NEWBERG, Ore. — The First Street Pub has sat closed and vacant since the COVID-19 pandemic forced its shutdown. For nearly a year, however, passersby have noticed activity inside as workers routinely entered and exited, sparking curiosity about what was happening.

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After months of speculation, building owner Doug Petersen said he’s ready to unveil the newest addition to downtown’s bar and restaurant scene: the First Street Public House.

“Everybody has some sort of story from the First Street Pub,” Petersen said. “Let’s not change it to some cute name. Let’s keep the history of the building, but expand on it.”

According to George Fox University’s Mapping Our History project, the building at 611 E. First St. was built in 1910 and first housed the Newberg Drug Co. Though it changed names over the years, it remained a drugstore until 1995, when it became Jimmy G’s Rack’em Pool Hall. In 2006, it was converted into First Street Pub.

Petersen purchased the building out of receivership in 2020 without a clear plan. Many businesses and organizations expressed interest in leasing or dividing the space, but Petersen said he envisioned something else for the historic property.

“It’s kind of just turned into an art project,” he said. “I started messing around with it and thought I would hang on to this one to see if I could get the right operator. It’s really been enjoyable.”

As part of the transition from pub to public house, Petersen said he plans to introduce a more refined concept while keeping the traditional bar atmosphere. One side of the large space will feature lounge seating and a stage for live music, while the other will serve as a classic bar.

“It’s kind of a high-low concept,” he said. “Even in the décor — there’s this nice French-type wallpaper, but also old ratty bicycles hanging on the wall. You’ll see a lot of my style in there.”

Building owner Doug Petersen removed the red awning but kept the classic "Pub" sign on the First Street Public House. (Branden Andersen)
Building owner Doug Petersen removed the red awning but kept the classic “Pub” sign on the First Street Public House. (Branden Andersen)

Petersen has partnered with Corey Taylor and Kim Lattig of Loam Kitchen in Dayton and Ø Horizon Provisions, who will oversee restaurant operations. Both companies emphasize local sourcing — often so local that ingredients are harvested by hand.

“We wanted to find a way to elevate basic pub food, and I think Corey has the right idea,” Petersen said. “He’s really taking a look at the sauces and doing homemade sauces that can make the difference. Sourcing local ingredients to do the basics right.”

Taylor and Lattig will continue running Loam Kitchen and Ø Horizon Provisions while managing First Street Public House as an expansion of their business.

Petersen said he expects to open in fall 2025, around the same time as other downtown newcomers: Wolves & People’s new bar, tentatively opening in November, and Bronco Kelly’s, set to open within weeks in the former Ruddick/Wood building.

“People are probably tired of sticking their head in the window to see if there is any progress,” Petersen said. “We’re making progress now.”