Historic Overlook House

The Historic Overlook House is nestled in the Overlook neighborhood in North Portland featuring over an acre of mature trees and award winning roses and a 1928 Tudor Residential home turned community center. The house was originally built by and lived in by Herman and Elvira Raven who owned a successful local dairy, the Raven Creamery.  Elvira had a heart for service and always opened her home to civic groups, especially those supporting and working for the advancement of women. In 1951 she donated her home and property to Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) who operated the house until the early 2000’s.  When PP&R could no longer maintain the property, a group of neighbors came together and formed what eventually became the Friends of the Overlook House nonprofit which has maintained and managed the property since 2003 in partnership with PP&R. 

When not in private use for a wedding, work retreat or celebration of life, the grounds are open to the public and offer a quaint, enclosed yard space for relaxing, dog walking, tree climbing and nature admiring. The Friends of the Overlook House are working to offer more community based programs such as summer camps, classes, seasonal celebrations and a concert series.