Mt. Tabor Historic Bathrooms, Portland, OR

Name: COOPER Design Build & Remodeling of Portland
Address: 4560 SW 96th Ave, Beaverton, Oregon, 97005, US
Telephone: 503-282-0545
Price range: $$

“We knew that having an old home would typically bring about unique quirks to work around. We were right, but the COOPER team ALWAYS had a solution. They paid special attention to every detail, even down to matching the baseboards to the original woodwork, along with salvaging a LOT of the original woodwork, window hardware, doors, etc.”

– Casey

Towering above Morrison St. in Mt. Tabor is the William E. Brainard House. Built in 1888, this historic home is one of the few remaining Italianate-style estates from the 19th century. Purchased by a new family in 2024, it soon became clear that the 5,410-square-foot home’s constrained spaces and limited bathrooms fell short of meeting their needs. They knew they wanted a remodel that would honor the legacy of the home while adding functional living space.

The original 2nd floor contained four bedrooms, one bathroom, and two staircases to the main level. The updated design annexed an unused bedroom to create a large en suite and the removal of the back staircase allowed for the expansion of the original bathroom. Great care was taken to preserve the existing windows and details, such as the door knobs, face plates, latches, etc. The designers were able to source a combination of vintage items and new, historically inspired fixtures to maintain the ambiance of the home. The results are a seamless design that pays homage to the remarkable history of the home.

Rich green shower tiles became the foundation of the primary bath, paired with a custom-patterned penny tile floor. Complementary grey countertops and dark-stained alder cabinets make the space warm and inviting. The centerpiece of the room is a true freestanding cast-iron, clawfoot bathtub. The hall bathroom echoes these details with more subdued colors that are a natural companion to the primary space. The pinnacle of the hallway bath is an ornate, leaded, stained-glass window. Every detail was sourced with the home’s history in mind.