Old Portland High Becomes Stunning Music Venue

Originally built in 1906 and later rebuilt in 1924, the Washington High School building in Portland, Oregon, had stood vacant for over 30 years before its transformation. Facing potential demolition or conversion into office space, a visionary plan emerged to repurpose the historic structure into a music venue.

Art DeMuro, a local developer, envisioned a concert hall within the expansive 130,000-square-foot facility, with classrooms repurposed for office spaces. Following DeMuro's passing in 2013, the project continued, with Portland entrepreneurs Kevin Craddock and Jim Brunberg, owners of the beloved Mississippi Studios, brought in to develop the concert venue, named Revolution Hall.

The $18 million restoration project meticulously preserved the building's historic exterior while integrating essential modern infrastructure, including new plumbing, electrical systems, and a roof. A significant challenge was soundproofing the auditorium and ensuring compliance with modern seating width codes, requiring the hand-rebuilding of 500 seats.

Revolution Hall officially opened its doors to the public in April 2015, following a soft opening in February of the same year. It has since hosted a diverse array of acclaimed artists, solidifying its place as a premier destination for live music in Portland. The venue also features multiple bars, including a popular rooftop bar, contributing to its economic viability.

Beyond the main concert hall, the complex includes the Assembly Lounge bar, the lower-level Show Bar, and the ground-level cafe Martha's. The renovated Roof Deck, open from April to October, has become a popular attraction, underscoring the owners' strategy of maximizing concession spaces for sustained success, though music remains their core mission.