Portland’s oldest surviving residence, the Tigard-Rogers House, is entering a new phase of existence under the stewardship of Joe Grinberg, a young developer with deep ties to the area.
Grinberg, only 24 years old and with construction experience from his family’s Lindquist Development, purchased the property in Southwest Portland’s Bridlemile neighborhood on April 24 for $750,000.
His vision is not just to renovate but to preserve key elements of this historic site, including the iconic 1855 red farmhouse, a dwelling from the 1950s, and a 150-year-old Ponderosa pine.
Having grown up nearby, Grinberg has always been captivated by the structure he fondly calls “the little red house,” stating, “older houses are interesting, especially if they are remade right.”
Since acquiring the property, Grinberg has been actively engaged on site, removing modern materials that have hidden the walls for years.
He hopes to uncover old newspapers used as insulation and other artifacts that might tell the story of the house and its former occupants.
The overall condition of the property, which spans 2.86 acres and includes three homes and a garage once used to store farm equipment, is noted to be rough.
According to the listing agent, one structure may even be unsafe and impossible to restore.
“We will verify with the city before we take anything down, of course,” Grinberg assured.
Initially listed at $2,693,670 in February 2024, the asking price for 4504 S.W. Shattuck Road fell dramatically, eventually landing at $1,020,000 in November.
Grinberg’s purchase—almost $2 million less than the original asking price—allowed him to take on this significant personal project while also funding necessary improvements.
A brush hog was employed to clear flammable debris from the yard, allaying fears among neighbors that the historic home might face demolition at the hands of a new owner.
Barbara Maurer, a Bridlemile resident, expressed her elation at the news, saying, “I am very happy to hear that there are plans to try to preserve the Tigard-Rogers house and that this unique part of Portland history will not be lost.”
She highlighted that the plans resonate with the intentions of the late Roger Hancock, the house’s last occupant, who valued family heritage and preservation.
Grinberg, a graduate of Ida B. Wells (formerly Wilson) High School, invites community members to engage with him.
He encourages local residents to
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