Yeon Building

The Yeon Building is a 15-story office building in downtown Portland featuring terra-cotta cladding and structural elements of Chicago School design. Its steel-frame construction reveals the vertical lines and solid proportions typical of that architectural movement.

The building was constructed in 1911 by timber industrialist Jean Baptiste Yeon and briefly held the title of Oregon's tallest structure. This record lasted only until 1913, showing how rapidly the city's skyline evolved during that period.

The building anchors downtown's commercial center and shapes the street view with its distinctive terra-cotta exterior. Many visitors notice the carefully crafted details on the facade that reflect the craftsmanship of that era.

The building sits at 522 SW 5th Avenue in downtown Portland and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should note that it functions mainly as office space, so public access to the interior may be limited.

The building's original design included lights along the cornice that would illuminate the structure at night. These distinctive lighting elements were later removed and no longer exist on the facade.

Location: Oregon

Inception: 1911

Architects: Reid & Reid

Architectural style: Chicago School

Floors above the ground: 15

Elevators: 2

GPS coordinates: 45.51940,-122.67700

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:43