Machado/
Silvetti/
Schwartz/
Silver

architects

In this design, the architects envisioned the square serving as the stage itself, or as the seating area to view a possible stage formed by the grand landing of the passage from Broadway to the square.

A great glass greenhouse would house exotic plants for people to enjoy on one level and on another house a restaurant, tearoom, and shops, all with a view of the square. The space would also include a fountain, a pergola covered in roses and wisteria, a general information booth, and a promenade bordered with rows of planters.

Model of a glass building sitting on the city square facing the courthouse.
Model of design proposed by Machado, Silvetti, Schwartz, and Silver for the Pioneer Courthouse Square design competition, 1980.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, AP/95294.

“This submission is described by the designers as ‘what could be the first materialization of a building type that can be seen as today’s equivalent of the “cathedral-city hall-market place” of the medieval city.’”

-The pamphlet of The Proposed Designs for Pioneer Courthouse Square, 1981
City of Portland (OR) Archives, AD/15801.

City of Portland Archives and Record Center

The Archives and Records Management Division operates the City of Portland Archives
and Records Center, making city administrative and historical records accessible to the public
and City employees for research and inspection in accordance with Oregon’s public records laws.
http://www.portland.gov/archives

Research

Please contact us via email
or phone to schedule an appointment.

Location

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Portland, OR 97201

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PARC@portlandoregon.gov



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