Linda Rankin’s first job out of college landed her in Goose Hollow. Her appreciation of architecture and old homes was fueled during her walks in the neighborhood, where she fell in love with one address, in particular, 2362 SW. Madison St. There stands a Roscoe Hemenway 1929 creation filled with curves, a turret, and an awe-inspiring circular staircase. The home is featured on one of the Architectural Heritage Center’s walking tours and is listed in the popular book Classic Houses of Portland 1850-1950. 

Roscoe De Leur Hemenway, one of the best-known residential architects in Portland, designed an estimated three hundred buildings. Born in 1899 in Cottage Grove, Hemenway moved to Portland as a teenager and graduated from Washington High School. He attended the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts, where his classmates included future architects Richard Sundeleaf and Glenn Stanton (oregonencyclopedia.org).

Linda couldn’t believe it when the house became available some 30 years later, and she was able to purchase it. The house had endured some updates that were not in keeping with its original design intent. Linda, a true steward of the home, got to work on remodeling it to the design standard it deserved. With the help of Colleen Mihalik Designs and Nathan D. Young Construction, the kitchen and bathrooms were updated, and the basement areas were restored. Linda even took on the endeavor to update the fireplace and mantle to echo its original design. Taking care of every detail inside, she turned her attention to the exterior and worked diligently to receive the Certified Backyard Bird Habitat designation. 

The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms with a large private deck and windows which face the backyard trees and lush parklike surroundings.

After 20-plus years on Madison Street, Linda is ready for her next adventure. The home is once again available and seeking a new owner — someone with a love of old architecture ready to make many new memories in this historic home.