PORTLAND, Ore. — Editors note: This story is courtesy of KGW's media partner Portland Business Journal.
The Doug Fir, a Portland destination music venue that's earned a stellar reputation among touring musicians and fans who appreciate top-notch live sound, is preparing to leave its 19-year home.
The tenants of the venue that's part of the Jupiter Original & NEXT group, which includes Jupiter Hotel, will move from the 830 E. Burnside spot later this year, the Jupiter owners confirmed. The Portland Mercury first reported the news.
Kelsey Bunker, who owns Jupiter Original & Next, said the group is seeking a new venue operator. The Doug Fir space is known for its acoustics. As such, it's a top draw for national acts that don't play such larger venues as Moda Center or Crystal Ballroom.
The Mercury and Portland Eater both reported that the Doug Fir's operators will relaunch the location at the former Le Bistro Montage space, at 304 S.E. Morrison.
“Our main focus at Jupiter has always been to create a space where locals want to be; Where locals can meet travelers, and where travelers can feel like locals,” Bunker said in a release.
Bunker added that the tenants are moving "away from the food and beverage aspect of the business and lean(ing) into focusing on providing Portland with great live music."
The marks "the start of a new era' for the Jupiter, which, through a deal with Multnomah County, had provided shelter for those experiencing homelessness. The facility just completed a $1 million renovation, according to the release.
The Doug Fir "will continue to provide music entertainment through the end of summer 2023 as we look for the next exciting project to bring to Portland," the Jupiter's leaders said in a release. The Original and NEXT hotels will remain open during the transition.
The property is working with Urban Works Real Estate as it determines the next uses for the music venue and restaurant/bar above it.
