project: The Portland Building
location: Portland, OR
architect: DLR Group
photographer: Steve Lerum, Inter-lux

The Portland Building

The Portland Building, designed by Michael Graves and completed in 1982 as administrative offices for the City of Portland, is an award-winning iconic design of postmodern architecture. The building was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a building of “exceptional importance,” but it faced problems with its structure, exterior, and operational systems that repairs alone could not address. After years of study and deliberation, the city chose to protect and preserve this major public investment with a significant reconstruction. The project creates an adaptable building that will last 50-to-100 years, providing a productive work environment for employees and a welcoming space for community members.