Bay E, West Ankeny Car Barns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bay E, West Ankeny Car Barns
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_in_2015_-_Portland,_Oregon.jpg)
The west and south sides of the building in 2015
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 Location in Portland, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2706 NE Couch St., Portland, Oregon |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1911 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002307 |
| Added to NRHP | October 10, 1978 |
The West Ankeny Car Barns Bay E is a historic building in Portland, Oregon. It used to be a place where streetcars were stored and repaired. Streetcars are like electric trains that run on tracks in city streets. This building is so important that it's listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
It was finished in 1911. At that time, it was one of three buildings that made up the Ankeny Car Barns complex. This complex belonged to the Portland Railway, Light and Power Company (PRL&P). This company owned and ran Portland's streetcar system. By 1978, the Bay E building was the only part of the Ankeny complex still standing. It was also one of only two old streetcar buildings left in the Portland area.
What is a Car Barn?
A car barn, also called a carbarn or carhouse, was a special building. It was used to store, maintain, and repair streetcars or other types of trains. Think of it like a garage for big electric vehicles that run on tracks.
History of the Ankeny Car Barns
The very first Ankeny car barn was built in 1892. It was made by the City and Suburban Railway Company. This company was one of the groups that later became part of PRL&P. The first car barn was located at 24th and East Burnside streets.
Sadly, a fire destroyed the original building in 1894. But it was quickly rebuilt! The new car barn was built at 28th and East Burnside. Over the years, the complex grew bigger. More buildings were added in 1901 and 1910. These new parts included "Bays D and E." Bay E is the building we are talking about.
From Streetcars to Offices
The Bay E building was used for streetcars until the early 1950s. After that, streetcars became less common. In 1954, the building was sold to a company called Bitar Brothers.
Over time, the building was changed. It became an office building. Today, it is known as the Burnside Trolley Building. Its address is 2705 E. Burnside Street. It stands as a reminder of Portland's past, when streetcars were a main way to get around the city.
