Sears Roebuck (Gone)
Portland, OR
Photo courtesy Jeff Raber

The Deco Building in Portland looked a little like a miniature Sears store. As it turns out, that was a pretty good guess. Built in 1929 for Sears, Roebuck, its strong lines and decorative details gave the department store a presence that survived long after the merchandise moved out.

The former retail building received a substantial conversion into Metro's regional headquarters, with the agency moving in during 1993. Architects even adapted the old water tower structure for meeting and lounge space, finding a useful purpose for a feature that might otherwise have disappeared.

UPDATE: The building survives as Metro Regional Center at 600 Northeast Grand Avenue. Sears is gone, but the former store remains an active part of Portland's streetscape. Fortunately, this one's “gone” status applies to the retail business rather than the architecture. 07-26

Signal Gas
Portland, OR
Photo courtesy Jeff Raber

The Signal Gas station in Portland's St. Johns neighborhood offers more than a good sign. Neon follows the building's streamlined edges, while the tower supplies a little extra height above the corner. Add the vintage pumps and you have a roadside stop worth examining from several directions.

Opened in 1939 for Signal Oil, the station's steel panels and Art Moderne styling gave gasoline sales a thoroughly modern setting. A restoration completed in 2003 preserved its distinctive appearance, and the building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

UPDATE: The former station became Signal Station Pizza in 2006. The pumps no longer fill your tank, but the building still offers a reason to pull over at 8302 North Lombard Street. Fortunately, its new use kept the tower, neon, and unmistakable service station character part of the neighborhood. 07-26

Used Car Building
Portland, OR
Photo courtesy Jeff Raber

The Used Car Building in Portland supplied a little architectural excitement before anyone inspected the cars. Its rounded tower and streamlined frontage made an unusual office for a sales lot, with enough service station character remaining to suggest an earlier automotive job.

The original brand and construction date haven't been established, but the building's curves are worth appreciating without them. The tower draws attention above the roofline, while the compact storefront fits the practical scale of an older roadside business. It's a good reminder to look beyond the inventory when passing a used car lot.

UPDATE: The building's present use and condition remain unconfirmed. This view records its used car office chapter, when an older automotive building continued working along the roadside. Hopefully, those distinctive curves have given another occupant a reason to keep it around. 07-26