White Stag Block
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- Bickel's original cast-iron storefront was restored.
- Bickel Block's 1880s facade is highly ornate and most of the cast-iron decorations were missing or broken and had to be recast in aluminum.
- Intricate window arches, each was recast in several pieces then welded together. The windows have 3 or 4 different designs with each floor a different pattern and changes in design from one side of the building to the other.
- Bickel before rehabilitation shows the facade.
- As construction begins to remove the block wall, the original cast-iron begins to appear.
- As more of the block is removed the original cast-iron columns are revealed.
- The original 1880s storefront is revealed and work begins to restore the broken and missing cast-iron pieces.
- The highly ornate 80 ft cornice above the cast-iron columns was broken. Over 500 individual pieces of the decorations were removed, patterns taken, molds made and then recast in aluminum and replaced.
- Before rehabilitation, there was no substantial entry into the Bickel Block from Couch Street.
- Now, the entry from Couch Street is welcoming and inviting.
- The interior of the Bickel was deteriorating before rehabilition began in 2007.
- Main entry shows grand stair and lobby area.
- The stylish Bickel lobby now.
- The Duck Shop is open in the storefront just off the Bickel lobby.
- Duck Shop entry is just inside the main Bickel entry on NW Couch Street.
- Built in 1907, this building was neglected and needed upgrading.
- The wood windows on White Stag were salvagable and reconditioned.
- The original 1950s storefront was updated.
- The windows of White Stag reflect its industrial history.
- The upper windows were refurbished or replaced with historically correct styles.
- The upper floors were a blank slate but the historic flavor was retained.
- Upper floors maintain industrial feel.
- Light monitors original to the building were restored to provide abundant natural light to this 5th floor space.
- Upper floor interior
- Light filled spaces were created for University of Oregon's architectural program.
- Original light well between the buildings was deteriorating and unusable.
- Now the light well is an elegant space for tenants and visitors.
- Skidmore Block faces NW First Avenue with the MAX Light Rail running directly in front.
- Storefront facing NW First Avenue was rundown and in need of repair.
- Updated storefront with new paint highlights the cast-iron popular in Portland of the 1880s when the building was constructed.
- Building's craftsmanship shows in this view today from the Burnside Bridge.
- Heavy timber construction was used in the Skidmore Block.
- One of the interior offices in Skidmore shows character with exposed brick and heavy beams.
- Skidmore lobby was in need of updating and restoring.
- Lobby today is light and welcoming for tenants and visitors.
- White Stag Block has ignited development in the Old Town neighborhood bringing new activity and a new tone to the district.
