A historic revival as pFriem brings new life to Milwaukie’s old city hall — New School Beer + Cider

Behind the scenes…and new discoveries from the past 

Older buildings, especially those part of a massive adaptive reuse project, can bring many challenges but also opportunities. The 87-year-old building provided both.

To accommodate two large restaurant spaces architects had to upgrade the building’s infrastructure including power, HVAC, and plumbing, then routing it all so as not to compromise the architecture or feel of the space. And of course they had to install the necessary equipment such as walk-in coolers, kitchen hoods, ducting and rooftop equipment. 

They also had to create two new internal stairs to connect ground floor space and 2nd floor space for both tenants and utilized the existing basement to provide much needed cold storage, prep space, dish pit and dry good storage.

During the retrofit, one big surprise was the discovery of a time capsule snuggled in the corner of the building, installed by the city and local Masonic Lodge in 1938. And yes, pFriem will be opening it in July for a re-dedication celebration taking place 87 years to the day of the original building dedication. Plans include inviting the locals and placing a new time capsule in the building that incorporates elements from the new owners and development team, tenants, and the city. 

The developers, Henry Point Development, also discovered a fireplace in the basement that was framed over by the city during some point in time. Above the mantel was a copper plaque featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln and a quote that says:  “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

pFriem will display the plaque and items from the time capsule in the trophy case located in the first floor hallway.