421 SW 6th Avenue
The Commonwealth Building is a modern 14 story landmark in Portland. It was built between 1944 and 1948, just after World War II, and was one of the first modern skyscrapers in the United States.
The building was designed by Pietro Belluschi, a famous architect from Oregon. He used a new kind of design called the International Style, which means the building looks simple, clean, and modern. Instead of lots of stone or brick, the Commonwealth is covered with glass and aluminum, which was very new at the time. It was one of the first buildings to use large glass windows and metal panels instead of heavy walls.
When it opened in 1948, the Commonwealth Building was called the Equitable Building. It was originally the headquarters for the Equitable Savings and Loan Association. Later, in 1965, its name was changed to the Commonwealth Building.
The Commonwealth Building was important for reasons beyond how it looked. It was one of the first tall office buildings to be completely sealed and air-conditioned, which meant it could stay comfortable inside no matter what the weather was like outside. It also used an early type of heat pump system for heating and cooling, which was a new idea at the time and helped save energy. Because of this, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers called it a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
In 1976, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places because of its architectural design and historical importance. In 1982, it won a special award from the American Institute of Architects for being a masterpiece of design, technology, and engineering.
Today, the Commonwealth Building is still used as an office building. People say it was ahead of its time when it was built and that it helped influence how modern office buildings were designed in the United States. Although it may look simple compared to newer skyscrapers, its design was a big change from older buildings and helped start a new style of architecture.
In many ways, the Commonwealth Building is a special part of Portland’s history. It shows how architects began to think in new ways after World War II, using glass, metal, and technology to make buildings that were lighter, brighter, and more modern.
Discussion Questions: Look at how simple and straight the building’s lines are. Imagine how different it must have looked compared to older stone buildings when it was first built!
Vocabulary: commonwealth
State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events, and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.12. Compare and contrast the history of the local community to other communities in the region. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.13. Apply research skills and technologies to gather information about the past in a region. Historical Thinking