Restoring Legacy: The Unforgettable Revival of 1442 SW Vista Avenue

When it comes to Portland’s historic homes, few stories run as deep—and feel as personal—as the breathtaking revival of 1442 SW Vista Avenue. Listed by Aaron Moomaw of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, this 1907 Craftsman gem tells a tale offour generations, forgotten treasures, meticulous restoration, and artistic soul.

But this isn’t just a listing. It’s a love letter to Portland history, brought back to life by builder and designer Connor McWilliams, Head Contractor at Portland General Contracting—and also the home’s current owner.

A Home Frozen in Time

For over a decade, this stately Goose Hollow residence sat untouched, though never forgotten. The previous owner, Mary Jane, couldn’t bear to part with the home she was raised in. Even as the house remained empty, she visited weekly—keeping the lights on, the heat running, and the memories intact.

When Connor first met Mary Jane, she asked him a telling question: “Do you know everything about this home?”His answer:“ Let’s walk through it together, and you can tell me.

”That walk-through became a generational moment. Three generations of Mary Jane’s family returned to recount the stories held within each room—her parents’ bedroom, her grandparents’ suite, the sun porch that was once her childhood room, and even the downstairs pharmacy, a remnant of a family of doctors.

Hidden Treasures & Renovation Surprises

What began as a restoration quickly turned into a remarkable discovery. While excavating the basement, Connor unearthed a bag of $5 bills dated 1927—money quite literally buried in the home’s foundation. “I’ve done 15 projects a year for nearly a decade, ”he says,“ and I’ve only ever found a baseball card and a whiskey bottle. This was different.”

The stories didn’t stop there. During demo, Connor uncovered old newspapers from the Great Depression—still lining kitchen cabinets—and appliances from the 1960s in pristine condition.“The last meal cooked in this home was Christmas Eve,1994,” Mary Jane told him.“Before that, everything stayed just as it was.”

From the Studs Up—But the Soul Remains

Though the home has been fully updated with new electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and Cat6 wiring, Connor preserved every possible piece of the original craftsmanship. The restored maple floors, original hardware, glass windows, and mahogany details all remain—reinforcing the home’s authentic spirit.

From thoughtful layout changes like an expanded kitchen and bar disguised as antique furniture to modern comforts like upstairs laundry in the primary closet and a hidden, fully wired entertainment floor, the restoration balances luxury with legacy.

Even the terracotta floors in the basement were sourced from the French countryside—a serendipitous find during Connor’s search for Turkish marble sinks.

An Artistic Collaboration with Portland’s Creative Community

To elevate the listing further, Aaron Moomaw partnered with the Portland Art Museum’s Rental Sales Gallery. Every piece of art in the home was hand-selected from the gallery’s collection of works by local Oregon and SW Washington artists.

“The art brings soul and warmth,” says Aaron.“It connects buyers emotionally, turning a beautiful house into something more personal and inspiring.”

Rental Sales Gallery Directors Nikki and Tyler joined the team on-site to curate a mix of fine art and sculpture that would complement the home’s architecture and design. This partnership supports not only local artists but the operational funding of the Portland Art Museum itself. It’s a collaboration that makes the listing stand out—and a process documented in an upcoming mini-doc featuring Aaron and this home.

The Vision Behind the Build

Connor’s design philosophy is both intimate and bold.“I think like a woman when I build,” he says.“Every room has a feeling.”From a serene, angelic white bedroom with porch coffee vibes to a downstairs“man cave” with terracotta tile and a private bar, every corner of the home was created with intention.

Even the finishes have personal meaning. Live-edge alder pieces came from Connor’s family farm on Mt. Hood. The entertainment deck is pre-plumbed for a hot tub, with discreet storage tucked around every corner.

“This home needed someone to love it—and to love it enough to restore it fully,” Connor says.“I promised the family I would do that. And I did.”

More Than a Listing—A Legacy Reborn

Now offered at 2.15 million,1442 SW Vista Avenue isn’t just a home—it’s a handcrafted masterpiece built on trust, memory, and vision. With its historical pedigree (built by craftsman Emil Schacht, recognized as one of Oregon’s most influential designers), sweeping views, and revitalized architecture, this home is a rare blend of old Portland charm and modern livability.

We invite you to tour this one-of-a-kind property and experience the care, craftsmanship, and creativity that went into every beam, brick, and brushstroke.

Listing Agent: Aaron Moomaw, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty
Builder & Designer: Connor McWilliams, Portland General Contracting
Art Curation Partner: Portland Art Museum’s Rental Sales Gallery

View Full Listing & Gallery→
https://www.cascadehasson.com/realestate/details/27749636/1442-sw-vista-ave-portland-or-97201

Blog Article written by Lisa Funaro, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s Marketing Operations Manager