Failing Office Building

The Failing Office Building is an office structure in Downtown Portland featuring classical design elements with brick and terra cotta ornaments throughout its exterior. Its facade showcases the craftsmanship typical of early commercial buildings in the city.

The building was completed in 1913 by the architectural firm Whidden and Lewis, who shaped Portland's skyline for many decades. This construction marked the beginning of significant growth in the city's commercial district.

The building stands as a marker of how Portland's business district took shape in the early 1900s, with its design reflecting the commercial ambitions of that era. Those who work here or pass by often notice how the facade catches light differently throughout the day.

The building sits in an active part of downtown with easy access and several other historic structures nearby. Walking through the area gives you a good sense of how the commercial district developed over time.

The building was designed by Whidden and Lewis, a firm active in Portland since 1889 that shaped many of the city's most important early structures. Their signature style appears in the careful classical details throughout the facade.