From Historic Post Office to Boutique Hotel: The Sustainable Advantage of Adaptive Reuse

A hotel with history

Once a pillar of the community, the city’s former post office is being revived as a boutique hotel, where its legacy as a gathering place endures. The 1932 Neo-Classical building will soon feature 23 unique rooms that combine historic allure with contemporary amenities.

With its prime location and distinctive character, The Westman is set to redefine hospitality in Bend and offer an experience unlike any other.

What is adaptive reuse?

Adaptive reuse is a forward-thinking approach in modern architecture in which old buildings are repurposed for new uses. It is well-suited to the revitalization of historical structures. This technique conserves the building’s cultural heritage and offers significant benefits in sustainability and design.

Employing this method, Oregon-based R&H Construction artfully preserves the authenticity of Bend’s historic post office. The transformation integrates contemporary amenities to meet modern expectations while maintaining the building’s historical integrity, ensuring that its character and story continue to resonate with guests.

Sustainability benefits of adaptive reuse

One of the standout advantages of adaptive reuse is its conservative environmental impact compared to traditional building. Rather than building new from the ground up, adaptive reuse of the old post office significantly reduces the amount of construction materials required, reducing waste. For instance, choosing adaptive reuse on this project preserved:

• Approximately 66,000 bricks
• 1,900 square feet of terrazzo flooring
• 44 windows
• 16 interior doors
• Existing elevator
• Historic light fixtures
• Exterior granite, bronze railings, and stairs

Massive quantities of concrete were also conserved, resulting in an approximate 30% reduction in concrete usage compared to a new build. Such measures minimize demolition waste and lower the carbon footprint by decreasing the demand for new building materials and the energy used in their production and transportation.

Approximate materials saved thanks to adaptive reuse:

• Basement level
  • 96 tons of concrete in the basement walls
  • 450 tons of concrete in the basement slab/footings
  • Over 2500 cubic yards of excavation
• 1st floor
  • 525 tons of concrete saved at the first-floor slab
  • 66 tons for first-floor exterior walls
• 2nd Floor
  • 500 tons of concrete saved at the second-floor slab
  • 64 tons for second-floor exterior walls

Blending historical and modern design

While adaptive reuse requires a higher level of care and a more thoughtful approach to the construction process, it enables the preservation of original architectural elements, such as the intricate lobby finishes, elegant interior staircase, and historic elevator. These features will offer guests an authentic glimpse into the building’s storied past while they enjoy the comforts of a modern boutique hotel stay.

Additionally, artful displays of artifacts from post office operations will offer a snapshot of American life in the early to mid-20th century, enriching the visitor experience.

Positive economic and cultural impact

Adaptive reuse will benefit the local economy and cultural landscape. Reopening the historic post office to the public as The Westman will create a meaningful venue for community engagement and foster pride in local history.

Converting this landmark into a boutique hotel will increase the property values of surrounding businesses and bring new energy and visitors to the neighborhood.

Adaptive reuse also has broader implications for the city, such as helping to slow urban sprawl.