Pittock Block, Historic commercial building in downtown Portland, United States
The Pittock Block is an eight-story building made of stone with large arched windows and ornamental brickwork in downtown Portland. Multiple commercial spaces occupy the floors, with additional basement levels below street level for mechanical systems.
Construction began in 1913 under architect Thomas K. McClelland and replaced a former residential site belonging to a newspaper publisher. The structure was designed following commercial building trends of that era.
The building shows how architects of that era designed downtown structures to be both imposing and filled with light through large windows. Its style became a model for how commercial buildings in the area were constructed.
The building sits in downtown Portland and is easy to reach on foot from the city center. Visitors can view the exterior facade and architectural details from the street, which is the main way to appreciate its features.
Since the early 2000s, the interior functions as a major internet exchange hub for data transmission. This blend of historical exterior and cutting-edge modern infrastructure inside shows how older buildings can serve contemporary technical needs.
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