A living legacy, perfectly preserved
Tucked into the heart of Portland’s Northwest neighborhood, this remarkable Italianate-Victorian residence is a timeless example of 19th-century craftsmanship and architectural beauty. Originally built in 1885, it stands today as the 8th oldest home in the city and is proudly listed on the National Historic Register.
Built in 1885 and lovingly relocated in 1890 by Joseph Bergman, this grand Victorian home stands today as a remarkable piece of Portland’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Built in 1885 and lovingly relocated in 1890 by Joseph Bergman, this grand Victorian home stands today as a remarkable piece of Portland’s architectural and cultural heritage. Originally constructed for land claimant Amos King — a key figure in developing Portland’s Northwest neighborhood — the home has borne silent witness to more than a century of change, renewal, and preservation.
The Joseph Bergman House is more than just a residence; it’s a living legacy. It played a key role in the formation of the Architectural Heritage Center and the Bosco-Milligan Foundation — organizations born from the passion of two men, Jerry Bosco and Ben Milligan, who recognized the value of preserving the rich architectural details of Portland's past. They filled their lives with the careful salvage, restoration, and collection of historic elements, and their legacy lives on today in the countless stories preserved within these walls.
As you explore this remarkable home, you are not simply seeing a collection of rooms; you are experiencing a piece of Portland’s soul — a place where artistry, history, and preservation come together to celebrate a rich and enduring past.
“A home like Bergman in its pristine condition is extremely rare. Most like it have been broken up into apartments or carelessly remodeled.”
On the National Register of Historic Places
This remarkable home holds a cherished place on the National Register of Historic Places — a testament to its architectural significance and rich role in Portland’s past.
Built in 1885 and later relocated to its present site in 1890, the Joseph Bergman House stands as a living piece of history, recognized at the highest level for its preservation and authenticity.
Owning a home on the National Register is more than just owning a piece of real estate — it means becoming a steward of a culturally significant landmark and a keeper of stories that connect us to a rich and enduring heritage.
Yes, the house was moved!
In a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering, the Joseph Bergman House was carefully lifted from its original site at SW 15th and Alder in 1890 and moved to its present-day location on Hoyt street.
To execute this delicate relocation, the entire structure was raised from its foundation and transported — piece by piece — a testament to both the craftsmanship of the era and the value placed on preserving this grand home.
Bergman chose this location to be close to Washington Park, which he was convinced was essential to build the neighborhood’s charachter. The home stands today as a testament to both his entrepreneurialism and bold, courageous spirit.