112 SW 1st Avenue
The Railway Building was built in 1872, when Portland was still growing along the Willamette River. This structure is known as the Railway Building because it was connected to Portland’s early railroad activity. It was originally used to repair trains and heavy railroad equipment, and some of the old machinery used to lift engines is still inside today. Its high ceilings and large openings show that it was built for heavy work.
During the same time period, Portland’s first horse-drawn streetcars ran along SW 1st Avenue, right past the building, making the block an important transportation area. However, there is no clear evidence that streetcars were repaired inside the building.
As Portland developed, the Railway Building was also used by commission merchants who handled produce, groceries, and other goods shipped into the city. A commission merchant was a person who sold products for farmers or suppliers and earned a fee from each sale. This kind of business was very common near the waterfront, where ships and trains delivered food and supplies.
Over the years, the property underwent a number of changes. A section of the original building was removed in the 1950’s so that a parking lot could be built on the north side. Even though part of the structure was lost, important restoration work took place in the decades since to protect what remained.
Today, the Railway Building is still in use and is home to creative offices and small businesses. Even though the city has changed around it, the building remains an important reminder of Portland’s early railroad history and the busy transportation routes that once passed right by its doors.
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Suggested Discussion: Why did people want more parking lots?
Vocabulary: Transportation, street car
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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
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources (artifacts, pictures, documents) to identify factual evidence. Historical Thinking