Oregon Public Broadcasting

The National Register of Historic Places has included Portland’s Memorial Coliseum on its list of significant buildings. Architects say the coliseum is a unique example of International Modernist design. It was constructed in 1960 and stands on four large columns – allowing the walls to be made of glass.

Architect Peter Meijer fought for the listing and says the building is a beacon, especially at night when you see the interior lit-up. He wants it used more.

Peter Meijer: “We really do feel that it’s not broken and that with a little more effort the events could increase and the revenues from those events could be cycled back into the building and open it up.”

Earlier this year, the city of Portland considered tearing down the coliseum to make way for a new baseball stadium. As architects began campaigning to save it, the city backed off its proposal.