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The Henry House - Portland Hotel is believed to have been designed by architect William Stokes. Built in 1877, the property is located at 468-482 - 9th Street. Before renumbering, the addresses were 458-464 - 9th Street.
History
It was originally known as Henry House. In 1880, it was known as Hartman House, run by Max Hartman. In 1884 it was known as The Newhall and run by J.H. Cross. In January 1885, Charles E. Eliot and D.L. Campbell took over as proprietors. They remodeled it and renamed it back to Henry House.
[ Not sure when the name change happened ]. It is listed under Furnished Rooms as The Portland in the 1905 directory.
Upon its completion the luxurious Henry House was known as one of the finest hotels in the city; later it became the home to the legendary dancer Isadora Duncan in her teenage years, before she immigrated to Paris. In 1896 The Henry House was described as "fire proof" and "a first class hotel, suitable for families and transients... and handy to all lines of cars." The Building's palladian design is unique in the East Bay, but the four ring-nosed lions which guard its main entrance are the real attention-getters. 1
On November 9, 1982 the Portland Hotel - Henry House was designated an Oakland Landmark, under Zoning Case #LM 82-310.
[ Is it connected with Ashmun C. Henry? The Victorian Row page indicates it is ]
1896 Illustrated Directory
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1889 Sanborn excerpt
1912 Sanborn excerpt
