The Pickle Factory Portland - A Unique Urban Space

Portland, Oregon, holds many intriguing spots, and among them, the Pickle Factory stands out as something truly special. You might, like many, hear the name and, you know, immediately picture vats of briny cucumbers. That, as a matter of fact, is a pretty common thought, but the truth behind this particular place is, well, quite different from what the name might first suggest. It's a spot with a story, a history that really shapes its present character, and it's a place where a lot of interesting things happen.

This building, located up there at 866 North Columbia Boulevard, in the 97217 area code, has a past that stretches back quite a ways, all the way to 1921, actually. It's a building that has seen a fair bit of change over the years, and its name, the Pickle Factory, isn't about food at all. Instead, it whispers tales of heavy industry, of metal and machinery, and, you know, a very different kind of "pickling" process than what you might imagine. It’s a bit of a clever play on words, isn't it?

Today, this place serves as a hub for a wide array of activities, a place where different kinds of work and creativity come together. From spaces for artists to areas for light manufacturing, and even offices for creative folks, it's a spot that has really found a new life. We'll take a closer look at what makes this Portland landmark so interesting, how it got its distinctive name, and what you can expect to find within its sturdy walls. It's quite a spot, honestly.

Table of Contents

The Name: What Does It Really Mean?

You might be wondering, and it's a fair question, why a building in Portland would be called "The Pickle Factory" if it wasn't, you know, making pickles. Well, the interesting bit here is that the building's long history tells us that cucumbers were never really put into brine within its walls. That's right, no big barrels of dill or sweet gherkins here. The name, actually, has a pretty cool industrial background, something that speaks to the building's true working past. It's a rather clever twist, isn't it?

The name "Pickle Factory" comes from a term used in foundries, those places where metal gets melted down and shaped. In that kind of setting, "pickling" refers to a very specific process. It's all about getting rid of the surface imperfections, those little bits of scale or rust that might be clinging to cast metal parts. Think of it as a cleaning step, a way to make sure the metal is smooth and ready for whatever comes next. So, in a way, the building's name is a nod to its long life as a place where things were made, and made well, by getting rid of what wasn't needed. It’s a pretty neat piece of history, if you ask me.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Pickle Factory Portland History

This sturdy building, which you can find at 866 North Columbia Boulevard, first opened its doors way back in 1921. Its very first job, if you can believe it, was as a tire factory. So, imagine, a place where rubber was shaped into tires for cars, helping folks get around in those early days of the automobile. It's kind of wild to think about, how a building starts out with one purpose and then changes over time. That’s what happened here, anyway.

After its time as a tire maker, this structure spent a very long part of its life doing something quite different. It became a foundry, a place where metal was poured and formed. This means it was a spot filled with heat, the clanging sounds of machinery, and the smell of hot metal. It was a place where raw materials were turned into something useful, something strong and lasting. The building really saw a lot of heavy, important work during those years, and you can still feel that sense of its working past when you're there, too it's almost.

A big part of what makes this building special today is how they've worked to keep its history alive. You can see this in the exposed concrete surfaces that are still there. These aren't just bare walls; they're a visual reminder of the building's origins, a way to show off its industrial bones. It helps tell the story of what this place has been through, giving it a real sense of character. It’s like the building itself is sharing its memories, which is pretty cool.

Beyond its industrial life, the Pickle Factory has also been a gathering spot for some pretty cool events. For a time, it was the home of the annual One Moto Show, a popular event for motorcycle fans. This show brings together all sorts of bikes, from custom builds to classic machines, and it really drew a crowd. It just goes to show how this building has been able to adapt and host different kinds of activities over the years, becoming a place for community and shared interests. It’s a very versatile spot, actually.

What Kind of Work Happens Here Today at The Pickle Factory Portland?

These days, the Pickle Factory is what you might call a mixed-use property. That means it’s not just one thing; it’s a place where lots of different kinds of businesses and creative endeavors can set up shop. You’ll find spaces suitable for industrial work, which makes sense given its past, but also areas set up as creative offices. So, you might have someone making things with their hands right next to a group of people working on computers, which is pretty neat.

The building also offers spots for light manufacturing, which is a bit like a smaller, more focused version of its old foundry days. And, quite a few artists have found a home here, using the large, open spaces for their studios. It’s a place that really welcomes a wide array of activities, from making physical goods to thinking up new ideas. It’s a very dynamic sort of environment, you know?

To make things comfortable for everyone, many of the spaces inside the Pickle Factory come with sinks and air conditioning units. These little touches make a big difference, especially for businesses that need water access or for keeping things cool during Portland's warmer months. It shows that while the building has a lot of history, it's also been updated to meet the needs of modern tenants, making it a pretty practical choice for many. That’s certainly a plus.

Finding Your Way Around The Pickle Factory Portland

If you're planning a visit to the Pickle Factory, you should know that finding your way might be a little bit of an adventure. Many people who come to the location for the first time mention getting a bit turned around. It’s not that it’s hidden, but it does have a rather specific way to get in. So, it's something to keep in mind before you head over there, really.

