Long before it became home to The Nines, the Meier & Frank building was the place Portland came to see and be seen. Its glazed terra-cotta façade rose in 1908, welcoming generations of shoppers and, for a time, a young Clark Gable, who sold neckties inside. Today, the landmark’s next chapter pairs its storied architecture with fashion-led interiors, original art and the intuitive service of a contemporary luxury hotel. For travelers searching for historic hotels in Portland, Oregon, the story here begins with the building itself: a living piece of the city, impeccably reimagined.
Ideally situated next to bustling Pioneer Square, the Nines, Portland rests atop the landmark Meier & Frank Building and pays contemporary homage to the edifice’s storied past, both in its striking décor and impeccable service. Flocked in glazed terra cotta, this fifteen story masterpiece was brought to life in 1909 and served as the flagship store and headquarters for Meier & Frank, once heralded as the largest retailer west of the Mississippi.
Rich in history and accentuated with a diverse past, this iconic monument featured the first escalator installation in Portland and, in 1922, also functioned as the studio for Meier & Frank’s very own radio station. At its peak, the building housed everything from a pharmacy, to a pet store, to a deli and served as Clark Gable’s place of employment prior to him meeting fame and fortune as an actor in the 1930’s.
Through all of its alluring past, the Meier & Frank Building has remained steadfast as a timeless landmark in Portland’s downtown culture.
In 2005, the building began its transformation into a luxury hotel. The original exterior was retained, while a seven-story light-filled atrium was created to best access beautiful views and natural light. The architects created a nostalgic, modern approach infusing elements from the worlds of art and fashion, as well as, eclectic nods to the Meier & Frank’s retail past. In line with our sustainable values, the building is also LEED Silver Certified.
The name “the Nines” was created in homage to the Meier & Frank Building’s roots as a beacon of “dressed to the nines” fashion. Like the original Meier & Frank, we remain dedicated to providing impeccable service and an elevated experience.
The Nines is designed in layers, revealing new experiences when seen from different perspectives.
“Nostalgic Modern” – an approach that begins with the boldness and clarity of modern design concepts and ends with the infusion of traditional forms, such as a traditional chandelier, a Louis XIV chair, or a turned table leg, all icons familiar worldwide to the luxury consumer.
416 original works of art were commissioned from select local artists. An additional 23 works, all found in the library, were chosen from artist’s existing inventories. The most literal interpretations of Meier and Frank retail history are found in the Front Desk area, while the rest of our hotel opens up to inspiration from the Pacific Northwest and Portland culture.