Union Bank of California Tower, High-rise building in downtown Portland, Oregon
Union Bank of California Tower is a high-rise in downtown Portland featuring an exposed service core clad in gray Welsh slate. The 15-story structure rises about 82 meters and displays a clean, functional design typical of mid-century office buildings.
The building opened in 1969 and was initially Portland's tallest structure before being surpassed by later developments. This early phase of the city's modern skyscraper growth marked an important moment in Portland's commercial expansion.
The architectural firm Anshen and Allen incorporated International Style elements into the design, reflecting the commercial development of Portland during the late 1960s.
The tower is best viewed from street level, where its distinctive slate cladding and exposed structure are clearly visible. Visitors can explore the building from the outside and observe its architectural details from various vantage points downtown.
The gray slate used for the exterior cladding comes from the same Welsh quarry that supplied stone for Stonehenge. This surprising connection to an ancient monument gives the modern building an unexpected historical dimension.
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