The Creepy Gasco Building

Like a lot of people that have driven down Highway 30 I’ve wanted to know more about the abandoned gray building off the west bank of the Willamette River. Today I stopped to see if I could get a closer look, to take some photos, and maybe get inside. After 20 minutes of talking with the security guard, I realized my winning smile and boyish charm were not going to get me in this building.I did find out a few things about the place. It was built in 1913 by the Portland Gas & Coke Co. (‘Gasco’ for short). It has been unoccupied for over four decades. NW Natural has no plans for the building and since 9/11 you can’t take photos anywhere near the fence...however, they won’t say anything to you if you’re on public land.