First Look at 1888 Building’s New Boutique Apartments

NEWBERG, Ore. — A 19th-century building in downtown Newberg is now home to two boutique apartments available as short-term rentals.

Area entrepreneurs Steve Everley and Kelly Koch have breathed new life into the former Bank of Newberg building on the corner of E 1st and S Meridian Streets, which dates back to 1888 and is considered the oldest standing building in Newberg. The renovation project, which ran from late April to September, focused on uncovering and enhancing the building’s original architectural features.

Read: Historic Bank of Newberg Building Sold, Major Renovations Planned | May 20, 2024

“We stripped away all the plaster to reveal the original brick,” Everley explains. “The apartments were in pretty rough shape. Luckily, no one had touched the wood beams – they’re absolutely stunning.”

The renovation process unearthed some hidden historical treasures, including Newberg Graphic newspapers from 1922 under the floorboards and steel beams marked for the Bank of Newberg. Everley and Koch removed plaster from the wall, exposing original brick from the original structure and the various additions over the years. 

Lindsay Howard, who manages social media marketing for the apartments, said the group focused on historical accuracy for the renovations, furniture, and features. Koch has a background antique and scoured antique shops, resellers, and Facebook Marketplace to find period-appropriate pieces, traveling as far as Klamath Falls, Oregon to pick up furniture.

Over the years, the building has worn many hats – from Newberg’s first bank bank to early Newberg Graphic offices to feed store to most recently Right On Computers. The renovation preserves elements from these past lives, including the original brick walls, wood beams, and built-in features.

Looking ahead, there are plans to potentially open a whiskey bar, pool hall, and live music venue in the ground floor area, though the timeline isn’t set in stone.

“There’s a lot of work to do still,” Everley said. “There are still big dreams for what this space can become, but we’re focused on the work right now.” 

Everley said the steakhouse idea originally shared by Koch has largely been scrapped.

The apartment is managed by Lifestyle Properties Oregon and available on short term rental platforms like AirBNB and VRBO. The apartments are rented separately, but can be rented by larger parties together due to a shared door between the units. The apartments are listed at $289 per night before taxes and fees.

Before and After Photos of the 1888 Apartments