what is the big pink in portland

“Big Pink” is the nickname for the U.S. Bancorp Tower in downtown Portland, Oregon. It’s the 42-story skyscraper at 111 SW 5th Avenue, and the name comes from its pink granite and pink glass exterior.

Why it stands out

• It’s one of Portland’s most recognizable skyline buildings.

• The tower was completed in 1983 and has long been a major office property in the city.

• Its pink coloring shifts a bit with the light, which is part of why the nickname stuck.

Recent context

In 2025, the building was in the news because it was listed for sale, reflecting downtown Portland’s office market struggles. It has also been described as a symbol of how much the city’s downtown has changed in recent years.

Quick read

So, if someone in Portland says “the big pink,” they usually mean the U.S. Bancorp Tower — the pinkish high-rise that’s become a downtown landmark.