Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Historic Downtown Salem #54: Capitol Center

388 State Street

IMG_3179 Capitol Center in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
Capitol Center on September 4, 2006

Built from 1923 to 1927, this eleven-story reinforced scored concrete building was designed by Portland architect Leigh L. Dougan and financed by hops dealer, mayor and bank board member Thomas Livesly (through the First National Bank). When it opened in 1926, 75 percent of the spaces were leased by predominantly physicians and dentists. The bank occupied the ground floor until the late 1940s when Stevens and Sons Jewelers established tenancy through 1982.

IMG_5115 Capitol Center in Salem, Oregon on January 27, 2007
Capitol Center on January 27, 2007

It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 9, 1986, after being rehabilitated by Morse Bros. and renamed Capitol Center.

IMG_3181 Capitol Center in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
Capitol Center Plaque on September 4, 2006

At 164 feet in height & 319 feet above sea level at the top of the highest antenna, Capital Center is the third tallest building and third highest point in Salem, after the steeple spire of the First United Methodist Church and the Oregon State Capitol building.

121105 006 Capitol Center in Salem, Oregon on December 9, 2005
Capitol Center on December 9, 2005

Additional Links:
Thomas A. Livesley at Salem Online History
Capitol Center at the Salem Oregon Community Guide
Salem Oregon's Tallest Building at the Salem Oregon Community Guide

Historical Photos:
Portrait of Thomas A. Livesley (Oregon State Library)
Capitol Tower Building, 1964 (Salem Public Library)
Capitol Center, 1991 (Salem Public Library)
Capitol Center, 1992 (Salem Public Library)

Continue to 55: J.K. Gill Building & Adolph Block

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