Downtown Portland Moves West Tour

After repeated Willamette River flooding in the late 19th century, Portland's central business district began to move west of 2nd Avenue, embarking on an era of building construction that utilized popular new materials, often coupled with classical design motifs. The results included some of the city's first "skyscrapers" and by the 1910s, Fifth and Sixth Avenues had become the heart of this new business district.

This tour examines the downtown “temples of commerce,” located mostly along Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Along the way you’ll see banks resembling classical Greek and Roman temples and learn about the early 20th century architects who left an indelible impression on Portland, in particular Albert E. Doyle, Whidden & Lewis, and the Reid Brothers from California.

Space is Limited. Pre-Registration is Required.

Image: U.S. National Bank, Architectural Heritage Center photo.