Expansion plans at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in NW Portland could lead to the demolition of four vintage homes, according to the latest issue of the Northwest Examiner. Included in the mix is the Green Gables Guest House, built in 1904 as well as the homes at 2169 NW Northrup, and 2140 and 2148 NW Overton.
Green Gables Guest House - 2183 NE Northrup
All of the properties are currently owned by Good Sam, so if they do decide to demolish, there is currently little that can be done stop them. The two properties on Northrup are listed in the aged Portland Historic Resources Inventory, but have no official historic designation – meaning there is no protection against demolition.
Of course it is possible that Good Sam might be willing to offer up the homes for someone or some organization to relocate. If that were to occur and a suitable nearby site were found, it could mean the buildings remain part of the neighborhood fabric. They could even be used to fill in “missing teeth” lots in the area or perhaps could become part of any new development connected to the Con-Way site only a few block s to the north.
Stay tuned. We’ll be keeping track of any further developments on this issue.
Portland Preservation 
There was brief mention at the Landmarks Commission on Monday that Good Sam likely is willing to have these houses moved rather than torn down. Apparently, the “green” idea is more important to the hospital than historic preservation, but whatever works is whatever works…..
An update….Good Sam’s public relations staff tells me that the expansion plan is on hold indefinitely because of the weak economy. There is no definite plan to clear this block at this time or any time in the near future. Perahps this gives the NWDA and preservationists some extra time to consider future sites for these houses, when it comes to that. It sounds like a matter of when, not if.
It’s such a lovely home. My husband and I stayed there after having traveled from another state for cardiac care. It is a delightful place, with all the comforts of home, clean, comfy,quiet (other than the electric trains early in the morning). I think after you’ve lived there for a while, the noise would fade away into white noise. The gardens were full of exquisite hydrangeas and other insect attracting flowers for butterflies, bees and hummers. Time marches on but I hope somehow the glory of this home remains intact whether it gets moved or remodeled. All our best with much aloha ♥