Commonwealth Building (Portland, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Equitable Building
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Commonwealth (Equitable) Building in 2006.
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 Location in Portland, Oregon
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| Location | 421 SW 6th Avenue Portland, Oregon |
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| Built | 1948 |
| Architect | Pietro Belluschi |
| Architectural style | International Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001584 |
| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1976 |
The Commonwealth Building is a 14-story office building in Portland, Oregon, United States. It stands at 421 SW 6th Avenue. The famous architect Pietro Belluschi designed it. Construction took place between 1944 and 1948.
This building was first known as the Equitable Building. It is famous for being one of the very first "glass box" towers ever built. It introduced many new and modern features. It even came before the more well-known Lever House in Manhattan.
Building History
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Work on the building started in 1944. It opened its doors in 1948 as the Equitable Building. It was built to be the main office in Portland for the Equitable Savings and Loan Association. The original plan was for 12 stories. However, it was later made taller, reaching 14 stories.
The Equitable Building was a true pioneer. It was the first tower to be covered in aluminum. It was also the first to use special double-glazed window panels. Plus, it was the first building to be completely sealed. This allowed it to be fully air-conditioned.
In 1965, the building changed its name to the Commonwealth Building. This happened when the Equitable Center opened. That building is now called Unitus Plaza. It was also designed by Pietro Belluschi.
The Commonwealth Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It was listed under its original name, the Equitable Building. In 1980, a group called the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) gave it a special honor. They named it a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
In 1982, the building won another award. It received the Twenty-five Year Award from the American Institute of Architects. This award recognizes buildings that have stood the test of time. The building has been bought and sold several times over the years. In 2016, KBS bought the tower for $69 million.
Building Features
The famous Oregon architect Pietro Belluschi designed this building. It is built in the International Style. This means it has a simple, modern look.
The tower is 14 stories tall. It is made of sea-green glass and covered in aluminum. It truly looks like a "glass box."
Special Recognitions
The Commonwealth Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site. It is also a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. The ASME gave it this status for a special reason. It was the first large business building in the U.S. to use heat pumps. These pumps were used for both heating and cooling the building.
See also
In Spanish: Commonwealth Building (Portland) para niños
