Olds, Wortman & King, historic building in Portland, Oregon, U.S
Olds, Wortman & King is a five-story department store building built in 1910 in downtown Portland that occupies an entire city block. The steel structure is clad in white terra cotta tiles and features a large central atrium with a glass skylight that brings natural light into the interior, plus entrances on all sides.
The store began in 1851 as a small merchandise shop in Portland and moved to this modern department store building in 1910, equipped with elevators and electric lighting. After closing in 1974, the building became the Galleria mall in 1976 and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The building reflects Portland's shift from traditional retail to modern shopping and shows how commercial spaces evolved over generations. Its original design with large windows and open layouts influenced how people understood contemporary shopping environments in the city's early development.
The building sits near the MAX light rail Galleria/SW 10th Avenue station and is served by the Portland Streetcar, making it easy to reach from different parts of the city. Visitors should note that access to various areas depends on current tenants, as the building's uses have shifted over the years.
The central atrium with its glass roof was originally a social gathering spot where visitors could watch others and relax, a revolutionary idea for department stores of that era. This open spatial design influenced later retail buildings and helped shape how modern commercial interiors are understood.
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