Gus J. Solomon United States Courthouse

The Gus J. Solomon United States Courthouse is an eight-story federal building in downtown Portland with grey Wilkerson sandstone exterior walls, classical triglyphs, and ornate bronze entrance doors. The structure houses eight courtrooms and once served as the seat of the United States District Court for the state.

Construction began in 1932 and was finished in just over one year. This rapid pace of building was notable for such a large and complex public structure.

The interior showcases different types of marble positioned throughout the building's spaces. This variety of stone materials creates a formal and dignified setting that reflects the importance of the judicial institution.

The building sits at 620 SW Main Street in the heart of downtown and is easily accessible on foot. Keep in mind that this is an active courthouse, so certain security rules and access restrictions apply when visiting.

The cornerstone holds a time capsule containing newspapers, historical documents, and photographs of the architect and his partners from 1932. This sealed capsule offers a window into the people and moments that shaped this important building project.

Location: Portland

Architects: Morris H. Whitehouse

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 45.51583,-122.68056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05