Welcome to this one-of-a-kind urban sanctuary—a true piece of Portland’s story. Originally built in 1910 as South Portland’s first branch library, this distinctive home was moved just one block to its current location around 1920. Local lore tells of children forming a line, passing books hand to hand, as the library’s collection was moved to the Customs House (which still stands in nearby Lair Hill Park).Today, this historic building has been thoughtfully transformed into a loft-style residence, blending history with modern comfort. The open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is the heart of the home, featuring soaring 12-foot ceilings that practically beg for a library ladder, and a cozy wood stove that makes the space feel warm and inviting. The updated kitchen boasts quartz countertops (2021) and an extra-quiet dishwasher with a third rack (2025). The bathroom offers timeless charm with traditional mosaic tile and a spa-like shower complete with dual shower heads and controls. Outside, enjoy a charming backyard oasis, rare in the city, with a fenced yard (2020), dog run, garden, and a newer concrete pad (2023). Additional practical features include a durable metal roof, tankless water heater, and a small cellar storage area. Take a look today! [Home Energy Score = 3. HES Report at https://rpt.greenbuildingregistry.com/hes/OR10011367]
Former 1910 South Portland Branch Library is now an Amazing Remodeled Home Rich in History. One-Level Living! Open Floor Plan, Soaring 12' Ceilings, Updated Kitchen, Amazing Tiled Bath w/ Luxurious Walk-in Shower, Laundry Room. Paver Patio for Summertime Entertaining in Private Back Yard. Easy Parking. Unbeatable Location Near Downtown, Streetcar, OHSU, PSU, SW Waterfront, I-5 & 405 Access, Marquam Nature Park & More! [Home Energy Score = 3. HES Report at https://rpt.greenbuildingregistry.com/hes/OR10011367-20180925]
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
3
Baths
1
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
2,900 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1921
Sq. Ft.
1,260
Year built
1921
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Multnomah County
APN
R128873
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 15, 2026.
RM1
Residential Multi-Dwelling 1 Zone
The RM1 zone is a low-scale multi-dwelling zone that is generally applied in locations intended to provide a transition in scale to single-dwelling residential areas, such as the edges of mixed-use centers and civic corridors, and along or near neighborhood corridors. Allowed housing is characterized by one to three story buildings that relate to the patterns of residential neighborhoods, but at a somewhat larger scale and building coverage than allowed in the single-dwelling zones. The major types of new development will be duplexes, triplexes, rowhouses, courtyard housing, small apartment buildings, and other relatively small-scale multi-dwelling and small-lot housing types that are compatible with the characteristics of Portland's residential neighborhoods.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing
Housing-Group
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Housing-Senior
Dec 5, 2019 • Final
Plumbing
Plumbing
Feb 16, 2011 • Final
Mechanical
Install a new furnace.
HVAC
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Parking Features: On Street
Interior
Virtual Tour Information
Virtual Tour Type: 3-D Tour
Has Virtual Tour Unbranded: Yes
Appliances
Appliances: Free-Standing Gas Range, Gas Appliances, Quartz