Revolution Hall transformed Portland’s long-unused Washington High School into a successful music venue and mixed-use property, preserving a historic building that might otherwise have been demolished or converted into offices. The project matters because it combined cultural reuse with restoration, helping create what its owners describe as a major visitor attraction while expanding the city’s live-music infrastructure.

The 130,000-square-foot former school, which dates back to 1906 and was rebuilt after a 1924 fire, secured an $18 million restoration after developer Art DeMuro reached an agreement with the city in 2013. Following DeMuro’s death, Venerable Properties recruited Mississippi Studios owners Kevin Craddock and Jim Brunberg to develop the venue; renovation required new plumbing, electrical systems and a roof while retaining historic exterior features. Revolution Hall has since hosted artists including Laufey, Jack White and Indigo Girls.