The Ten-Year Renovation of a 1967 Treetop House

A story of vision, trust, and love for Mid-Century architecture

The story of this Portland mid-century home is one of patience, trust, and a deep respect for architectural heritage.

Purchased in 2009 by homeowner Aaron Cain, the house, nestled on a forested hillside in Portland, Oregon, underwent a gradual yet meticulous renovation over ten years. Architect Paul McKean, a close friend of Aaron, played a central role in the project, guiding the home’s transformation while preserving its mid-century character.  

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(Marco Guagliardo - Mid-Century Home’s Editor in Chief)

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A Decade in the Making

Aaron, then working for Nike and living abroad, bought the home on the advice of his father and Paul. “We visited the house and sent Aaron a few quick cellphone photos. We told him to buy it immediately,” Paul recalls.

The cottage-like mid-century house, though charming, was in need of significant repairs. Aaron trusted their instincts and purchased the home without seeing it in person.

For the next decade, the new owner and his wife Annie lived in various locations around the world, while the house remained in Portland, occupied by carefully selected renters. This long gap allowed Paul and the team to complete the renovation in phases, each stage addressing different challenges and opportunities within the house.

Photos by Cain Wong