Lloyd Center, Portland OR 1963

This authentic 1960s color photograph, captured in 1963, showcases the innovative open-air architecture of the Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon. The archival image highlights the mall’s multi-level design, featuring a second-story pedestrian balcony with a white mesh railing that overlooks a central ground-level courtyard. The space is illuminated by a series of large, flat-domed pendant lights suspended over the walkways. The central garden court features a variety of lush trees and shrubs in concrete planters, accented by integrated wooden benches for shoppers. The surrounding storefronts are characterized by floor-to-ceiling glass windows and modern metal framing, typical of the mid-century aesthetic. In the background, a distinctive scalloped or vaulted roofline adds a dramatic architectural flourish to the complex. Designed by architect John Graham Jr., Lloyd Center was the largest shopping center in the world upon its opening in 1960 and was originally celebrated for its outdoor-focused urban design. While the mall was famously enclosed in the early 1990s to create a climate-controlled environment, this factual record preserves the airy, modern elegance of the original open-air layout. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.