Nestled in the prestigious Dunthorpe suburb of Portland, Oregon, Elk Rock Garden, also known as Bishop’s Close Garden, has an exciting chapter unfolding in its rich history. This iconic nine-acre estate, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Willamette River and meticulously crafted English-style landscape, has returned to the stewardship of the descendants of its visionary creator, Peter Kerr.
For six decades, this verdant sanctuary was generously open to the public under the ownership of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, following the Kerr family’s donation. However, in November 2022, the church made the difficult decision to list the property for sale at $4.5 million. This news sparked concern among locals who cherished Elk Rock Garden as a vital community treasure.
The real estate listing for the coveted 11800 S. Military Lane address highlighted the property’s immense potential, suggesting options ranging from development to restoring the existing residence or creating a completely new vision. While the diocese received attractive offers from developers exceeding the asking price, a unique clause ensured the legacy of Elk Rock Garden would be honored. Peter Kerr’s descendants held the right of first offer, a privilege they exercised decisively. They matched the full asking price, and on Friday, July 28th, the transaction was finalized, bringing Elk Rock Garden back into the Kerr family fold.
Nancy Truszkowski and Peter Platt, representing the Kerr family, conveyed their deep commitment to preserving the garden for the public. Speaking to The Oregonian/OregonLive, they expressed their delight in reclaiming the estate and safeguarding it from potential development. “We are working out the details of its preservation and we will make a formal announcement when plans fall into place,” Truszkowski stated. The family also announced the upcoming launch of a fundraising campaign through the Friends of Elk Rock Foundation to ensure the garden’s continued maintenance and flourishing future. Further details are expected to be shared on the garden’s official website, elkrockgarden.org. Truszkowski added on Monday, “We sincerely appreciate all the support of the Portland community. Elk Rock Garden is a very special place to be enjoyed by all.”
The gates to Elk Rock Garden were temporarily closed on Monday as the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon transitioned to their new office location in Milwaukie. Bishop Diana Akiyama shared a statement acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the move. “There is sadness for leaving a beautiful memory-filled building and historic lush gardens, and there is joy for new beginnings and hope for establishing our offices in a ministry setting and exploring new partnerships. I particularly look forward to our new partnership with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.”
The history of Elk Rock Garden is intertwined with the vision of Peter Kerr, a grain exporter who arrived on this then-remote spot in 1897. He embarked on a transformative journey, converting fields of poison oak into a picturesque English-style landscape. Over decades, he meticulously crafted themed gardens, including the serene magnolia walk and various scenic viewpoints that showcased the majestic Mount Hood and the winding Willamette River. This dedication established Elk Rock Garden as one of the oldest private landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, a testament to Kerr’s horticultural artistry.
Following Peter Kerr’s passing in 1957, his wife, Laurie King Kerr, and their daughters, Anne McDonald and Jane Platt, ensured his legacy would endure by donating the estate to the Episcopal Bishop of Oregon in 1959. This generous gift included an endowment dedicated to the garden’s upkeep, along with the crucial stipulation that the public would always be welcome to experience its beauty. Allison Gannett, the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon’s director of communications, confirmed that the remaining balance of this original endowment will stay with the property, now under the Elk Rock Garden Foundation’s management.
An agreement made in 1994 ensured Peter Kerr’s descendants would have the first option to repurchase the property should the diocese decide to sell. When the property was officially listed in November, the family had six months to exercise this right, followed by an additional 60 days to finalize the purchase. Interestingly, during this period, the diocese also accepted a backup offer at full price from the family of Jonathan McNulty, neighbors of Elk Rock Garden. McNulty expressed his family’s desire to prevent the garden’s destruction, stating in May, “Anything that gets us to a place where we can keep the gardens intact with visitor access is a win.” Upon learning the Kerr family’s successful repurchase, McNulty conveyed his disappointment but expressed hope that the new owners would “honor the wishes of the neighbors and treat the church with respect.”
A statement from the diocese highlighted that with the purchase by the Elk Rock Garden Foundation, “the property has come full circle as it is once again in the hands of the heirs of the original donors.” The Elk Rock Garden Foundation, established in 1994 alongside the Friends of Elk Rock Garden, has been instrumental in the ongoing mission to protect, preserve, and perpetuate this horticultural gem. The diocese officially named the estate “Elk Rock Gardens of the Bishop’s Close,” recognizing the ‘close’ as a traditional enclosed area providing tranquility and reflection.
For many years, the 9,516-square-foot Kerr manor served as the diocese’s office and meeting space. Constructed in 1917 and designed by renowned Portland architect Ellis F. Lawrence, the manor has seen some essential updates in recent years, including a roof replacement and boiler installation. However, the interior retains its original character from when it was gifted to the church, according to Kathy Hall and Kevin Hall of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, who managed the listing and represented the church in the sale.
Kathy Hall explained in November that the decision to sell was not easy, driven by the high costs of maintaining the manor and the need for a more collaborative office space. Following the successful sale, the Halls shared, “Hall Group Properties is honored to have been selected to assist the church in the sale of this iconic property. Interest level was very high and we were able to bring Bishop Akiyama multiple offers for purchase. The bishop’s thoughtful insights and respect for the property and its legacy as well as the neighbors and community at large resulted in a wonderful outcome.”
In 2018, Portland arts patron Jordan Schnitzer also made an offer to acquire the property, although the transaction did not proceed as initially anticipated. Public records indicate the gated property comprises four residential tax lots, zoned to allow a primary dwelling on each 20,000-square-foot area within the 8.92-acre parcel, with environmental overlays and setback restrictions further shaping development possibilities.
A fundraising letter circulated in April 2023 by Truszkowski and Platt to the Friends of Elk Rock Garden members underscored the family’s commitment to preventing development. The letter outlined an initial vision where the Kerr Family would repurchase and then regift the property to an organization dedicated to its preservation. There were even discussions with Oregon State University Extension about potentially establishing the Elk Rock Learning Garden on the site. Todd Liebow, of the Friends of Elk Rock Garden, has been actively involved in exploring strategies to ensure the long-term preservation of this cherished landscape.
Sara Mauritz, a long-time Elk Rock Garden Foundation board member and volunteer, described the property as a “gorgeous” and thoughtfully designed landscape, boasting mature trees, shrubs, and rare plants dating back to the early 1900s. She expressed gratitude for the diocese’s past stewardship, while also voicing relief that the garden would hopefully be protected from development, emphasizing its unique value beyond a mere commodity.
With Elk Rock Garden now back in the hands of the Kerr family, Portland residents and visitors alike can look forward to the continued preservation and public accessibility of this historic and enchanting urban oasis. The Friends of Elk Rock Garden Foundation will be a key partner in ensuring its future, and the community’s ongoing support will be vital to help this beloved landmark flourish for generations to come.
