The Portland Building: More Than Just a Really Big Desk
Ah, Portland, Oregon. Home of artisanal cheese shops, quirky bike culture, and... a building so distinctive it deserves its own zip code. That's right, we're talking about the Portland Building, a funky fresh landmark that's equal parts business center and architectural head-turner.
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| What is The Portland Building |
So, What Exactly Is This Portland Building?
For starters, it's not a giant IKEA where you can wander for hours getting lost amongst pre-fab living rooms. The Portland Building, also known less excitingly as the Portland Municipal Services Building, is a 15-story office space. Yes, 15 stories! That's a whole lotta cubicles filled with folks keeping the city of Portland running smoothly.
But this ain't your typical office building designed by a sleep-deprived architect on a Tuesday afternoon. The Portland Building is a bonafide architectural icon. Designed by the legendary Michael Graves, it's a prime example of Postmodernism, a fancy way of saying it throws all the design rules out the window and has a party instead. Think colorful tiles, quirky geometric shapes, and a giant clock face that would make Dal� proud.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Why Should I Care About This Quirky Office Block?
Well, besides the fact it's like a visual feast compared to most office buildings (beige is soooo last season), the Portland Building is a Portland staple. It's been featured in movies, it's a favorite spot for photographers (because, let's face it, it's impossible to take a bad picture of this thing), and it even has its own companion statue – the ever-watchful Portlandia, keeping an eye out for any rogue squirrels trying to sneak into the building's nut-shaped roof ornament.
Okay, I'm Sold. Can I Visit the Portland Building?
Sure! While you can't exactly roam the halls and admire the filing cabinets (those are probably top-secret, government filing cabinets anyway), the building is open to the public. There's a food court on the ground floor, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat while marveling at the architectural wonder above you. Just be sure to channel your inner interior designer and appreciate the whole Postmodern vibe.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them):
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How to Get to the Portland Building? It's located at 1120 SW 5th Avenue in downtown Portland, so lace up your walking shoes or hop on a bus – it's easy to find!
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit? Seeing the building itself is completely free! Though, if you succumb to the delicious smells wafting from the food court, that might cost you a few bucks.
How Long Does it Take to See the Building? That depends on how much of an architecture buff you are. You can do a quick walk-by in 10 minutes, or spend an hour admiring all the quirky details.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
How Do I Take a Picture of the Portland Building? Literally any angle works! This building is like a supermodel – it looks good from every side.
How Do I Live Inside the Portland Building? Well, unless you score a sweet job with the City of Portland, that might be a tough one. But hey, there's always the next-best thing: buy a giant inflatable beach ball, cut out some windows, and voila! Instant Portland Building replica for your backyard.
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