Maywood Park is not a neighborhood, nor a suburb of Portland. The triangular-shaped pocket formed by NE Prescott Street, NE 102^nd Avenue, and the sweep of I-205 is actually a city in its own right, thanks to a 1967 vote by citizens. The move was in response to the state’s intent to plot the 205 highway through the neighborhood.

A decade of court battles ensued, which the new city within a city ultimately lost, and the highway proceeded as planned, taking out 87 homes with it. However, Maywood Park retained design concessions in the process, including placing the adjacent section of highway below-grade in a ravine between the city and Rocky Butte, so that a grassy berm rises up to buffer the remaining 300 houses from the sound of traffic.

Today, Maywood Park’s independent status comes with its own mayor and city council, as well as popular neighborhood events: an annual garage sale, a regular chili cook-off, holiday tree lighting. The wide, tree-lined streets recall the original intent of area planners, who wanted to create a subdivision in the style of the Laurelhurst and Eastmoreland neighborhoods. Houses were built mostly in the 1920s and 1940s, with a construction lull occurring during the Depression.

This 1942 “ranchelow” is so-called because it has the form and function of a ranch (think: lots of space) but comes with bungalow detailing in places, including coved ceilings, mahogany millwork, and leaded glass built-ins. For starters, lots in Maywood Park tend to be bigger than Portland’s standard 5,000 square feet, and this one is more than double that at a generous .28-acre. The house itself is 3,465 square feet, with 1,800 square feet and three bedrooms, including the primary suite with a half-bath, allotted to the main floor. The finished attic and basement are just bonus-upon-bonus space.

Maywood Park has been described as a “slice of old Portland” and “small town America,” and this home has a great vintage quality to go along with that, from the spacious, light-filled layout and exterior brickwork to the aforementioned woodwork in the main rooms. The kitchen and bathrooms were updated more recently in 2005, but we’re especially partial to the existing pine-paneling, found in the attic bedroom, bonus eating nook, and quintessential basement rec room, which also has a fireplace, ’70s-era sauna, and integrated rack for the pool cues. (Just add the table.)  

As you might expect, the fenced backyard is also sizable, with plenty of grass, a covered cabana, and detached art studio. The latter­­, painted a cheerful barn red, is 558 square feet with a bedroom, full bathroom, attached workshop, loft, and full kitchenette, complete with pine cabinets and delightful orange counters.

Listing Fast Facts 

• Address: 10014 NE Mason St, Portland, OR 97220
• Size: 3,465 square feet/5 bedroom/3.5 bath
• List Date: 7/11/2024
• List Price: $749,000
• Listing Agent: Breylan Deal-Eriksen, Deal & Company Real Estate