(The Westman Hotel | Photo by Cascade Business News)
An iconic downtown Bend building has been restored to its former grandeur and reborn as a boutique, upscale hotel The Westman, paying homage to a grand history and pioneering roots through an adaptive re-use described as “A Love Letter to Bend.”
The old post office, which has imposingly flanked the corner of Wall St. and Franklin for close to a century, was originally built in 1932 as part of the Public Buildings Program —
a Great Depression-era initiative authorized by President Herbert Hoover to stimulate the economy and create jobs. It represented a key catalyzing project in Central Oregon at the time.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the three-story 22,100-square-foot building is a notable example of classical architecture adapted to modern styles, featuring reinforced concrete (the first in Bend), terra cotta decorations and Doric columns.
The building was declared excess real property by the U.S. Postal Service in 1981 and was disposed of to Deschutes County late the following year. The property was subsequently acquired by private parties and went through a series of iterations, including mixed-use efforts such as the Post Office Plaza, at one time anchored by the Bend Chamber and featuring assorted office tenants.
Fast forward to 2020, and the property was purchased by a development group with strong Central Oregon roots who contemplated several different concepts before approaching expert hotel development, management and consulting company Embarcadero Hospitality Group (EHG) to collaborate on crafting a unique downtown boutique destination experience.
Meticulous planning covering intensive restoration and repurposing over the intervening years resulted in the independent 23-room hotel The Westman, retaining many original features and elements of the original period style.
Modern luxury blends seamlessly with the historic character of the old post office for a unique guest experience. The Westman features a historic lobby bathed in natural light, a grand stairwell, historic leaded glass windows, a hearth-warmed parlor, and lush outdoor spaces complete with firepits and a soaking pool.
An intimate cocktail bar named Minnie’s is open to locals, and the hotel offers games, EV charging stations and a “Very Important Pups” dog-friendly approach — including a welcome package from local company Ruff Wear for such VIP’s. Another standout feature is a historic postal vault door that was uncovered during the demolition and has now been integrated as a focal point.
Each of the spacious guestrooms, suites and lofts — with names like Postmaster and Mailroom reflecting original function locations — are individually designed for distinctive comfort, with original architectural details and furniture pieces that carry evocative presence, including replica postal worker desks crafted by local artisans. “It was important to the owners, one of whom grew up in the area, to preserve as many of the features of The Old Post Office as possible, and much of the building’s original architecture was kept during construction,” Sondra Storm, principal of EHG, which manages the hotel, said. “We chose to provide ample space in the rooms and suites versus trying to maximize the number of units, and could see there was a niche for a unique upscale experience downtown.
“There has been a lot of work involved, a real labor of love, including many local vendors, but a great collaborative team effort realized the vision. Even the color palette honors the past, including blue/grey for the Post Office and green for the U.S. Forest Service, which was originally a co-tenant of the building.
“Guests and visitors have already given overwhelmingly positive feedback and we feel an immense sense of pride and responsibility for this iconic Bend landmark,” Storm continued. “Its nearly 100-year-old legacy as a hub for connection has touched generations. In its new life as a boutique hotel, we will continue to bring people together and enrich our community.”
The hotel was also named after Minnie Westman, Oregon’s first female postman, who delivered mail and parcels to otherwise underserved communities through the state’s rugged terrain during the late 1800s, at just 20 years old. With her trusty revolver for protection, little stood in Minnie’s way — not rough territory nor hungry bears — with her dedication and courage being praised by the New York Times in an article published in 1888. “Though Minnie was a pioneer as the first woman mail carrier west of the Mississippi, few know her story,” Storm added. “Our hotel celebrates the wild and independent spirit of the American West and honors this intrepid rebel with a cause and her commitment to creating connection within her community.”
The Westman is a prime example of adaptive reuse — a forward-thinking approach in modern architecture in which old buildings are repurposed for new uses, well-suited to the revitalization of historical structures. This technique conserves the building’s cultural heritage and offers significant benefits in sustainability and design.
Employing this method, Oregon-based general contractor R&H Construction artfully preserved the authenticity of the building with a transformation integrating contemporary amenities to meet modern expectations while maintaining the building’s historical integrity, ensuring that its character and story continue to resonate with guests. “There are not that many historic buildings downtown that have undertaken such extensive rework, and it was an honor to be involved in repurposing the old post office for new generations,” said Jacob Hartley, Central Oregon director of operations for R&H Construction. “It was a very challenging construction project involving a significant amount of structural remodeling, including removing a load-bearing staircase and building a new one in a more practical location. You can perform investigative/selective demolition, but you never really know what you’re up against in a building like this until you start pulling things apart and putting them back together.”
Construction started in June of 2024 and was completed in November last year. “It was a challenging project but very rewarding, and it is gratifying for R&H Construction to be part of creating something that the community can be proud of for many years to come,” stated Hartley.
One of the standout advantages of adaptive reuse is its conservative environmental impact compared to traditional building. Rather than building new from the ground up, this technique employed for the old post office significantly reduced the amount of construction materials required, reducing waste.
Massive quantities of concrete were also conserved, resulting in an approximate 30 percent reduction in concrete usage compared to a new build. Such measures minimize demolition waste and lower the carbon footprint by decreasing the demand for new building materials and the energy used in their production and transportation.
While adaptive reuse requires a higher level of care and a more thoughtful approach to the construction process, it enables the preservation of original architectural elements, such as the intricate lobby finishes, elegant interior staircase, and historic elevator, offering guests an authentic glimpse into the building’s storied past. Additionally, artful displays of artifacts from post office operations offer a snapshot of American life in the early to mid-20th century, enriching the visitor experience.
