The Design Commission has approved alterations to the Wells Fargo Center, which will include a remodeled entrance on SW 5th Ave, and significant alterations to the Data Processing building on 4th Ave. The project is being designed by West of West, in collaboration with SERA Architects, for building manager Lincoln Property Company.
The Wells Fargo Center was completed in 1972, and was originally named the First National Bank Tower, after the bank that commissioned the building. It was designed by Charles Luckman, whose other work includes Madison Square Garden in New York, the Prudential Tower in Boston and the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport. The complex includes two buildings linked by a skybridge over SW 4th Ave: a 40 story tower facing SW 5th Ave, which remains the tallest building in Portland; and the Data Processing facing SW 4th Ave.
After 45 years of ownership by Wells Fargo and its predecessors, the complex was sold to Starwood Capital Group in 2017, for $188 million. While the Wells Fargo name will remain on the building, the bank is substantially reducing its presence in the tower.
Tower Building
At the main building entry on 5th Avenue the project will include installation of a new glass and steel canopy, further up the facade than the existing canopy. The dark glazing at the center two bays of the building will be replaced with new clear glazing, up to the third level of the tower.
New precast concrete seating will be added in the existing sunken plaza. New landscaping will be added at the existing planters.
Data Processing Building
More significant changes will be made to the data processing building on 4th Ave. The existing drive-through and much of the exterior terrace which wraps around the ground floor will be removed. A double height glass enclosure will be added, creating a new lobby for the building as well as additional office space. The existing marble cladding will extend into the newly created interior space on the 4th Ave side.
At the roof level a new landscaped deck will be created, facing Terry Schrunk Plaza.
The Wells Fargo Center remodel went in front of the Design Commission three times in total: for Design Advice on November 30th 2017; and for Type III Design Review hearings on May 3rd, 2018 and May 17th, 2018. The proposal was approved by an 3-2 vote of the Commission, with Commissioners Molinar, Rodriguez and Livingston in favor and Commissioners Savinar and Vallaster (who had both favored a different design for the entry canopy) voting against. In the Final Findings and Decision by the Design Commission the alterations were found to modernize the complex while retaining its “iconic aesthetic”:
The proposal will allow the Wells Fargo Center to retain its iconic aesthetic while allowing for new use and occupancy. The proposed alterations present an opportunity for a set of buildings that contribute identity, historic context and craftsmanship to the Central City to be modernized for ongoing use while retaining their character and significant architectural features. The elimination of the DP Building’s drive-through and bringing glass walls forward along all four frontages will greatly improve the pedestrian realm and bring renewed energy to the area. The proposed alterations will maintain the quality and permanence found in the original design of the nearly fifty-year-old Wells Fargo Center and in the Central City in general. The detailing and materials of the proposed alterations are compatible with the building and neighborhood. The rooftop addition will contribute to the building’s adaptive reuse while being minimally visible from the public way. The alterations will bring an improved streetscape experience for pedestrians while helping to modernize the buildings and allowing them to continue their important role in contributing to the character of downtown.
A building permit is currently under review for the project.
Drawings
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- Plan | Site
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- DP | Plan | Level 01 (Existing)
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- DP | Plan | Level 01 (Proposed)
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- DP | Plan | Roof (Proposed)
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- DP | Elevation | North (Existing)
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- DP | Elevation | North (Proposed)
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- DP | Elevation | East (Existing)
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- DP | Elevation | East (Proposed)
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- DP | Elevation | South (Existing)
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- DP | Elevation | South (Proposed)
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- DP | Elevation | West (Existing)
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- DP | Elevation | West (Proposed)
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- Tower | Plan | Level 01 (Existing)
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- Tower | Plan | Level 01 (Proposed)
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- Tower | Elevation (Existing)
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- Tower | Elevation (Proposed)
Having resided in a Frank Lloyd Wright house and having been exposed to fine architecture during my formative years, I may be more easily offended than many visitors to this site. This said, why is it that Portland insists on destroying its finite inventory of significant buildings? Through these remnants Portland makes the case that it is progressive and viable. This renovation resembles the omnipresent public structures built on the cheap throughout the country – bad plastic surgery.
This comment seems misplaced. If it were placed on a post that showed another cast-iron or masonry building being targeted to become a parking lot, I’d agree with you. But this building, like big pink, is a corporate bank high-rise and, like most, it’s a perfect example of the attitude that these companies/international firms have toward a historical city. It doesn’t reflect any cultural aspect in its material, nor in its geometry, which would offend anyone who has seen what Portland was like pre-modernization. This building and its accompanying midget spaceship replaced some wonderful examples of what Portland could’ve kept if it wasn’t so eager to sacrifice its heart for the sake of globalism. Who cares if this is bad plastic surgery. This is of minor improvement to a patient that is irrefutably monstrous.
Think about this the next time someone brings up these brutalist buildings towering over our city as landmarks — they’re globalist banks. What does that say about our city?
Look up Ladd and Tilton Bank that was once gracing the corner of what is now a parking lot. It’s contextually conscious but shows its grandeur through detailing. It’s one that doesn’t elbow its neighbor, saying “bug off!,” but fits very snuggly into its place and people. Thankfully, if you’d like to see it, there is a preserved version in Salem, so check it out to see a real marvel that has had some major plastic surgery.
We can still make these kinds of magical places.
Yes, it is tragic that we fail as a city to recognize the cultural and architectural significance of our drive-thru ATMs, featureless corporate plazas, and empty rooftops. We are destroying the very things that make Portland such a unique and vibrant place to live :'(
Looks like a welcome change for the dated Wells Fargo Center. Respecting existing materials but becoming more street level accessible . . . . roof top access is always a winner in my book.
I second what beautifulportland just said about changes has to be made for the Wells Fargo Center. As always, beautiful buildings to admire.