Gordon’s Fireplace building to be auctioned Sept. 30, although process could be halted by bankruptcy

The historic Gordon's Fireplace Shop building in Northeast Portland is scheduled to go to auction on September 30, with a minimum bid of $500,000 required. The property has been vacant since 2016 and has deteriorated into an eyesore, prompting the Portland city council to vote for foreclosure due to about $150,000 in unpaid liens related to code enforcement violations. Bill Joyce, who has been hired by the property owners to oversee the situation, is working to improve the property and is hopeful that the city will postpone the auction. He indicated that if the foreclosure sale goes ahead, the owners may consider filing for bankruptcy, which could pause the auction process. Joyce is also contemplating legal action against the city over fines.

The auction is set to take place at the Portland Building, and the winning bidder will need to make full payment on the auction day. The current owners have the option to retain the property by paying off approximately $90,000 in delinquent liens before the sale. The outcome of this situation will significantly impact the future of this historic structure and its role in the community.