Simon Benson House

Class transcends fashion

Prominent logger-turned-philanthropist Simon Benson not only inspired two prominent hotels, The Benson and the Columbia River Gorge, he lived in his own architectural marvel, a Queen Anne built in 1900 with different wood in each room.  The deteriorating house was moved from its original location and renovated to become Portland State University's Alumni Association and University Visitor Center (2000).  The landmark features its own "Benson Bubbler," Simon's 1912 lunchtime innovation to divert thirsty workers from saloons to ever-flowing bronze fountains.