Sovereign Hotel, historic building in Portland, Oregon, USA
The Sovereign Hotel is a nine-story building from 1923 featuring Georgian architecture in downtown Portland. Its L-shaped form is marked by four large murals covering its walls since 1989, depicting scenes from Oregon's past including the Lewis and Clark expedition and early pioneer settlements.
The building was designed by architect Carl Linde in 1923 and initially served as a hotel for Portland visitors. In 1938, owner Harry Mittleman converted it into apartments to meet the city's growing residential needs.
The Sovereign Hotel takes its name from its original purpose as a guest house and reflects Portland's shift from a travel destination to a residential city. Today, residents use the building as everyday shelter while its balanced Georgian facade helps define the character of downtown.
The building sits centrally downtown at the intersection of Broadway and Madison Street, making it easily accessible on foot. The location bustles during daytime hours but quiets in the evening, allowing for more peaceful exploration.
In 1989, artist Richard Haas painted four large murals on the building's exterior walls, reaching up to eight stories high. These artworks depict pivotal moments in Oregon's history and became so important that protecting them was included in future agreements about the building.
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