Oregon City Municipal Elevator

In the charming city of Oregon City, Oregon, an architectural marvel stands tall, bridging the gap between two distinct neighborhoods. The Oregon City Municipal Elevator, a 130-foot (40 m) outdoor municipal elevator, is one of only a handful of such structures in the world. This unique piece of engineering not only serves a practical purpose but also offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and provides breathtaking views from its observation deck, which has a striking resemblance to a flying saucer.

A Journey Through Time: The History of the Elevator

The story of the Oregon City Municipal Elevator begins with the city's dramatic topography. Oregon City is uniquely situated between the Willamette River and a towering basalt cliff, creating a significant elevation change within a small area. Initially, Indian trails and later stairways built in the mid-1860s were the only means to navigate this vertical challenge. However, the 722 steps required to traverse the cliff proved arduous, necessitating a more efficient solution.

In 1912, a bond measure was proposed to fund the construction of a public elevator. After an initial failure, a second referendum passed, and construction began. The original elevator, completed in 1915, was a water-powered marvel made of wood and steel. It took three minutes to ascend the cliff, and in case of a malfunction, passengers had to exit via a trap door and climb down a narrow ladder. Despite these challenges, the elevator quickly became an essential part of the city's infrastructure, leading to the removal of most of the cliffside stairs.

By 1924, the elevator was converted to an electric drive, reducing the ride time to 30 seconds. However, after four decades of service, it was clear that a new, more modern elevator was needed. In 1952, a $175,000 bond was approved to fund the construction of the current elevator.

The Modern Marvel: The Current Elevator

The current Oregon City Municipal Elevator, designed by Gordon E. Trapp and engineered by Ervin Aksel Sööt, was constructed by Otis Elevator and opened to the public on May 5, 1955. The new design featured push-button operation and automatic doors, further reducing the ride time to a mere 15 seconds. This sleek, cylindrical structure, with its distinctive observation deck, quickly became an iconic landmark in Oregon City.

The elevator connects the lower entrance at 7th Street (Oregon Route 43) and Railroad Avenue with the upper entrance on High Street, near the intersection with 7th Street and Singer Hill Road. The upper level includes an observation deck that offers stunning views of Willamette Falls, the Oregon City Bridge, and the Abernethy Bridge. This vantage point provides visitors with a unique perspective of the city's natural beauty and architectural heritage.

A Vertical Street: Elevator Street

Interestingly, the Oregon City Municipal Elevator is also known as Elevator Street, the only vertical street in North America. Both entrances are located on 7th Street, making the elevator an integral part of the city's transportation network. The lower entrance includes a short pedestrian tunnel that runs under the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, leading directly into the elevator.

Originally operated by an attendant, the elevator became self-service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open daily, with varying hours throughout the week, and remains free of charge. The elevator continues to be a popular attraction, carrying up to 1,300 people per day during the summer tourist season.

Illuminating the Night: The Illuminate Oregon City Project

In a bid to enhance the city's cultural landscape, the Illuminate Oregon City project transformed the elevator into a massive video screen. This innovative video mapping program showcased videos and images from various local sites, turning the elevator into a beacon of light and creativity. Although the project was initially slated to run until 2015, it left a lasting impression on both residents and visitors alike.

A Must-Visit Landmark

The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a testament to the city's ingenuity and resilience. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience, a visit to this remarkable elevator is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Oregon City. Enjoy the swift ride, take in the panoramic views from the observation deck, and immerse yourself in the rich history that this vertical street has to offer.