2627 NE Thompson Street

2627 NE Thompson Street
Jacobean Styled Home with Craftsman Touches

In preparation for a nomination of the Irvington Neighborhood as a National Register designated Historic District, a massive inventory of nearly 3000 homes and apartment buildings was conducted by neighborhood volunteers. As old plat maps and other early documents were reviewed it became obvious that the historic homes along 27th Avenue -- not considered part of Irvington in recent years, were historically part of the neighborhood. To celebrate the re-addition of several score historic homes to our neighborhood, the Home Tour showcased this splendid example between 26th (the old boundary) and 27th Avenues.

The design of this home spans two decades, the 1910s and the 1920s, and you'll see glimpses of old (1911) and new (1922) throughout. Though built in 1911, the house was enlivened during two remodels designed by noted Portland Architect Joseph Jacobberger in the 1920s with a graceful new entry, new living and dining rooms, and the delightful sun room. It may be that Jacobberger was the original designer as well, as he often made use of the distinctive Jerkenhead roof style found here and derived from originals in England and Germany. Another home designed by Jacobberger was on the Tour in 2008.

We may never know the full architectural story, but the end result is a splendidly handsome structure, with many early touches remaining: It maintains a delightful original butler's pantry, replete with old cabinetry, tile and copper sink, and a largely untouched classic bathroom on the second floor. New elements, like the kitchen, have been thoughtfully integrated with an "old house" feel while providing pull-out recycling bins, hidden pantry shelves, and a drain board cut into the garnet studded granite counter tops.

On entering the house, to the left of the front door is the original living room transformed in 1922 into a library which retained its gracious fireplace. Across the central entry hall is the new (1922) living room complete with grand piano, a second fireplace, and an entrance to the welcoming sunroom (a great feature in sunlight challenged Portland). A coffee tree flourishes in the sunroom and shutters throughout the room filter the sunlight beautifully.

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