Kelly's Olympian to Open Renovated Shared Workspace

The Portland venue debuts a coworking space upstairs following a $750,000 renovation project.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Remote Work

Kelly's Olympian to Open Renovated Shared Workspace

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Will the blend of coworking and bar space successfully help revive Portland's downtown business core?

Kelly's Olympian and UrbanWork will open a renovated shared bar and workspace to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. This project aims to blend traditional hospitality with modern professional needs through a $750,000 investment.

Why it matters

The owners aim to revitalize the area by attracting white-collar workers who combine professional tasks with evening socializing. This commitment reflects a decision to invest in the local Portland property rather than abandon their long-standing operations.

The renovation project represents a $750,000 investment into the 124-year-old Kelly's Olympian building. The work added a shared workspace upstairs and a new passage connecting the establishment to a music venue.

The players

Kelly's Olympian

This historic 124-year-old establishment is located at 420-426 S.W. Washington St. in Portland.

UrbanWork

This coworking firm partnered with the venue to provide shared workspace operations.

The details

The collaboration between Kelly's Olympian and UrbanWork transforms the historic building into a dual-purpose facility for professionals and social patrons. To address local safety concerns in the neighborhood, the owners have also included naloxone as a formal line item in their operating budget.

The U.S. Custom House sold for $30 million in 2017.
The Washington Center became a nexus for drug trafficking in 2023.
The renovated space opens to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.

Market Landscape

This project mirrors a broader industry movement where traditional brick-and-mortar businesses pivot to capture the hybrid workforce. It positions the owners to capture market share from white-collar professionals looking for flexible environments beyond home offices.

Customers can attend the opening event on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, with tickets priced at $50 starting at 4 p.m. A public open house follows at 6:30 p.m., with live music scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

The takeaway

Business owners are increasingly repurposing aging historic infrastructure to meet the demands of modern remote workers. This strategy provides a potential path for revitalizing urban districts by integrating professional utility into existing hospitality hubs.