Nob Hill Fun Fact #19: Why is there an elk on the Mackenzie House?

Nob Hill Fun Fact #19: Why is there an elk on the Mackenzie House?

Have you ever walked past the historic Mackenzie House in Portland’s Nob Hill and wondered about the majestic bust of a white stag (or elk!) centered below a framing arch of slate shingles? This striking architectural detail is more than just decoration; it’s a powerful symbol directly from the Mackenzie family coat of arms, signifying the doctor’s deep connection to his Scottish roots. We can only imagine the conversation: “Hey architects of the 1887 Annex to the Portland Armory (now the Gerding Theater), can you, uh, stick an elk on it?”

This building, now a cherished historic landmark, stands out in the neighborhood with its unique and harmonious blend of Richardsonian Romanesque and Shingle styles. The dark slate shingles, a dominant exterior material, give it a distinctive character. Both the exterior and interior are rich with architectural detailing and constructed from high-quality materials, including sandstone, slate, intricate ornamental woodwork, and plaster. We walk by this gem on our Women of Nob Hill Tour.

A particularly eye-catching feature is the use of rusticated Tenino stone. The light hue of the tower and chimney’s sandstone creates a striking contrast to the dark slate shingles. These elegant stones were imported from Tenino, Washington, ordered around 1890 when the quarry was just beginning to expand – an expansion that fueled a sandstone “boom town” until concrete replaced sandstone in construction between 1915 and 1920. Interestingly, the only other house in this style and material palette more highly acclaimed was the Julius Loewenberg House, built in the same year but sadly demolished in 1960.

Update September 2018: We’ve learned that “MacKenzie” in Gaelic is “Caberfeidh,” which translates to “Deer Antlers.” In Scotland, “Red Stags” are quite similar to American Elk, so it’s entirely possible that the bust on the Mackenzie House is, in fact, a stag and not an elk!

Update April 1, 2020: For those curious to delve deeper into the MacKenzie clan’s history, we recommend watching some Outlander! On a more local note, it’s wonderful to know that while the William Temple House sold the building, they are still able to rent it back and are actively helping to feed people during these challenging times.

Updated June 19, 2025: New Links for example National Register Documentation

We retuned to this house for Fun Fact #37 Is that bat light really historic or is it from the Spirit Store?