Figo House: Where Architecture and Canine Stardom Collide
Portland, Oregon is known for its quirky charm, hipster coffee shops, and an endless supply of rain that would make even a well-prepared umbrella question its life choices. But nestled amidst the flannel-clad denizens and artisanal beard oil boutiques lies a Queen Anne style house that boasts a story as intriguing as a mystery latte flavor.
Meet Figo House, a majestic abode that’s not just a home; it’s a testament to the art of naming things after soccer players. Purchased in 2005 by a legal wizard named Randal Acker, this architectural gem became the epicenter of legal brilliance — or, at least, his legal practice. Acker’s genius extended beyond law, though. With a nod to Portugal’s footwork maestro, he christened his dog “Figo,” ensuring that even the canine world had a brush with fame. Move over, Lassie; there’s a new dog in town, and it’s got soccer skills.
But this wasn’t just any doghouse. Figo House was destined for a saga that even the most imaginative scriptwriter would have found too far-fetched. Enter Portland State University, presumably looking to elevate the learning experience by adding a touch of vertigo-inducing student housing. Their target? Figo House. How convenient! But they didn’t count on Acker summoning his inner legal wizardry, waving the mighty flag of “eminent domain power is limited,” and single-handedly halting the university’s skyscraper dreams.
TriMet, Portland’s mass transit authority, attempted to use eminent domain to acquire the house, hoping to transform it into a residence towering above the clouds — well, above PSU at least. The plan, like an overconfident cupcake, crumbled in 2008 as Acker emerged victorious. The house stood strong, as if to say, “I might not have legs, but I’m not moving!”
Acker’s wit wasn’t limited to law; he had a flair for cinematic references too. In 2011, he compared his plight to the heartwarming tale of “Up,” a story about a house carried away by a cluster of helium balloons. While Figo House didn’t soar into the sky, it did defy the odds in its own grounded way.
Not content with merely having a Portuguese-named dog and a house standoff, Acker decided to delve into documentary glory. He hosted a screening of “Battle for Brooklyn,” a film about New Yorkers defending their homes against the might of real estate developers. Was Acker sending a subtle message to potential future adversaries? “Mess with Figo House at your own peril!”
So there you have it: Figo House, where the Queen Anne style meets legal bravado, and where a pup named after a soccer star becomes a local legend. It’s a story that could only unfold in Portland, where houses have names, dogs are celebrities, and legal battles are as unpredictable as a weather forecast. And if you ever find yourself wandering around the misty streets of Portland, don’t forget to tip your hat — or umbrella — to the house that refused to budge.
