AUG 1 0 886 National Register of Historic Places NAT REGISTER of HISTORIC PLACES Registration Form NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

NFS Form 10-900 OMB No. 10024-00 H (Oct. 1990) RECEIVED 2280 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service AUG 1 0 886 National Register of Historic Places NAT REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Registration Form NATIONAL PARK SERVICE This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NFS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name Liebes, H. ,&.:Company, Building other names/site number 2. Location 625 SW Broadway street & number not for publication Portland city or town __ end* QR cnunty Multn0mah _, 051 . _, 97205 state _ Oregon code _____ zip code _____ 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this S3 nomination Q request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property S meets D does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant D nationally D statewide S locally. (D See continuation sheet for additional comments.) August 12, 1996 Signature of certifying official/Title ^, SHPQ /XC£ . Date Oregon State Historic •eservation Or rice State of Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property O meets O does not meet the National Register criteria. (D See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification I hereby certify that the property is: Signature of the Keeper Date of Action ^3-entered in the National Register. O See continuation sheet. D determined eligible for the National Register D See continuation sheet. O determined not eligible for the National Register. D removed from the National Register. D other, (explain:) ________ H. Liebes & Co. Building Multnomah, OR Name of Property County and State 5. .Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) S private H building(s) Contributing Noncontributing D public-local D district 1 buildirv D public-State D site D public-Federal D structure sites D object structu objects 1 Total Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously list (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) in the National Register n/a -0- 6. Function or Use Historic Functions Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions) COMMERCE/TRADE—Specialty Store COMMERCE/TRADE—Specialty Store; Busines 7. Description Architectural Classification Materials (Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions) LATE 19th AND EARLY 20th CENTURY AMERICAN foundation Concrete MOVEMENTS:- Conmercial Style (Chidago School) _________________________ walls Terra Cotta roof Synthetics other. Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 3 SETTING The Liebes Building is located at 625 SW Broadway on a 50-x 100-foot interior parcel whose short end fronts on the west side of Broadway. The building is located at the heart of the west end of downtown Portland. Adjacent to the north is the Charles Berg Building; to the south, the Broadway Building. Directly to the east across Broadway is the American Bank Building, the Maegly-Tichner Building to the northeast and to the southeast, Pioneer Courthouse Square. To the rear (west) is the Healey Building. Broadway is a major southbound automobile artery. Light-rail runs westbound along Morrison. EXTERIOR The Liebes is a five-story reinforced concrete building with cantilevered storefronts. The primary facade is the east, which is covered entirely with cream matieglazed terra cotta veneer. The 50' foot wide facade is both a decorative treatment appropriate for a furrier and ladies clothier, and a sophisticated use of current technologies to provide maximum storefront, light and ventilation. The facade is divided into three equal bays, each approximately 17 feet wide. Bennes accentuated the ground floor levels by creating a two-story base, framed by decorate terra cotta panels with cable molding. The ground floor then features three traditional three-pane plate glass storefronts on classical-box base with transom lights above; the center storefront served as the entrance. Originally, a glass and sheet metal marquee covered the entrance. Above the base are four pilasters which "sit" on this base and run to the cornice line. Separating each floor is a slightly recessed rectilinear, ribbed decorative panel. The fenestration is the dominant feature of the building. Bennes used Chicago-style tripartite windows on all five floors; the windows were relatively rare in Portland, but a logical design element for the Chicago-bred architect. At the cornice line, Bennes created a fanciful elaborate projecting cornice with wonderfully molded scroll-shaped brackets capping each pilaster (doubled the outside pilasters), with an intricately molded frieze, modillions, acanthus leaves, roof cresting and antefixae. The lower floors of this building were covered with first tile and later brick veneer. Presently, this veneer is being removed and the possibility of rehabilitating the facade with terra cotta replacement United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number . 7 Page 4 ceramic is being explored. INTERIOR The Liebes Building originally was designed for its own exclusive retail use on all five floors, this included a grand staircase to the second floor. The interior spaces have been remodeled over the years. The staircase has been removed. In 1920, the interior integrated with that of the Broadway Building, later the building's were separated and then again, when adapted from retail to office use, integrated. Spatial configuration, character-defining elements and original fabric have essentially been lost on the inside. ALTERATIONS 1920 Interior and exterior remodeling by J. V. Bennes for H. Liebes. Done to integrate the Liebes with the Broadway Building. 1934 Exterior and interior remodeling by Victor Jones for N. M. Ungar. Done in conjunction with Broadway Building. It was at this time the original marquee was removed. 1950 Major remodeling of interior retail space and exterior storefronts (up to beltcourse) by Pietro Belluschi. Done in conjunction with remodeling of Broadway Building 1968 Storefront remodel (up to beltcourse) by John Graham. 1981 Exterior and interior remodeling by Griggs, Lee, Rufl; Ankron for tenant (Discount Fabrics). The building was "separated" from the Broadway. 1984 Storefront remodel by Noel Manchester for tenant (Today's Photo). 1990 Major remodeling of interior and storefronts (up to beltcourse) by GBD, including present retail tenant (The Limited). Done in conjunction with remodeling of Liebes' storefront. Upper floors adapted for office space. 1993 Storefront remodel by Payton Rowell for tenant (Baskin Robbins). H. Liebes & Co. Building Multnomah, OR Name of Property County and State 8.. Statement of Significance Applicable National Register Criteria 'Areas of Significance (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property (Enter categories from instructions) for National Register listing.) ARCHITECTURE______ D A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. D B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. S C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack Period of Significance individual distinction. 1Q17____________ D D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations Significant Dates (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) 1917 Property is: D A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. Significant Person D B removed from its original location. (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A___________________ D C a birthplace or grave. Cultural Affiliation D D a cemetery. N/A D E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. D F a commemorative property. D G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance Architect/Builder within the past 50 years. John V. Bennes

Load more