Union Station
Portland, OR Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Long before Portland's skyline filled in around it, the clock tower at Union Station was already welcoming travelers to the city. The giant neon "Go By Train" sign has become one of Portland's best-known landmarks, and it's hard to imagine the station without it. 03-06
Union Station opened on February 14, 1896, making it the oldest major passenger railroad station still operating on the West Coast. The familiar neon lettering wasn't added until 1948, but today it's every bit as recognizable as the clock tower itself.
Whether you're arriving by train or simply passing through downtown, it's one of those classic sights that always seems to say you're in Portland.
UPDATE: Union Station continues serving Amtrak passengers, and the famous "Go By Train" neon still lights the clock tower. 07-26
St Johns Bridge
OR Photos courtesy
Jeff Raber
Here's a couple of photos of St Johns Bridge (currently
under renovation). This is a beautiful Gothic suspension bridge, one of
the longest in the country. Many thanks to Jeff Raber for info.
One look at the St. Johns Bridge and it's easy to see why it's one of Portland's best-known landmarks. Its soaring Gothic towers rise high above the Willamette River, giving the bridge a look that's both elegant and unforgettable. 03-06
The bridge opened in 1931 and was, at the time, the longest suspension bridge west of Detroit. Engineer David B. Steinman considered it his favorite design, and it's not hard to understand why. The pointed arches, sweeping cables, and graceful proportions all come together to create something that's as beautiful as it is functional.
From below, the massive towers seem even taller, and the cathedral-like supports inspired the name of Cathedral Park beneath the bridge. Whether you're standing along the riverbank or crossing high above the water, there's always something worth stopping to admire.
St Johns Bridge
OR Photos courtesy
Jeff Raber
The soft green paint blends naturally with the surrounding hills, making the bridge look like it has always belonged here. It's the kind of place that photographers return to again and again, because the light, weather, and seasons are always changing.
UPDATE: The St. Johns Bridge remains open while preservation work continues to keep this Portland landmark looking its best. 07-26
Labor Temple
Seattle, WA Photo courtesy Gorb70
The bright neon letters are what first caught my eye at the Labor Temple. Mounted above a streamlined Art Deco facade, they give this old Seattle building a look that's hard to miss, especially after dark. 03-06
Completed in 1942, the Labor Temple became the headquarters for Seattle's labor movement and remained an important gathering place for decades. Later additions expanded the building, but the clean mid-century lines and glowing rooftop sign continued to define its appearance.
UPDATE: The building has been restored and now serves as offices, meeting space, and a co-working hub. The famous rooftop sign remains, now spelling "Labour Temple." 07-26
Pacific Central Station
Vancouver B.C. Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
If you're arriving in Vancouver by train or bus, there's a good chance you'll pass beneath the glowing Pacific Central Station sign. The large neon letters perched on the roof have been welcoming travelers for decades and are just as impressive as the station itself. 03-06
Completed in 1919, the station is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building that has served generations of rail passengers. The familiar rooftop neon came along later, adding a classic mid-century touch that makes the station stand out even more.
Today it's still a busy transportation hub, with trains heading across Canada and south to Seattle and Portland. Even if you're not catching a train, it's worth stopping by to admire the architecture and wait for the neon to come alive.
UPDATE: Pacific Central Station remains an active rail and bus terminal, and the restored rooftop neon continues greeting travelers. 07-26
Old City Hall
Tacoma, WA Photo courtesy Gorb70
It's hard to miss the Old City Hall when you're wandering through downtown Tacoma. The tall clock tower has watched over the city since 1893, giving the skyline a look that has changed surprisingly little over the years. 02-07
With its brick walls, arched windows, and towering clock, the building looks more like something you'd expect to find in an older East Coast city than in the Pacific Northwest. It served as Tacoma's city hall for more than sixty years before municipal offices moved elsewhere.
The building escaped demolition and spent years serving a variety of uses before sitting vacant for quite some time. Fortunately, someone recognized what a landmark it had become.
Today it's once again coming back to life after an extensive restoration. It's good to see one of Tacoma's most recognizable buildings getting another chance instead of disappearing into history.
UPDATE: Old City Hall is reopening in phases following a major restoration, with new office, retail, and future residential spaces planned. 07-26
St Johns Bridge
St Johns Bridge
Labor Temple
Pacific Central Station
Old City Hall
