KOIN Tower

The KOIN Tower rises in downtown Portland with a distinctive ziggurat silhouette and a pyramidal steel crown at its summit. The building contains office spaces, retail areas, residential condominiums, and television broadcast studios across different sections.

The building was designed by ZGF Architects and completed in 1984 as an important construction project for the city. It was originally named Fountain Plaza before changing its name to KOIN Center after its main tenant moved in.

The limestone facade at ground level contains visible fossils of sea creatures, including sand dollars, bryozoa, and barnacles embedded within the material.

The building has separate entrances for different areas including offices, retail spaces, and residential zones. Visitors should understand that the various functions are physically separated throughout the structure.

The construction of this building generated local discussions as it blocked the view of Mount Hood for motorists traveling east after exiting the Vista Ridge Tunnel. This was an unforeseen impact that became a topic of community conversation.

Location: Oregon

Inception: 1984

Architects: ZGF Architects LLP

Official opening: 1984

Floors above the ground: 35

Elevators: 9

GPS coordinates: 45.51320,-122.67800

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42