Editor’s Note: Portland Monthly’s “Property Watch” column takes a weekly look at an interesting home in Portland’s real estate market (with periodic ventures to the burbs and points beyond, for good measure). This week: a bungalow in Northeast that just a few years older than the nearby Hollywood Theatre. Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].

In the early 1900s, what's now the Hollywood District was technically Hollyrood and commonly referred to as being “near Rose City Park,” a neighborhood then considered out in the burbs. But on July 17, 1926, Claude C. Jensen and John G. von Herberg changed all that. The pair opened the Hollywood Theatre, a gorgeous ode to the golden age of movies and vaudeville. With its glazed terra-cotta façade, 50-foot-stage, and full-size screen, the opening drew so many people that the first presentation—including a screening of the movie More Pay–Less Work and music and vaudeville acts—ran continuously for nine hours. It’s no wonder that after that, the surrounding area would become known as Hollywood.

Just a few blocks away and built in 1923, this salmon-and-dark green bungalow on NE 37^th Avenue is a bit older than the 97-year-old movie house, but feels young at heart thanks to the plethora of updates it’s gotten over the past few years. That goes for both the Instagrammable rooms, which is pretty much all of them, as well as the less obvious stuff, like a new roof, HVAC, and electrical panel.

The main floor remains an excellent combination of old and new. Things like the original pink and black bathroom tile have been kept charmingly intact, as have the living room fireplace, original hardwood floors, hall built-ins, and period windows.

However, the kitchen has been thoughtfully redone, complete with custom cabinets, walnut butcher block counters, Clé backsplash tile, and new appliances. (The retro-looking Smeg refrigerator is an especially nice touch.) Through a petite arched doorway, the original banquette seating was rebuilt to bring the cozy back to the breakfast nook, while modern Hygge & West wallpaper keeps the look fresh.

Upstairs, find a primary suite that you’ll never want to leave, even in the summer, since there’s AC via a ductless mini-split unit. The previous dropped ceiling was removed to expose rafters and install three skylights, creating an airy, light-filled room that, at 375 square feet, is big enough to fit lots of extra lounge/yoga/office/craft space. In addition to that, there’s a walk-in closet and large bathroom, with a clawfoot soaking tub, double sinks in the custom oak and terrazzo vanity, and a generous walk-in shower outfitted in tile from Clé and our local Tempest Tileworks.

Technically, this home sits in Grant Park, though the neighbors across the street are in Hollywood. That just means it’s the best of both neighborhoods: a short distance to the grass and trees at Grant Park proper, as well as all the conveniences of Hollywood, including bars, restaurants, shops, farmers market, and grocery stores. And of course, the Theatre. 

Listing Fast Facts

• Address: 1731 NE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97212
• Size: 2,678 square feet, 3 bedroom/2 bath 
• List Date: 1/13/2023 
• List Price: $850,000
• Listing Agent: Chandra Noble-Ashford, Think Real Estate

Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer who has focused on Pacific Northwest design and lifestyle since 2008. She is based in Portland, Oregon. Contact Dalton here.