The key to finding the right spot is to look for the private entrance, which is located in the southwest corner of the building. This isn't your typical main entrance that everyone sees right away, so knowing this little detail can save you a lot of time and wandering around. It’s a bit like finding a secret passage, almost, and once you know where it is, it’s quite easy to get in. Just look for that specific corner, and you should be good to go.

Who Are Some of the Folks Calling The Pickle Factory Portland Home?

One of the businesses that has found a home in the Pickle Factory is Moonbrine World Headquarters. This company, which is all about making artisanal pickled products, moved its operations to Portland, Oregon, to this very historic building. So, while the building itself wasn't originally a pickle factory in the food sense, it now houses a company that truly does specialize in making delicious pickled items. It’s a neat bit of irony, you know?

Stew, the person behind Moonbrine, brought his mission to spread the love of pickles to this new location. Moving into the Pickle Factory at 866 North Columbia Boulevard, specifically Building B, has been a good change for them. As of September 2019, they were settled in, and they seem to really enjoy their new surroundings. They even mentioned liking this new space more than their old one in Southeast Portland, which tells you a lot about the building's appeal. It seems to be a pretty comfortable fit, actually.

The building is home to a variety of other businesses too, making it a lively place with different kinds of work happening. It’s a hub where people are creating, manufacturing, and running their offices. This mix of uses helps create a dynamic environment, where different skills and ideas come together. It’s pretty cool to think about all the different things going on under one roof, isn't it?

Managing the Space and Getting Information for The Pickle Factory Portland

For anyone looking to become a part of the Pickle Factory community, or for those who already have a space there, getting the right information is, you know, pretty important. There’s a team that helps manage everything, making sure new tenants can get settled in and existing ones have access to what they need. They aim to make things as smooth as possible for everyone involved, which is always a good thing.

If you're looking for more details about the property, like if you're thinking about leasing a space, Apex Real Estate Partners is the contact to reach out to. They handle the information side of things and can give you the rundown on what’s available. It’s good to have a clear point of contact for these kinds of inquiries, so you know exactly who to talk to. They're the people to call, basically.

For more detailed property information, you can also visit Crexi.com. This website often lists properties for sale or lease, and you can find specific details about the Pickle Factory there. It’s a good place to look at the specifics and get in touch with the listing broker directly. That way, you can get all your questions answered and see if the space is a good fit for what you need. It’s a pretty helpful resource, really.

When it comes to official notices or formal communications related to a lease, the landlord has a specific address for those. Any notices under the terms of a lease should be sent to "Pickle Factory c/o NAI Elliott as agent, 901 NE Glisan Street, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97232." This is the formal way to make sure any important paperwork gets to the right people. It’s just how these things are handled, you know, to keep everything organized.

Connecting with the Community at The Pickle Factory Portland

The Pickle Factory isn't just a building; it's also a place where people connect. For instance, on Nextdoor, which is a social platform for neighborhoods, the Pickle Factory has received some good feedback from local residents. It has two "faves" from neighbors in Portland, Oregon, which suggests people in the area appreciate what the building offers or the businesses within it. It’s a little sign that it’s a valued part of the local scene, which is nice to see.

The presence of businesses like Moonbrine, which focuses on artisanal products, also helps create a sense of local connection. People often appreciate knowing where their goods come from, and having a local producer like that in the area can foster a feeling of community. It’s a pretty direct way for the building to be involved with the people living nearby, isn't it?

The building's history, its unique name, and its current mix of creative and industrial uses all contribute to its distinct character. This character, in turn, helps it become a memorable part of the Portland landscape. It’s more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a place that has a story and continues to be a part of the city’s ongoing narrative. It truly is a pretty interesting spot.

A Look at Nearby Opportunities Near The Pickle Factory Portland

While the main focus is on the Pickle Factory at 866 North Columbia Boulevard, it's worth noting that the surrounding area also offers other opportunities. For example, there's industrial space for lease at 900 North Columbia Boulevard, which is very close by. This suggests the neighborhood itself is a hub for businesses looking for similar types of property, like industrial or flex space. It’s a pretty active area for commerce, it seems.

You might also come across information about mixed-use property for sale at 8435 North Crawford, Portland, Oregon, 97203. While this isn't the Pickle Factory itself, it points to the broader availability of different kinds of properties in Portland that blend industrial, office, and creative uses. It just goes to show that this part of the city is quite diverse in its offerings for businesses and individuals looking for unique spaces. There’s a lot happening around there, basically.

These nearby properties, much like the Pickle Factory, often provide a wide range of uses. This can include creative office space, light manufacturing, and areas for artists. The availability of sinks and air conditioning in many of these spaces is a common feature, making them practical for a variety of needs. It’s a good sign that the area is set up to support different kinds of work, from hands-on creation to more traditional office tasks. It’s a very accommodating part of town, in some respects.

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