Ghosts of the 19th century

Portland architecture: The cast-iron ghosts of the 19th century

cast iron portland pdx pearne poppleton buildings

The 1865 Pearne (left) and 1867 Poppleton buildings on Southwest First between Yamhill and Taylor. | Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Portland is still a relatively young city compared to other metropolitan areas in the world, but you might not know it based on its eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Some of the most interesting buildings in the City of Roses are those with cast iron facades. You’ve likely noticed them in downtown and Old Town — they often feature grand, arched doorways and windows bordered by ornate Corinthian columns.

Read on and the next time you pass one by, you’ll know a thing or two about how these historic structures fit into the Portland puzzle.

PDX Portland cast iron building historic — A cast-iron building on Southwest Front Avenue with a one-horse-for-hire rig parked in front, circa 1910. | Photo via City of Portland Archives

How it started

Cast iron, as a substance, was in use long before the United States was established, but a mill built in 1796 in England is thought to be the first example of an iron-framed building. It still stands today as a testament to the material’s longevity.

The United States’ infatuation with cast iron exploded several decades later in the mid-to-late 1800s — that’s when Portland architects (starting with Absalom B. Hallock) discovered the benefits of prefabricated iron pieces. They were cheaper than masonry, allowed more natural light to enter building interiors, and the casting technique opened up all kinds of decorative opportunities.

pdx portland poppleton building cast iron — Look closely and you’ll notice intricate details on many cast-iron structures, like the Poppleton Building. | Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

How it’s going

A fire destroyed nearly all of the city’s cast iron buildings in 1873 and, though some were rebuilt and opulent new editions were added along Northwest First and Couch Streets, the style would soon be out of fashion. The 1889 Glisan’s Building, which now houses Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub, was the last of its kind built in Portland.

Many of the city’s cast iron structures — like the 1868 Ladd and Tilton Bank building at Southwest First and Stark — were torn down after World War II to make way for new construction. Still, Portland retains its place as the second-largest representation of cast iron architecture in the US, second only to New York City’s SoHo neighborhood.

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Wednesday, Feb. 22

2022/23 Portland Arts & Lectures: Patrick Radden Keefe | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $40 | Hear an original talk by the award-winning staff writer for The New Yorker and author of four books, including “Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty.”
“Young Americans” | Wednesday, Feb. 22-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland | $23-$67 | Follow two road trips, set 20 years apart, about two immigrants getting to know their new home in Portland and, later, as their adopted daughter pieces together family history.

Thursday, Feb. 23

Aretha Franklin: The Enduring Sound of Soul | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 9-11:30 a.m. | Lewis & Clark College, Evans Music Center, 615 S. Palatine Hill Rd., Portland | Free | Learn about the “Queen of Soul” through audio and video demonstrations at this lecture exploring her legacy.

Friday, Feb. 24

Hillsbrew Fest | Friday, Feb. 24-Sunday, Feb. 26 | Times vary | Wingspan Event & Conference Center, 801 NE 34th Ave., Hillsboro | $10-$30 | Gather with other beer lovers for this indoor event featuring a wide range of beverages (read: beer, cider, and hard seltzer) from 40+ brewers across the state.
The Velodrome: Indie Improv Show | Friday, Feb. 24 | 7-8 p.m. | Honey Latte Cafe, 1033 SE Main St., Portland | $10 | Local teams will think fast and deliver original comedy on the fly.
Black Restaurant Week | Friday, Feb. 24-Sunday, March 5 | Times vary | Locations vary, Portland | Explore more than a dozen Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and more for delicious dishes, from Ethiopian cuisine to Southern comforts.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE THINGS TO DO

Weather

40º | Cloudy with rain and snow showers | 44% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:01 a.m.
Set: 5:47 p.m.

Community

A new overdose prevention initiative called Project RED (“reduction, education, distribution”) is working to get Narcan to local restaurants, bars, schools, and entertainment venues. Businesses and venues can request the overdose reversal medication, as well as staff training and supplies like CPR kits, online. (KOIN)

Eat

When Portland Monthly publishes a headline like this, you know you’re in for an epic recommendation. Clandestino has been serving Mexican food inside Lil’ Dame since December… and Chef Lauro Romero’s “familiar yet special” dishes combined with laid-back vibes have people talking. Stop by for dinner Mondays-Wednesdays. 🇲🇽 (Portland Monthly)

Edu

Want to show some love to a local teacher who goes above and beyond? Nominate them for the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education through Tuesday, April 11. Four teachers will get their mortgage or rent paid for a year; five schools will also win cash prizes for special projects. 🍎

Try This

If you live or work in Clark County, you can join the annual WasteBusters Challenge by pledging to reduce food, household, or single-use plastics waste. The 21-day challenge begins Wednesday, March 1 and includes fun interactive missions, local events, and more. 🗑️

Civic

Winter is a good time to plant a tree, but some Portlanders may have to wait a while for the city’s approval. A large number of permit applications has swamped the Urban Forestry program, extending the turnaround time to six weeks for applications requiring an inspection. 🌳

History

On May 4, 1978, the Olson family of Northeast Portland hosted a special houseguest: President Jimmy Carter. The Olsons recently reminisced on the visit (which included a PNW-inspired dinner and storytime with the kids), saying Carter “was easy to be around” and a leader who “wanted to know his people.” 🏡 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Shop

What we’re eyeing: Zulily’s sneaker shop and some fresh kicks for spring. Shop street styles from Nike, versatile New Balance picks, or fashionable Tory Burch sneakers all on sale now. 👟 *

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‘It’s up to you and me’ 🌲

Portlander spotlight: Charles Ray Jordan

Two black-and-white images side by side in a collage.

Charles Jordan during his time as a city commissioner in the mid-1970s. | Photos via City of Portland Archives

“He was just a giant in this city.”

Those were the words former Portland City Commissioner Mike Lindberg used to describe Charles Ray Jordan after he died in 2014 at the age of 77.

Born in Texas, Jordan made his way to Portland in 1970 to work on a federal anti-poverty program. He was appointed four years later to Portland City Council, becoming the first African American to fill a seat in the City of Roses.

He later went on to lead the Parks Bureau for 14 years, during which time he oversaw the creation of 44 new parks, natural areas, and community centers, including Pioneer Courthouse Square.

A man of many aphorisms, Jordan once said, “If change is to be, it’s up to you and me.”

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Cambrie.

Editor’s pick: Where are my fellow fans of the “Sidewalk Joy” installations at? Head over to the corner of Northeast 52nd and Hancock to see a fun one. “Sleepy Hollow” started as a family’s Halloween display but has evolved over the years to include a covered bridge, a small movie theater, and a replica wagon with a window display.

The decor changes by the season (it’s rocking shamrocks, gold coins, and free candy right now) — and, if the weather is nice, you may get a glimpse of the family’s rabbits in the front yard.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Spice up your life by taking a local cooking class.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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