By Living Room Realty, October 22, 2018
Kenton Neighborhood: History
This neighborhood is home to unique Portland landmarks and is one of Portland’s oldest enclaves. It’s located just off of the I-5, on one of the last exits before the Washington State border. In the 1900s, Kenton was a farming community similar to University Park and St. Johns. It quickly became one of Oregon’s first company towns, operated by the Swift Meat Packing Company (inspiring the name of local eatery Swift & Union). By 1910, $120,000 worth of buildings were erected in the neighborhood, fashioned out of concrete and brick. Noteworthy standing examples include the Kenton Hotel, Po’Shines Cafe, and several homes along Denver Ave.
Now housing the neighborhood’s eateries, and locally-owned businesses, Denver Ave. was once Kenton’s fashionable “Executive Row”. The structures found there were built for the officers and executives who ran the factories. Subsequently, homes for the 1,500 plus factory workers and their families were built along the smaller side streets.
Kenton Today
Today, this neighborhood is a hidden gem. Perhaps easily missed from the main roadways of North Portland, this unique community has so much going on. The Kenton Street Fair, PDX Parkways, The Kenton Garage Sale are only a few of the yearly events the community hosts. And as recently as September 29th 2018, the town unveiled its’ re-vamped playground at Kenton Park.
If you turn down Denver Ave., make sure to pop by Po’Shines for a po’boy, or the Cultured Caveman for paleo-friendly options. Posie’s or Prince Coffee are great bets for a cup of coffee or stroopwafel. And finally, don’t forget to visit the iconic Paul Bunyan statue, standing proudly for more than 50 years!
Before I go – to check out more of this community, view the newest episode of House Hunter PDX at: https://youtu.be/T8eFLt_Lx3c. I love making these series for you all, so let me know what you think and what you’d like to see in the next episode!
Or rather – send me a message on any of my platforms! I’d love to show you around!
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