United States Customhouse, Federal custom house in Pearl District, Portland, United States.
The United States Customhouse is an administrative building with Renaissance Revival and Mediterranean Revival features in Portland's Pearl District. The three-story structure of light-gray granite displays decorative window surrounds, classical columns, and the characteristic Gibbs surround decoration on its facades.
The building was designed between 1898 and 1901 by architect Edgar M. Lazarus and initially served as the United States Custom Service office. Its role as a customs authority ended in 1968, followed later by extensive renovations.
The building takes its name from its original purpose and displays classical architectural orders across three lobby levels. The spaces with marble piers and ornate plasterwork still convey the formal character of an administrative center today.
The building underwent extensive renovations in 2017 and now functions as an office building while preserving its original architectural features. Visitors can see the grand staircases and interior courtyards, though some areas remain private.
The building was designed with Baroque and Mannerist elements, which sets its decoration apart from typical government buildings of its time. This blend of different European styles was uncommon for a customs authority when it was built.
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