Portland’s Crown Jewel: How Avos Inc. Reimagined the KOIN Tower’s Legacy
In the heart of downtown Portland, a towering masterpiece rises above the skyline — bold, brilliant, and beautifully reborn. This is KOIN Tower: a building rich in history, alive with purpose, and now, thanks to Avos Inc., refreshed for a new era.
Originally known as Fountain Plaza, this architectural icon quickly took on the name of its most recognizable tenant — KOIN TV, Portland’s CBS affiliate — and has since become a defining symbol of the city’s urban evolution.
But every legend needs a new chapter.
History in the Making
Completed in 1984 as the first step in a grand urban redevelopment plan, KOIN Tower was meant to link downtown Portland to the South Auditorium district. With its Neo-Art Deco ziggurat silhouette, orange-brick exterior, and the unmistakable blue crown, it became instantly recognizable — “one of the most important things a downtown skyscraper can accomplish,” wrote critics.
For decades, the building stood as a hub of media, business, and residential life. But by 2016, it was time for a refresh — one that would honor its legacy and elevate its design.
Enter Avos Inc., a trusted name in architectural fabrication and structural solutions.
Breathing New Life into a Landmark
When Lorentz Bruun Construction began planning the renovation of KOIN Tower, they needed a subcontractor who could match the tower’s grandeur with unmatched precision and care.
They chose Avos Inc.
Our mission? To deliver a seamless, elegant upgrade to three key components:
Stairway systems: Strong, functional, and architecturally captivating. Glass and stainless steel railings: Minimalist beauty meets modern safety. Structural steel beams: Engineered to uphold not just the tower — but its future.
Working within the tower’s existing footprint, our team combined technical mastery with design sensibility, making sure every detail contributed to the building’s rebirth.
Design That Delivers More Than Aesthetics
One of the most celebrated upgrades was the renovation of the main lobby, where our contributions helped bring a fresh, sophisticated feel. From sleek railings to invisible fasteners, every detail was crafted with a purpose: to complement the KOIN Tower’s existing lines while bringing it into a new era.
The lobby now hosts a 32-screen digital media wall, the largest in Portland — a nod to the building’s broadcast heritage and future-facing spirit. Meanwhile, the lobby’s limestone and fossil-rich finishes remain, tying the old with the new.
A Tower That Does It All
Today, KOIN Tower hosts a mix of upscale office tenants, retail, residential condos, and the studios of KOIN and KRCW. Its vibrant design supports business, entertainment, and urban living — all in one vertical neighborhood.
Even its underground parking entrance was a stroke of design genius — placed on a separate block to keep street-level facades clean and inviting. It’s just one of many choices that make the tower both functional and beautiful.
Avos Inc. — Built to Elevate Icons
Our work on the KOIN Tower wasn’t just a job — it was a privilege and a point of pride. We’re honored to have helped breathe new life into a building that means so much to Portland.
If you’re looking for a team that combines engineering excellence, aesthetic insight, and dependable delivery, we’d love to be part of your story too.
Visit avosinc.com to explore our capabilities and portfolio, or contact us directly to talk about your next landmark project.