When the McMenamins took on the Elks Lodge project, they knew they had their work cut out for them. Here’s a snippet of the legal battle that ensued, “They argue that under Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 2.01.060.E.8.a and TMC 2.01.060.E.8.b, the City cannot exercise the power of eminent domain, but must allow Zimmermans to retain ownership of the building and remove the blight by demolishing the building.”įortunately, Tacoma has a long history of rooting for the architectural underdog and the building is getting a proper facelift. This historic building sat derelict for so long, many developers would’ve preferred to just tear it down. Back in 2004, the former owners of the Elks Lodge wanted to tear it down. THEY SPENT A LOT OF TIME (AND MONEY) GETTING THE HISTORY RIGHT. All guests are welcome in the secret bar-if they can find it. Light from the outside trickles in through their purple tint until a passersby’s footsteps appear and squares momentarily go dark. Thanks to being located under an old sidewalk it has sections of grids of magnesium glass. Just big enough to fit 15 or so people, this secret bar boasts an unusual ceiling. Brown who received a media rate for a 3-night stay in Bend.If you can find “The Vault” behind secret panels that will hide it you’re in for a below-the-street treat. Review and photos by Oregon-based travel writer Nancy D. Book your stay at the official website or compare rates and book through a site like or Priceline. Rates start at $150 in off-peak times, but like many outdoor destinations, this McMenamins hotel is popular year-round. Bachelor for skiing or snowboarding or even closer to the Old Mill District for a float down the Deschutes River, this former school house has rooms for every hotel guest. The hotel is centrally located in downtown Bend. Same goes for the secret rooms and hidden Broom Closet bar. A former catholic school with a Turkish bath you ask? I’m fairly certain that the beautifully tiled pool walls and fountains were added after the renovation from school to hotel. The saltwater soaking pool is an added bonus at this Central Oregon hotel. Another pet-friendly patio with fire pit beckons outside. If you are in the mood for a cigar or glass of whiskey, venture to O’Kanes, an antique-filled pub with cool stained glass windows. Head over to the Art House to search for secret rooms and the hidden Broom Closet. Bend locals and hotel guests of all ages are welcome at the theater. Guests must be 21 and older to imbibe at the Fireside Bar. The movie theater, and yet another bar, is also housed in this building. If you are looking for an ale by the fire or a friendly game of shuffleboard, head to the Fireside Bar. We enjoyed several hearty breakfasts at the pub and a wonderful dinner with four other friends and family members. Francis School Pub, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests will not go hungry or thirsty at this McMenamins hotel. Francis School Theater sells popcorn, in addition to pizza, small bites, and handcrafted ale.Ĭentral Oregon Hotel Dining and Bar Options I had packed microwave popcorn as I saw that this McMenamins had its own movie theater. One item that was noticeably missing in our hotel room during our stay was a microwave oven. A hairdryer was tucked into the top shelf of the armoire in the bedroom. The walk-in shower was large and included small shampoo and conditioner bottles. Remember to pack slippers if you plan to walk to the indoor pool. The robes were handy when walking to the soaking pool in a separate building. White cotton robes were included in the room, for sale at the front desk if you’d like to take one home with you. Pet-friendly rooms include a desk, flat-screen television, and coffee maker. We stayed in Klondike Kate’s room, a wood-paneled king room with heavy wood furniture. Inside the main building, individual rooms are named after colorful Bend, Oregon characters. The property features 60 hotel rooms in the 1936 Schoolhouse, the Art House, Ed House, and Parrish House, a 2-story guest cottage. The hotel appeals to skiers, snowboarders and sun-seekers, with outdoor fire pits burning year-round. The Central Oregon hotel has several restaurants and even more bars, attracting both hotel guests and Bend locals. Many of these hotels contain restaurants, breweries and secret rooms. The company specializes in taking old properties and converting them into hip and stylish hotels in Oregon and Washington. This brick and mortar historic hotel is one of a dozen, and counting, properties owned by McMenamins. Francis School in Central Oregon gets an A grade in my report card. Today, relaxation, exploring and drinking have replaced reading, writing and recess. The historic Bend hotel was once a school house. Francis School is the place to stay for outdoor adventurers, as well as those seeking to explore Bend, Oregon. Central Oregon is the place to be for the outdoor crowd.
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