Emmons Architects' Deschutes Brewery and the Magic of Chainsaw Art

Last week at architect Stuart Emmons' invitation I visited the new Deschutes Brewery brew pub on Southwest 11th Avenue near the Brewery Blocks. The building was a familiar one: the former Jim Stevens Auto Body building, where my car was repaired a few years ago after being hit by a Tri-Met bus. I was very happy with the body work, but I think most people will get more out of this building now that Deschutes is here. The pub is right next door to Portland Center Stage's Gerding Theater at the Armory, so this would make an ideal pre- or post-theater stop. (As would, admittedly, any number of other nearby outlets from Sushiland to Henry's Tavern to Pizza Schmizza.)

The goal, Emmons says, was to create a brewpub that was in between two other local pubs' styles: the sleekness of Holst Architecture's Bridgeport brewpub remodel and the homey, lived in quality of McMenamins' approximately 10,000 local pubs. And inside, that's how it seemed. You could tell there was a real architect behind the design in terms of the spatial arrangements. There is lots of character to the place, but I had a sense of the vast wide open space being divided into a series of room-like smaller spaces without the overall sense of light and vastness being taken away.

There was also a lot of fun had on this project in terms of textures and accoutrements. Numerous light fixtures are of the vintage, wrought-iron variety. Like a salon-style art gallery show or the tons of mirrors on the walls at traditional French brasseries, Deschutes is covered with tons of gilded frames, some with historic photos of the building and Portland, others with kitschy drawings and artifacts. What I particularly enjoyed was how even the air ducts were enclosed in gilded frames at their wall openings. There is also lots of raw Douglas fir used throughout the space to give it an appropriately rustic feeling without seeming chintzy. This brewpub feels new, but lived in.

The best part of the new Deschutes brewpub, though -- besides their copious supply of Mirror Pond ale -- may be the cornucopia of chain saw carvings on the entry to each dining room. Emmons tells me the artist works without any drawings or guide; he merely creates with his chainsaw in an impromptu fashion the array of owls, goats and other wildlife. I can't say it's the most sophisticated, refined sculpture I've ever encountered. But God help me: I love it. There are actually some pretty delicate, artful carvings to these chainsaw works. Maybe next the guy could do a chainsaw Portlandia, or perhaps a statue of Tom Potter as a going away present.

Meanwhile, look for Emmons Architects to have an increased presence in town. Educated at Harvard's Graduate School of Design, Stuart has long been one of the better architects in town; his Fire Station 1 design competition entry with Hennebery Eddy was terrific, and now the firm is designing a courthouse in Gresham. Gerding Edlen is actually a co-developer of the Deschutes site; here's hoping Emmons may eventually be designing one of their condos when the market comes back. The Deschutes looks terrific, but Stuart should also be doing bigger better jobs than brewpubs - the brilliance of the accompanying chainsaw art not withstanding. Actually, though, can't you just imagine some of this artwork in the lobby of some ultra-modern condo?

Comments

[BEERDRINKER]

Frist of all: the beer is good.

The interior left me wondering. Maybe it is just that I've been watching this project go up for so long that I had higher expectations that the Rogue/McMenamins/Bridgeport mashup.

My overall reaction was a bit of distaste at the redundant and unnecessary use of so much wood. It is ironic that the beautiful trusses are obscured by 4 heavy timber boxes (which could have been combined to save much lumber) while a framed photo of those very trusses adorns the bar.

Overall, I found the use of wood excessive and a bit oppressive. The green plaid carpet was over the top ~ perhaps a Bend thing?

Anyhow, I'm happy for another Brewpub to choose from. I'm sure it will age well.

[a]

Stuart Emmons is a great advocate for 'A'rchitecture in Portland. We need him and his voice.

Thanks, Stuart.

[Larry L]

It was too eclectic for my taste which can work if done in moderation, but just too much. I left wondering if an architect was the designer. Mainly because:
1. The kitchen seems to small for the amount of tables and people it can hold. We waited a long time, and all the table were not full.
2. I agree about the added heavy timber frames which distract from the true structure. I would have maybe framed something just over the rows of tables, and kept the volume of space created by the trusses.
3. The location of the fireplace, makes some sence by the bar, but by the kitchen? I thought it would have been better in the dining area.
Although, I did kind of like the green plaid carpet. But I didn't like the way the wood carvings also compete with the added timber frame. Whatever, I just love thier beer so who cares.

[uricho1]

The Deschutes Brewery and Public House is located at 210 NW 11th Ave. I believe your post states it is located at Southwest 11th. Just wanted to clear up any confusion.

[Portland Oregon Real Estate]

Just made my first trip to this pub. From a casual observer, I thought it was a great space for what it is - a tourist destination. Good beer. Food was decent.