A Riverfront Revival: Sustainable. Custom. Comfortable.
Take a tour of the brand-new Valley River Inn, where modern sophistication meets rustic charm. This project was a true testament to the full range of our craftsmanship at Urban Lumber Co. We brought our expertise in custom woodwork, metalwork, stone, leather, upholstery, signage, power and data solutions, cabinetry, and more to every corner of this stunning space.
Over the course of a year, we meticulously crafted nearly 100 custom furniture pieces that enhance the guest experience with a breathtaking Pacific Northwest aesthetic. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a wraparound reception desk made of reclaimed oak, topped with sleek, custom stone. The journey continues into the lobby, where matching oak banquettes, custom upholstered seating, and inset shelving display books, snacks, and local memorabilia, telling the rich story of Oregon’s history. With a roaring fireplace at its heart, the lounge evokes the warmth of a 1970s-style cabin, reimagined with a modern design twist. A baby grand piano might be playing in the corner while visitors work at a large, live-edge communal table in reclaimed walnut, thoughtfully equipped with state-of-the-art power and data units. This harmonious blend of old and new pays homage to the hotel’s original design while incorporating the luxuries of a contemporary upscale retreat.
The walk through an original brick archway into Sweet Waters restaurant is a step back in time as, straight ahead, the Willamette River shines natural light down the corridor before entering a relaxing room of rustic live edge Maple tables and an elegant wraparound bar made of custom copper and stone. Suspended overhead, our metal mesh-fronted shelving unit displays an endless selection of libations, spanning the entire lengths of the bar. A perfect spot to pull up a chair—whether for a romantic date, an engaging conversation, or simply to enjoy the mesmerizing flow of the Willamette River while sipping a handcrafted cocktail.
The results of their sustainable vision are absolutely stunning and we are grateful for the last year of working closely together to help create such a luxe Eugene staple.
Valley River Inn featured in Men’s Journal : Best Historic Hotel in the U.S. for Scenic River Views
*** As we custom outfit an entire business, like the Valley River Inn, with sustainable, handcrafted furniture, Urban Lumber Co’s custom furniture solutions allow for absolute freedom and client control throughout the design process to turn the client’s vision into a reality. With practical needs blended with artistic novelty, we ensure those aesthetics and functionalities coexist in harmony. Whether it be a home or business, how a space performs is just as critical as how it looks and feels.
Have a custom project for your home or business? Reach out here for our Free Design Consultation!
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An excerpt from last week’s The Register Guard article describes all the historic detailing that went into this rebuild:
Wide-open spaces, granite countertops with designs that flow like water and stunning river views warmly greet those who enter the Valley River Inn just before a front desk associate shares a kind, "welcome in."
In 1973, the Woodard family from Cottage Grove constructed the Valley River Inn to provide the community and travelers with a space to gather and rest. Fifty-two years later, the inn is freshly remodeled with modern amenities while still honoring its history with elements like hand-hewn wooden beams and brick arches placed by a master mason half a century ago.
General Manager Jenni Hendricks said décor like the massive sawmill blade hanging above the front desk ties the past to the present in this bright yet cozy space. She said the story staff is told about the building’s history was that the Woodard family wanted a place that could host the Oregon Logging Conference.
“The original owners had that logging background and really wanted to find a place for people to commune because back in the '70s, there weren’t a lot of hotels in this area. They saw a need in the community to put something together,” Hendricks said. “We have that great big saw in the lobby and a lot of the chandeliers are parts from machinery, so it’s kind of that nod back to the original owners’ love of the logging industry.”
The inn has undergone renovations over the years, but a fire in February of 2023 prompted the hotel to close for about 18 months. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Valley River Inn is gearing up for busy spring and summer seasons with its freshly remodeled space and rejuvenated energy from longtime staff members and the community eager to return to or visit for the first time this historic, riverfront hotel.
Sourced Article - The Register Guard: Here
https://www.valleyriverinn.com/