From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Pioneer Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, is the oldest federal building in the Pacific Northwest, and the second oldest west of the Mississippi River.[3] Built in stages between 1869 and 1903, it has survived several attempts to demolish it, while continuing to function as a federal facility. Along with Pioneer Courthouse Square, it serves as the center of downtown Portland. It is also known as the Pioneer Post Office because a popular downtown Portland post office was, until recently, located inside. The courthouse is one of four primary locations where the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit hears oral arguments. It also houses the chambers of the Portland-based judges on the Ninth Circuit.
The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. [4] It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.[1][5]
A $23.4 million renovation of the building was completed in December 2005. The work included the addition of base isolators to protect the historic structure from earthquakes, a secure judges' parking area under the building, and the renovation of the lobby where the post office had been. [3]
[edit] Controversy
In 2003, plans for renovating the courthouse sparked an unusual conflict between Portland Democratic congressmen Earl Blumenauer and David Wu. Wu, whose district contains the courthouse, supported a plan that included removing the post office from the courthouse, and adding five parking spaces in its basement. His plan was ultimately adopted.[6]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Pioneer Courthouse. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
- ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
- ^ a b "Pioneer courthouse's bare earth will soon sprout native plants", The Oregonian, October 12, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
- ^ National Register of Historic Places in Multnomah County, Oregon
- ^ Carolyn Pitts (February 17, 1977), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: United States Courthouse, Custom House and Post Office / The Pioneer CourthousePDF (597 KiB), National Park Service and Accompanying 5 photos, exterior and interior, from 1973 and undated.PDF (367 KiB)
- ^ Senior, Jeanie and Don Hamilton. "Often at odds, politicos go postal", Portland Tribune, July 29, 2003. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
