A Committee of the Bosco-Milligan Foundation

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Story of Saving the Carriage House

See The Oregonian's Move Coverage

Rehab Plan Details

Renting at Ladd

Buying the Ladd Carriage House

Restoration of the Exterior is Complete! The Restoration Plan Challenges and Issues for the Future

Ladd Carriage House (1883)

Originally located at 1331 SW Broadway Street, Portland, Oregon, the iconic Ladd Carriage House was built in 1883 by William Sargent Ladd (1826-1893) one of Portland’s pioneer citizens and its fifth mayor (see William S. Ladd section).  The elaborate building reflects Ladd's respect and care of his horses and his commitment to beautification of Portland. 

Designed by architect Joseph Sherwin in the English Stick Style, the first floor stabled horses and carriages, while the second  housed the coachmen's quarters and hayloft. Newspaper accounts characterized the building as an "expensive stable" whose construction cost was estimated at over $12,000.

The building functioned as a stable until it was put up for sale in 1924.  While other 19th century residential utility buildings disappeared, the open plan of the Carriage House enabled it to survive  as a temporary home for a wide variety of Portland institutions.  The Portland Civic Theater, the precursor to the Oregon School of Arts & Crafts, a temporary fight arena and the offices of Hoffman Construction Company have all resided within its walls. 

From June 16, 2007 until October 25, 2008, the Ladd Carriage House sat in a parking lot at 10th and Columbia Streets owned by the 6th Church of Christ Scientist, awaiting  redevelopment of its historic block.  It is retuning to its original site on October 25, 2008.

Carriage House Historic Status

Portland Historic Landmark:         1970

National Register Listing:           approved 1980, delisted 2007, reapplied starting summer, 2008.

Portland Historic Resource Inventory:    1984 (removed 2004)

Application pending for re-listing on the National Register of Historic Places: 2009

Send mail to jsheuer@mpss-pdx.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007-2009 Friends of the Ladd Carriage House Committee, Architectural Heritage Center/Bosco-Milligan Foundation, Inc.