Like a lot of people that have driven down Highway 30 I’ve wanted to know more about the abandoned gray building off the west bank of the Willamette River. Today I stopped to see if I could get a closer look, to take some photos, and maybe get inside. After 20 minutes of talking with the security guard I realized my winning smile and boyish charm were not going to get me in this building.
I did find out a few things about the place. It was built in 1913 by the Portland Gas & Coke Co. (‘Gasco’ for short). It has been unoccupied for over four decades. NW Natural has no plans for the building and since 9/11 you can’t take photos anywhere near the fence…however they won’t say anything to you if you’re on public land.
I love this photo. I’m a big fanatic with adding signs into my shots. I have been inspired now!
I am a huge fan of abandoned buildings! Pity they would not let you in. I am damn sure it would be a mother load of photos!
Love the way you have used signs to show that this building is offlimits! That adds to the beauty of the shot.
Thank you. Maybe one day I’ll get there but for now inside will remain a mystery…
This building is within the perimeter of a large Superfund site. It’s heavily contaminated with carcinogenic byproducts of the earlier manufacturing. No one gets in, for good reason! I’ve read from someone who used to work in the building that it’s very plain and boring inside anyway–all the interesting bits are on the exterior.
Please sign our petition to keep this beautiful old building standing!
Thanks!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-the-portland-oregon-gas-and-coke-building