Old Town / Chinatown Walking Tour

Portland’s Blazing Center

Discover the history and architecture of Portland’s first commercial district, where over 100 years ago ocean-going ships delivered their passengers and goods in this thriving port city. Learn about Old Town’s “Blazing Center” which hasn’t changed much since the days it was originally filled with brothels, bars and gambling houses.

We’ll see some survivors of the “Cast Iron Era” and also swing through Portland’s Chinatown…. that isn’t really Chinatown anymore. Like many neighborhoods in Portland, this district is changing with the times and those changes involve the re-purposing of many underutilized buildings. We’ll have a look at some prominent success stories and works in progress including the “US Custom House (1901)/We Work” and “Sailors Mission (1881)/Society Hotel” (photos above).

The Center for Architecture
403 NW 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Approx. 2 1/2 hours

$15.  Cash or check accepted at the start of the tour, or you may pay online.

Easy – covers less than two miles of easy urban terrain.

• Streetcar NS Line
• Streetcar A+B Loops
• Bus 77

This tour is co-sponsored by AIA Portland and The Center for Architecture

Tour Location