The Woodlark hotel has celebrated its long-awaited debut in Portland, Oregon. Known as the House of Welcome, the project comprises the fusion of two historic city landmarks: the Woodlark Building and the Cornelius Hotel. Connected by new stairs one each floor, the two consolidated structures have been restored and renovated by R&A Architecture and Design.
Subtle and soft details permeate the adaptive reuse project. Flooded with natural light, the lobby is wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows, while skylights in the elevator landing illuminate black and white penny tiles as well as warm gray wood flooring. Lively interiors draw inspiration from nature, as expressed through custom wallpaper that reinterprets the native flora of the Pacific Northwest. Brass inlays, custom brass, and handblown glass fixtures also punctuate the lobby.
The 150 guestrooms are crafted with an eclectic assortment of décor including luxe textiles, raw wood, blue leather, black lacquer, and brass. Custom elements include marble-topped amenity tables, bathroom sconces, ceiling fixtures, teal tiling, and luxe gold finishes. Additional details like blue base boards, two-toned blue velvet chairs, and custom handmade wool rugs instill the property with a layered richness. Two-story loft suites on the third floor boast steel and wood spiral staircases.
The masculine-infused Bullard restaurant from Atlanta-based design firm Smith Hanes Studio balances comfort with ruggedness. Rich, dark colors juxtapose original penny tile floors, blue-jean walls, and rough linen curtains. Fishing rods and deer antlers are installed alongside original, bespoke artwork, illuminated by floor-to-ceiling glass and steel walls. A 40-seat living room and bar known as Abigail Hall is housed across the original library of the Cornelius Hotel, complete with a fireplace, custom chandelier, recreated penny tile floors, and green wainscot walls adorned with a handpainted floral motif. The hotel also features 2,500 square feet of meeting space.
