The Oregon City Elevator, built in 1955, is one of only four municipal passenger elevators in the world. The Elevator is located in the historic downtown and serves as a vertical connector for residents and visitors from the city’s lower Main Street district to the town’s upper neighborhoods 110’ above. It is a signature landmark for Oregon City, operating as an important link in the city’s transportation network while providing panoramic views of downtown, Willamette Falls, and the Oregon City/West Linn Arch Bridge.

In collaboration with Metro, the City of Oregon City enlisted DAO to refurbish the structure’s exterior through a range of improvements including façade painting, exterior lighting, and signage. Constructed primarily of concrete, the Elevator encompasses elements of both mid-century modern and late futurist / neo-expressionist architecture. A quiet but distinctive renovation approach was taken in order to balance the city’s desire for a stimulating cultural attractor and a listed national historic landmark. An impactful but timeless color palette of silver and white was used on the elevator shaft, observation platform, and tunnel wall entrance. Energy-efficient flood lighting, with subtle blue strip accents, and new entry signage were all designed to fit appropriately with the structure’s aesthetics and detailing.

The repainted surfaces also needed to serve as a suitable canvas for a video art projection by public artist Tiffany Carbonneau, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and other local community partners. The Elevator refurbishment and accompanying ‘Illuminate Oregon City’ video art are helping to transform the downtown core, bringing additional daytime and evening vitality to a utilitarian facility that’s both a local amenity and a civic icon.