Masonry Magazine January 1975 Page.31
Benj. Franklin
Savings & Loan Association
PORTLAND, OREGON
Architects:
Wolff/Zimmer/Gunsul/Frasca AIA
Structural Engineers:
Kelly, Pittelko, Fritz & Forssen
General Contractors:
Donald M. Drake Co.
Mason Contractors:
Henson Masonry Co., Inc. MCAA
Photography:
Delano Photographics
The Benjamin Franklin Savings and Loan Association building in downtown Portland, Oregon, is an exceptionally handsome structure created in brick masonry, with a dominant design that sets the tone for this Willamette River site. Architects Wolff/Zimmer/Gunsel/Frasca, AIA, have added the first face brick structure to the Portland skyline in over twenty years. Mason Contractor for the project was Hensen Masonry Co., Inc. MCAA.
More than 480,000 norman brick and 100,000 pavers were utilized on this 19 million dollar building. To assure uniformity of the red blend all the face brick were manufactured and stored at the plant prior to the start of construction. The kilns of this particular plant date back to 1907 using wood slabs from nearby sawmills for the fuel.
The entry way has brick pavers surrounded by colorful native landscaping including azaleas and rhododendrons. A gazebo permits visitors to relax in a pleasant atmosphere and to view both the Willamette River and Mt. Hood in the background.
All-Weather protection techniques were used on this 21-story building making it possible for the men to work through the winter so that the building could be occupied last May.
masonry
• Nov./Dec., 1975
31