A Century of Style: Portland’s Architecture from the 1850s to Today 3

Knowing what defines the popular architectural styles that are a part of Portland’s history is important. Portland’s neighborhoods are full of historic homes. Preserving the stories that these architectural treasures tell is what we love to do at ARCIFORM. The easiest way to know the different styles is to understand what was going on during the time when they were popular. Architecture reflects the fashion, science, and industry of the times.

Let’s start with the first home that was built in Portland: a log cabin. This home was built in 1843, downtown on Washington and Main street, by Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove. From there, our beautiful city spread in all directions.

The Victorian Era (1860 – 1900)

The Victorian area architecture is defined by verticality and formality. Access to exotic products was made possible by an expanding railroad and shipping network, and stylistic details and exuberant mixtures within styles flourished. Most Victorian homes in Portland are two to three stories with complicated asymmetrical shapes and separated formal interior spaces.

Second Empire (1855 – 1885)

The Victorian area architecture is defined by verticality and formality. Access to exotic products was made possible by an expanding railroad and shipping network, and stylistic details and exuberant mixtures within styles flourished. Most Victorian homes in Portland are two to three stories with complicated asymmetrical shapes and separated formal interior spaces.