Portland Building, Portland

The Portland Building, completed in 1982, was the first major postmodern structure in the United States – a rejection of the modernist style that dominated the architectural shape of the city's office buildings. This whimsical office tower was designed to represent the Northwest with an American Indian motif, making extensive use of turquoise and earth tones. It is, in fact, a good example of a government building that in no way looks as such.

Above the front entrance to the building kneels Raymond Kaskey's 'Portlandia', the second-largest hammered-copper statue in the world after the Statue of Liberty. Based on the city seal, the 34-ft-high lady's entrance into the city (1985) was a popular and grand affair, with residents cheering her on along the route.

Tip:
For a nearly eye-level view of the sculpture, take the escalator at the front of the Standard Plaza Building up to the landing.