Building History
| Our building, located at 615 SW Broadway in Portland, Oregon, receives much attention as a beautifully gilded example of Art Deco architecture. Completed in 1902, it was originally christened the Dolph Building. In 1929, businessman Charles F. Berg leased and remodeled the building to house his fine women’s apparel shop. |
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| The Dolph Building became the first structure in the Pacific Northwest with 18-karat gold accents. On the facade are peacocks, sunbursts, and rain clouds; images popularized in the Art Deco style. The interior of the store was lavishly decorated in the Art Moderne style. |
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Charles F. Berg introduced the Pacific Northwest to the “shop within a shop” merchandising system, with carefully organized apparel products and services to enhance the buying experience for customers. Albeit common practice for modern department stores, this was an innovative move on the part of Mr. Berg. The store became so popular the building is commonly referred to as the Charles F. Berg building to this day. |
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In 1979, Mariposa’s Women’s Apparel purchased the building and housed their women’s apparel chain on the first floor for several years. Today it is home to several local merchants, including Golden Optical.