If you’ve ever wondered how the Pearl District came to be what we know today, the answer, it turns out, is a little more bureaucratic than romantic. Sure, the run of warehouses on NW 13th Avenue were homes to artists at one point—apparently filmmaker Gus Van Sant had a loft in the Pearl in the ’70s, and the First Thursday Art Walk started in 1986.

That same year, the Thirteenth Avenue Historic District was proposed between NW Davis and NW Johnson, as a result of two major administrative planning efforts. Upon passage in 1987, that six-block stretch of warehouses and all their charms—rooftop water towers, metal awnings, loading docks, old brick facades festooned with faded advertisements—were preserved. With historic designation came tax breaks for investors and developers, and, thus, loft conversions galore, in buildings like the Irving Street Lofts (1988–1989), Chown Pella (1996), and here, in the Modern Confectionery Lofts (1999).

Originally built in 1904 for a candy manufacturer, this is one of the earliest buildings in the Historic District, and so deemed an important one. It was always meant for industrial purposes, so it didn’t have much intricate architectural detail, although the signage proclaiming its various occupants over the years—from the original confectionery to meat packers with “Delicious Brand Hams and Bacons”—has been well-maintained since its transition from warehouse to condos.

The building only has six units, with this penthouse being one of three on the top two floors. As such, it has a reverse plan, with the main entry feeding into a tiled foyer. From there, access the hall leading to either of the two bedrooms, each with high, airy ceilings, and exposed brick surrounding the oversized double-hung windows. The primary bedroom occupies a generous corner, with a walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom, and attached bonus room that could be used for a home office or hobbies.    

Up a flight of stairs, the main living spaces occupy the top floor, with more exposed ductwork and brick. Wood on the high ceilings, a fireplace, and strategic built-in cabinetry serve up cozy vibes. This is a nice counterpoint to the far-reaching views from the kitchen, where a massive picture window over the Viking cooktop captures a picturesque cityscape, and from the 480-square-foot outdoor terrace wrapping two sides. What a spot for people watching come First Thursday, or any night of the week.

Listing Fast Facts 

Address: 1240 NW Hoyt St #5, Portland, OR 97209
Size: 1,881 square feet, 2 bed/2.5 bath
List Date: 2/2/2024
List Price: $1,100,000, with $875/month HOA dues
Listing Agents: Whitney Parker, Redfin

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. 

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). Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].