5202 SW Burton Dr, Portland, OR 97221

The Hemenway-Silver House | A Modern Reimagining of a Portland Classic. Originally conceived in 1939 by noted Portland architect Roscoe Hemenway, Hemenway-Silver House underwent a masterful transformation at the hands of designer Benjamin Silver and builder Oliver Olson. Once home to midcentury pulp fiction illustrator Verne Tossey, the residence now offers a compelling dialogue between its historical charm and contemporary clarity. Silver approached the renovation with a question: What would Hemenway do if he designed it today? The answer unfolds in a series of subtle, intentional gestures—spaces opened, ceilings vaulted, light invited in. The layout nods to its past while embracing the needs of modern living. The living room’s clean-lined vaulted ceiling, centered picture window, and dual French doors set a tone of lightness and connection to nature. The once-enclosed kitchen now flows into the dining room, anchored by floor-to-ceiling built-ins on one end and covered patio access on the other. Quartz countertops and marble backsplash tile strike a balance of durability and refinement, while bespoke Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances with integrated wine storage, and a cigar humidor cater to elevated living. On the main, the vaulted primary suite features French doors to a private patio and added ensuite bath. Downstairs, two more bedrooms and bath, roomy den, studio, and wine cellar—outfitted with the minimalist Stact system—round out the living spaces. The rebuild was completed in 2017 and although the landscaping has matured, the home still looks every bit as new as the day it sold, both in and out. By weaving together modern British sensibility with Pacific Northwest warmth, this home not only honors its origins—it reinvents them. [Home Energy Score = 9. HES Report at https://rpt.greenbuildingregistry.com/hes/OR10098292]