A 'Tasty' Architectural Treat

Aug. 21, 2024.
By: Fred Leeson

The best outcome for any landmark building is for it to continue thriving with its original use. Case in point: Helen Bernhard Bakery.

This Northeast Portland “institution” famed for its cakes, pastries, rolls and breads, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.  Helen Bernhard, the wife of a Lutheran minister, started a cake business from her home as a hobby in 1924.

As years rolled ahead, the Bernhard residence at 1725 N.E. Broadway was expanded twice to accommodate business growth.  Then, in 1939 – the height of the Great Depression no less – the bakery expanded into a new building next door 1717 N.E. Broadway, where today it continues to serve a grateful breadth of customers.

With its gambrel roof and multi-paned front windows, one might think the retail shop is a remodeled Dutch colonial house since those were common residential features of the time.  Not so.  At closer inspection, the ovens and baking equipment sit in a larger portion of the same building behind the gambrel roof.  The building was designed by Richard Sundeleaf, recognized for his industrial and residential work over a 60-year career in the Portland area. 

Helen Bernhard died in 1968.  After she retired, two generations of her descendants operated the bakery before selling in 1988.  Since then, the successful enterprise is being run by the second generation of the purchasers in 1988.  

A century of success is an amazing landmark for any small business.  While it is the goodness of the baked goods that draws in customers, entering an attractive, well-designed historic retail space adds to the pleasure of a visit.  May it stay thus for years to come.

Fred Leeson is a former president of the Bosco-Milligan Foundation and a member of the foundation's Board of Advisors.