Lownsdale Square, as does a recessed operable wall in the corner restaurant venue with outdoor seating. A beautiful, cascading green wall reinforces connection to the greenspace and provides a stunning entry to a memorable ground floor experience. A market and bar will extend street activity beyond the 9-5 working hours.
Lighting will play a major role signaling the tower’s presence in the city. The Guest experience begins from blocks away with views of its illuminated crown; hinting at the elegance and memorable stay that awaits. Upon arrival, familiar lighting language greets visitors and guides them to the hotel entry. The illuminated pathway from cityscape to streetscape creates a sense of intrigue and mystique for the central city block.
A rooftop bar/lounge resurrects the mysterious past of the famed Albion Hotel and Lotus Cardroom with a speakeasy-inspired entrance for guests and visitors to experience. Keeping with the theme of hide-and-reveal, layers of varying transparency, like custom metal screens along the ground floor, create visual connections between guests and the surrounding city.