1970s statement piece with a cinematic spirit
3103 SW Gale Ave.
Photos: Alba Betancourt
Styling and Staging: Karie Higgins Studio and Wilma
Today in the Studio
A hallmark of 1970s modernism—where bold design met laid-back luxury, this home is a study in era-defining style, unfolding across three expansive levels in Portland’s Southwest Hills. \n\nBuilt in 1973, the home channels the era’s signature style with parquet floors, vaulted ceilings, and a warm, wood-accented palette. Period drapes, spotlights, and original lighting fixtures further anchor the home in its time— adding texture, warmth, and a distinctly nostalgic glow.\n\nDownstairs, the private bedroom level opens to a balcony, while the lower floor transforms into a full-fledged screening and theater suite—complete with a projection room, bonus space, and a large, secure storage room.
The 1970s marked a seismic shift in filmmaking.
It was a golden age when directors like Scorsese, Coppola, Kubrick, and trailblazer Elaine May reimagined what cinema could be, embracing bold choices, boundary-pushing narratives, and visual storytelling that turned every frame into a masterpiece.
This home, steeped in the aesthetic and atmosphere of the era, echoes that same sense of artistry and intention and its connection to film runs deep. The screening room once housed multiple projectors, including a pair of 35mm Century models and two 16mm projectors, and was regularly used to view and review films—a space designed for watching with intention.
Keeping the tradition of film alive, the projectors that once lived here now reside at local theaters: Cinemagic and the Hollywood Theatre, respectively. Many of the prints found a new home at the Museum of Modern Art. Together, the machines and the movies they once brought to life continue their stories—on screens and in rooms—near and far.
Thank you to film historian, friend, and former screening room regular Gary Lacher for sharing this history.
Built in
1973
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