Portland-based Emerick Architects, which specializes in award-winning adaptive reuse and thoughtfully crafted spaces with a focus on preservation and sustainability, was tasked with the challenge of modernizing the space while still maintaining the history, style and nostalgic charm of the old building. “Wherever possible, we prioritized preservation over replacement for both its environmental choice and design ethos,” a spokesperson for the group said. “Much of the building’s original structure and materials have been retained and restored, including terrazzo flooring, original windows and much of the granite and brickwork.
“Having the honor to preserve this original building is incredibly rewarding. The Westman isn’t just a hotel, it’s a chapter in Bend’s evolving story as it continues to be a hot spot for visitors near and far,” the spokesperson continued. “To know that we’ve helped breathe new life into a landmark that holds personal and historical meaning for so many in the community is such a rare opportunity, and we’re excited to unveil the beautiful space that blends old with the new.”
Designed as a “love letter to Bend,” the project restores the beauty of the original structure, sustainably preserving existing materials, and giving new purpose to the historic building.
LRS Architects provided interior design services, embracing the challenge of modernizing the space while maintaining the history, style and nostalgic charm of the old building. The color palette and materials also draw inspiration from the natural hues of Central Oregon — juniper green, the deep blue of the night sky, and earth tones reflected throughout the surrounding landscape.
The Westman accommodations are designed to showcase the historical elements of the building with each room and common area evoking coziness and warmth, inviting guests to slow down and appreciate their surroundings, with fireplaces, lounges, reading nooks and a rich palette of color, texture and materials.
Artwork by local artists, custom storytelling wallpaper and handcrafted writing desks by regional makers further weave Bend’s heritage into the guest experience.
“As a native Oregonian I spent many memorable vacations in Central Oregon, so was particularly excited to be involved in this project,” Jenny Baines, senior project manager with LRS Architects, said. “We were interested in the story and in bringing the old building back to life, and strengthening local connections — including using a palette of colors and materials reflective of the area’s natural environment. Each room is a unique experience with an elegant yet casual ambience for a more elevated experience. Each floor has its own character and echoes of the art deco inspired style are sprinkled throughout the building.
“It was a fun project to be involved with, and particularly rewarding to help create a space in Bend that offers something different.”
Located on the corner of NW Wall Street and Franklin Avenue at 777 NW Wall St. in Bend, The Westman is now accepting reservations and offers 1pm late check-out times along with discounts for “staycation” deals.
The Westman Hotel
777 NW Wall St., Bend
Property Owner/Developer: Deschutes Opportunity Commercial Redevelopment LLC
Contractor: R&H Construction
Sitework Start: June 3, 2024
Completion: November 12, 2025
Square Footage: 22,124 sq. ft.
Amenities: Minnie’s cocktail bar, outdoor heated soaking pool, private courtyard with fire pit and lawn games, The Parlour fireside lounge, specialty retail shop, adventure concierge, EV charging stations, dog-friendly property.
Project Manager: Jacob Hartley, Senior Project Manager, Michaela Denny, Project Manager
Supervisor: Brian Casey, Superintendent
Civil Engineer: Ashley & Vance Engineering
Architect: Emerick Architects, LRS Architects (interior design)
Principal Architect: Brian Emerick (Emerick), Jenny Baines (LRS)
Structural Engineer: Ashley & Vance Engineering
Civil Engineer: Ashley & Vance Engineering
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Engineer: PAE
Geotechnical Engineer: Wallace Group
Special Inspection & Testing
Agency: Carlson Testing
Landscaping: Understory
Subcontractors and Suppliers:
A-Core of Oregon LLC; Alpha Construction LLC; Alpha Window Cleaning; Alpine Abatement Associates Inc; ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Inc; Baxter Builders, LLC; Bend Commercial Glass; Bend Heating & Sheet Metal Inc; BrandSafway Services LLC; Carlson Sign Co; CCI Bend LLC; Ceniga’s Masonry; Central Oregon Waterproofing; Chosen Wood Window Maint Inc; Chown, Inc.; Classic Coverings & Shade on Demand; Creative Fire Incorporated; Company; Curtis Restaurant Equip Inc; D & R Masonry Restorations Inc; Dero Bike Rack Company; Deschutes Opportunity Commercial Red; Deschutes Painting Inc.; Deschutes Plumbing CO, LLC; Eagle Roofing; Eclipse Cabinetry LLC; Emerick Architects PC; Fabulous Floors Inc; GH Surveying, LLC; Hardcastle Construction Inc; Imagine Stoneworks Inc; Interior Technology Inc; J & R Fire LLC; Joni’s Construction Cleaning; Juniper Electric; LONESOME PICTOPIA LLC; LRS Architects Inc; Marblelife of Seattle – Tacoma; Company; McLean Concrete Construction; Mike’s Fence Center Inc; MW Design Workshop Inc; Newport Avenue Landscaping & Irrigatio; North Cabinet Co.; North Country Building Specialties; Northwest Quality Construction Inc; Northwest Tree Health LLC; PLI Systems Inc; Portland Millwork, Inc; Pro Shop Millwork & Design; R&H Construction Co.; Rock Supremacy, LLC; Smalling Construction, Inc.; Staton Companies; Storlie Brothers Construction LLC; Sunriver Glass & Mirror; Swift Dustless Demo LLC; ThyssenKrupp Elevator; Company; Timber Canyon Construction LLC; Unassigned Sub; Vernam Crane Services Inc; Western Protective Coatings; Whitestar Enterprises LLC
