Oregon Public Broadcasting

The last of four production-scale wind turbines went up Friday on a new high-rise in downtown Portland. Local architects say it's the first such city wind effort in the country. Rob Manning reports.

The wind turbines are expected to produce about as much energy as it takes to run this elevator. But the broader purpose of the venture is to research how wind production works within a city.

And Damin Tarlow with the renewable developer, Gerding Edlen, says the turbines will become a nationally recognized icon.

Damin Tarlow: “It will be a striking scene, both from the rooftop deck, here, and really from any vantage point here in Portland. And I do believe the Blazers will make the Finals, and yes, I do believe they will show a picture of this when it happens.” 

The turbine project has already been years in the making.

Architects worked with engineers and wind experts to determine exactly where on the building the turbines should go.

Backers say city wind energy advocates in New York and San Francisco are closely watching the project at Southwest 12th and Washington.