Headwaters at The Heathman

Originally built in the 1920s, the historic Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland has become a beloved regional landmark. The hotel is known as much for its unique beauty as for the discerning and diverse clientele. The Heathman is host to a vibrant collection of cultural activity within its walls, a hub for cultivation, celebration, exhibition, and culinary experiences. Dramatic public spaces and an extensive art collection are the backdrop for the new Headwaters Restaurant at the Heathman.

CBT designed the full renovation of the Heathman Restaurant, working closely with the executive chef, James Beard Award-winning chef Vitaly Paley. The design includes a new and entirely relocated bar area, open kitchen, raw bar and 157-seat dining room.

By exposing the raw components of the existing structure and taking advantage of its character and connection to the past, the design team was able to leverage the building's history as part of the new Headwaters. For example, the underside of the grand stair over the new bar features exposed concrete columns with chalk writing on them from the 1920s — an unorthodox and authentic design decision. The old is complemented by an artful blend of modern and refined finishes, punctuated by dramatic commissioned artwork and floor-to-ceiling views out to SW Broadway. Custom tilework meant to mimic waves complements the exposed concrete columns, rounding out a balanced and beautiful interpretation of the Headwaters' influences: sea and land, organic and urban, history and modernity.
 

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