How Revolution Hall Turned a Shuttered School Into ‘One of Portland’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions’
The owners of Portland, Ore.'s Mississippi Studios helped turn "a bad investment" into a concert hall that has welcomed Laufey, Jack White, Indigo Girls and more.
Portland, Oregon's Revolution Hall, formerly Washington High School, has become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. The shuttered school, built in 1906 and rebuilt in 1924 after a fire, stood empty for over 30 years. Portland entrepreneur Kevin Craddock, along with developer Art DeMuro and real estate company PacTrust, proposed converting the building into a music venue in 2013.
DeMuro, a preservationist, had a vision for a concert hall within the historic 130,000-square foot facility, with office spaces within the former classrooms. After DeMuro's passing, the project continued, and construction was overseen by Venerable Properties, which brought in Mississippi Studios owners Kevin Craddock and Jim Brunberg.
The restoration project included a historic overlay, modern plumbing and electrical systems, and a new roof. Despite the extensive renovation, the team persevered and transformed the space into Revolution Hall, a beloved music venue that has become a magnet for both local and international musicians.
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