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The WPA Projects That Built Portland: A Legacy of Utility and Art

At ACGI, our heritage is deeply entwined with the history of Portland's infrastructure. Our great-grandfather Giovanni Iaconetti was a master stonemason during the New Deal era, contributing to the very projects that still define our city today. The **Works Progress Administration (WPA)** was more than just a jobs program—it was a movement that married functional engineering with artistic craftsmanship.

Between 1935 and 1943, the WPA transformed Portland from a growing river town into a modern metropolis. Many of the roads we drive, the parks we enjoy, and the public buildings we frequent were built by the hands of craftsmen who believed in building for the next century. Here is a look at the major WPA legacy projects in our backyard.

            Infrastructure & Engineering
            Portland International Airport (PDX): Grading and construction of the original airport site (completed 1940), laying the groundwork for what would become one of America's highest-rated airports.
Rocky Butte Scenic Drive: Stone-faced tunnels, retaining walls, and a viewpoint overlooking the city. A masterpiece of masonry that offers some of the best views of the Cascades.
NW Cornell Road Tunnels: Two concrete tunnels with basalt facing, drastically improving access to the West Hills and demonstrating the WPA's commitment to both utility and aesthetics.
Waterfront Harbor Wall: Ornamental concrete railings and lamp posts along the Willamette River, providing the structural and visual boundary for our downtown waterfront.
Street Improvements: Extensive resurfacing of SE Hawthorne, SE 50th Ave, SE 72nd Ave, and SW Julia Ave—arteries that still pulse with life today.

        

            Parks & Recreation
            Washington Park: Construction of the iconinc Washington Park Amphitheater and significant improvements to the International Rose Test Garden.
Macleay Park: Miles of intricate trails, access roads, and stone comfort stations that make Forest Park one of the largest urban forests in the world.
Overlook Park: Layout and construction of the wading pool, shelter, and comfort station that serve the North Portland community.
Golf Courses: Extensive landscaping and iconic new timber bridges at Eastmoreland and Rose City Golf Courses.
Johnson Creek: Critical flood control measures, fish ladders, and beautiful stone overlooks designed to manage the force of nature with grace.

        

            Public Buildings & Art
            Historical Murals: Preservation of local history through murals in the St. Johns and East Portland Post Offices.
Educational Landmarks: Murals and wood marquetry at Chapman and Ainsworth Elementary Schools; athletic stadiums at Jefferson and Franklin High Schools.
Timberline Lodge Workshop: While the lodge sits on Mt. Hood, all decorative hardware and furniture were forged in a Portland-based ironwork shop, employing hundreds of local artisans.

        

            Cultural Projects
            Federal Writers’ Project: A massive effort to compile life histories, oral traditions, and the Oregon Folklore Project, preserving the voices of early Portlanders.
Federal Art Project: Hundreds of paintings and photographs documented the city's growth, many of which are now held and displayed at the Portland Art Museum.

        

Why This Matters to ACGI

When we talk about our **4 Generations of Family Construction Pedigree**, we aren't just talking about years in business. We are talking about an inherited philosophy of work. The WPA era, which our great-grandfather Giovanni supported with his stonemasonry, was a time when the goal wasn't just to finish the job—it was to build something monumental for the community.

Today, whether we are remodeling a kitchen in Lake Oswego or painting a victorian home in the West Hills, we carry that same spirit. We don't just see structures; we see the legacy of the hands that built them. We are proud to continue the tradition of quality that built Portland.