Simon Benson House

The Simon Benson House, a Queen Anne-style house built in 1900 by timber baron Simon Benson, was originally located at Southwest 11th and Clay across from the Old Church in Portland. In January 2000, it was moved to its current location at Southwest Park and Montgomery, in the Park Blocks at Portland State University, where it now houses the university’s alumni association and visitor center.

Simon Benson, a Norwegian immigrant, was a timberman, innovator, and philanthropist. He promoted the Columbia Gorge Highway and donated land for parks in the Gorge. He also helped build Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland and gave the “Benson Bubbler” water fountains to the City of Portland.

After the Benson family moved from the house in 1913, it served as a residence, a boarding house, and apartments. The house was placed on the historic register in 1983 but fell into disrepair and was condemned by the city in 1991. In 1998, City Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury assembled the Friends of Simon Benson House, which worked for several years to raise money to move and restore the house.

The house was restored as closely as possible to the original details, including its unique roof ornaments. Two chimneys were replicated and the curved porch decorations were reproduced. Interior features include much of the original wood in the elaborate front stairway, cherry wainscoting, and three sets of pocket doors. Coved ceilings and thirteen leaded glass decorative windows add to the ambiance.

The Simon Benson House, now restored to its former glory, is a jewel in the Park Blocks and a fine example of historic preservation in Portland.

Simon Benson House, NE ext, Oct 19 2011.

Simon Benson House on Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House, E ext, Oct 19 2011.

East side of Simon Benson House on Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House, ext, courtyard, Oct 19 2011.

Courtyard on west side of Simon Benson House on Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House, NW ext, Oct 19 2011.

Northwest view of Simon Benson House on Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House, NE ext detail, Oct 19 2011.

Simon Benson House entrance on Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House, ext, porch view W, Oct 19 2011.

Simon Benson House porch looking west, Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House, ext, Oct 19 2011.

Simon Benson House porch looking west, Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House, ext, porch view E, Oct 19 2011.

Simon Benson House porch looking east, Portland State University campus, Oct. 2011. Photo James V. Hillegas
Simon Benson House pocket doors detail.

Courtesy Portland Imagery
Simon Benson House interior.

Courtesy Portland Imagery
Simon Benson House interior.

Courtesy Portland Imagery
Simon Benson House interior.

Courtesy Portland Imagery
Simon Benson House interior.

Courtesy Portland Imagery
Simon Benson House interior.

Courtesy Portland Imagery
Simon Benson House front porch.

Courtesy Portland Imagery
Benson Bubbler located in front of Simon Benson House.

Courtesy Portland Imagery