American Apartment Building

The American Apartment Building is a five-story residential structure in Portland's Northwest District, built in 1911 with a brick facade and concrete elements. The building sits on NW Johnson Street and displays the early architectural approach to multi-family housing of that era.

The structure was built in 1911 by architect William B. Bell during Portland's growth period and marks a time of intense urban development. The project was part of a larger movement to create housing for the growing population.

The building shows how residents lived in early 1900s Portland and continues to serve as housing today. It reflects the way people wanted to live together in the expanding city.

The building is visible from the street and can be viewed on foot to see the original facade up close. Visitors should keep in mind that this is a private residential building and interior access is not permitted.

The building is one of many surviving examples of early 1900s residential architecture in Portland that together shape much of the city's character. This collection of structures shows how the city retained its roots from that growing industrial era.

Location: Portland

GPS coordinates: 45.52889,-122.69306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00