Doug Fir Lounge's tentative opening slated for 2025 after permitting challenges

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Doug Fir Lounge has postponed the tentative opening date for its new location due to permitting delays.

The venue previously announced it would re-open in early 2024. More recently, the Portland performance space's Marketing Director Annie Ostrowski told KOIN 6 the venue intends to host concerts again in summer 2025.

“We look forward to welcoming artists and show goers to the new space, which will feature the same quality sound that our audiences have come to love, all within the completely revitalized historic building that once housed Le Bistro Montage,” Ostrowski said in an email. “Visitors can definitely expect the same charm and immersive style that our original location offered, but now with an extended patio, parking, and an expanded green room for artists.”

Ken Ray, spokesperson for Portland’s Bureau of Development Services, told KOIN 6 that officials have yet to issue a permit because the venue is adjacent to two lots that are part of the city’s Big Pipe Project. The project aims to prevent sewer overflows into the Willamette River and Columbia Slough.

Ray said the Bureau of Environmental Services paid property owners $382,485 in easement in 2008, to ensure development doesn't obstruct the Big Pipe system or crews’ access to it.

“While Environmental Services is working to safeguard this public investment, we also work with our community members to support development that contributes to the vitality of our city,” BES spokesperson Diane Dulken said in a statement.

She added that the agency and Doug Fir Lounge representatives have settled on a design in which the building’s patio and bar are located on an open lot, and just a portion of space covers the lot owned by the city.

BDS’ Land Use Services division has launched a design review case for the venue. The public has until 5 p.m. on July 16 to weigh in on the proposal.

However, Ray also said the development services bureau notified Doug Fir representatives their permit application was incomplete on Thursday. Officials are now awaiting a new submission.