Literary Arts begins move to new headquarters that will serve as 'cultural hub'
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The organization behind the Portland Book Festival is moving into a new building that is much bigger than its existing headquarters in the central city.
On Monday, Portland nonprofit Literary Arts announced it would relocate from 925 SW Washington St. this year — which marks its 40th anniversary. The organization will soon call the Central Eastside District home.
According to Literary Arts Executive Director Andrew Proctor, the new headquarters on 716 SE Grand Ave. will be “transformational” for the organization.
“Not only will it be one of the largest physical centers in the nation for literature and storytelling, but it will also stand as a love letter to this city that has been our home for four decades,” Proctor said in a statement.
The executive director added that the 14,000-square-foot site will be a community hub. Once renovations are complete, the building will feature a bookstore, cafe, classroom and a space for events.
It will also hold writing areas, staff offices and a recording studio for Literary Arts’ The Archive Project podcast.
The building was originally constructed in 1904 as the former Strowbridge Hardware store, according to the nonprofit. The site also served as a furniture shop until 2018, when it was last renovated.
Portland-based firm Bora Architecture and Interiors is behind the current renovation. Literary Arts board member and architect Amy Donahue said the organization toured over 40 buildings before choosing the current one.
“Throughout the design process, we’ve focused on how this building can best be used by not only staff at Literary Arts, but also those they serve — readers, writers, and youth,” Donahue said. “The end result is a space that is a welcoming environment for all, irrespective of age, income, race, education, or geographical background — a true cultural hub in our community.”
The new headquarters will open to the public later this fall.