Clackamas County (Milwaukie, Oregon City, Lake O, Happy Valley, etc.)

[maccoinnich]

A historic revival as pFriem brings new life to Milwaukie’s old city hall



In the late 1930s, Milwaukie, Oregon, proudly opened the doors to its new city hall. A project built from a Public Works Administration (PWA) grant, the building housed city offices and the fire department for years. And up until 2023, before the city moved down the street to newer digs, the building’s exterior still stood in the middle of downtown Milwaukie, with great bones, full of history, and that unmistakable PWA late 1930s look. The interiors? Drab, vanilla, offices and cubicles. (If you’ve ever had to pay a parking ticket in the building you know.)

The building has seen many changes and tenants over the decades but none as big as the one that’s happening now. In March 2024, Hood River-based pFriem announced they were transforming the emptied city hall into a new location. But, they’re not just moving in. They’re completely retrofitting the building to keep its character, blend in history, while fully adapting it for a new use.

Once completed, the pFriem Milwaukie taproom will feature a spacious pergola covered outdoor patio, a private dining and event space upstairs for various brewery and community events, and a lounge area reminiscent of the popular Bear’s Den in Hood River. The taproom will offer more than 20 taps, including a variety of pFriem beers and craft cocktails, wine, food, and seating for over 100 guests.

...continues at New School Beer.