HISTORY OF 602 E MAIN STREET:
PROJECT CONTEXT AND SCOPE:
THE BOHEMIA INN
Commercial/Hospitality - Cottage Grove, Oregon
At the heart of Cottage Grove’s historic Main Street, the Bohemia Inn breathes new life into a century-old landmark—a two-story brick building that has witnessed over a hundred years of local commerce and community. Originally built in 1902 by local mason Charles Hamilton Wallace, the structure embodies the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit that defined the early days of this Oregon town. Once home to grocers, lodges, and mercantile shops, the building’s long and varied life has made it a cornerstone of the downtown Historic District.
Campfire Collaborative’s design approach honors this layered history while reimagining the building’s future. The adaptive reuse will transform the former Knickerbocker Building into a boutique inn with vibrant ground-floor commercial spaces. Carefully restored brick, reconstructed window openings, and new life breathed into long-dormant upper floors will reveal the original beauty of the early 20th-century structure while preparing it for the next century of use. Each design decision—whether the hand-repointed masonry or the renewed rhythm of windows—embodies a respect for the building’s story and the people who shaped it.
The Bohemia Inn will serve as both destination and catalyst. Its boutique lodging and street-level restaurant and retail spaces will draw visitors and locals alike, enriching the walkable heart of Cottage Grove. Beyond the aesthetic restoration, the project nurtures economic and cultural revitalization, creating new jobs, supporting small businesses, and fostering renewed energy in the historic downtown.
More than a preservation effort, the Bohemia Inn is an act of continuity—linking past and present through craftsmanship, collaboration, and care. Guided by the principles of adaptive reuse and rooted in community values, the project reflects Campfire Collaborative’s commitment to sustainable, human-centered design that celebrates history while welcoming the future.