John Ross Tower

The John Ross Tower is a residential high-rise with an elliptical shape located in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood, housing 303 apartments across 31 floors. The building offers underground parking, a fifth-floor garden terrace, and ground-level retail shops.

The tower was completed in 2007 and became the first structure in South Waterfront to reach the maximum permitted height for the area. Its construction marked a turning point in the neighborhood's evolution.

The building received LEED Gold certification for meeting strict environmental standards through its construction methods and sustainable design features.

The building sits directly on the waterfront and is easily accessible on foot from South Waterfront Park. Visitors can explore the public plaza and its water features even if they do not live in the building.

The U-shaped podium base spans four stories and creates a sheltered zone between the waterfront and the city beyond. This design allows pedestrians to pass through active areas while still finding calm spaces near the water's edge.

Location: Oregon

Inception: 2007

Architects: TVA Architects

Floors above the ground: 31

GPS coordinates: 45.49670,-122.67000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:07