Mark O Hatfield United States Courthouse

There is a whimsical outdoor sculpture garden on the 8^th floor of this 16 floor building that is fun to see on an outdoor terrace with good views of the Plaza Blocks. Even if you’re not there for litigation, that garden and also views from the 16^th floor gallery windows provide a reason to go to this Federal Courthouse named in honor of the late Mark O. Hatfield, a state legislator then a two term Oregon Governor and then for three decades a US Senator, who was a the finest sort of politician.
Back in the day when the role was considered an honorable profession, Senator Hatfield operated as a first class statesman who earned the respect of constituents and folks on each side of the aisle in DC. He did a lot of good things for the State of Oregon. Here are just a few examples. In 1953 when racial discrimination was still a practice in our state, as people who were African American were denied entry through the door at places like hotels, Hatfield introduced and passed in Salem state legislation to end that discrimination. As Governor he pressed education and transportation initiatives with deep rooted benefits beyond the logging and fishing industries which were Oregon’s mainstay. As a Senator he was instrumental in securing funding for State outdoor spaces, environmental causes and medical facilities and research. Sometimes called St. Mark because of his well liked persona, it may surprise many to learn he was a liberal Republican in the day when the description was not a pejorative.
On a recent visit to Portland, my hubby and I went in to see the Courthouse which bears the late Senator Hatfield’s name since I was a big fan of this good man. He died just two years ago to the month of our visit; this is not ancient history. On his passing now Governor Kitzhaber said ««No one has had a more profound impact on Oregon in the last half century than Mark Hatfield.» Yes, indeed.
You might note how cold and sleek this building is in contrast to how warm and personable was the man after who it is named. You might be struck by the unique water feature cascading down the wall in the lobby. Or the quotations about Justice etched in the walls in different places. Waiting for the elevator you might meet litigants in cases being ajudicated in one of the courtrooms and hearing their tale, be grateful you are a law abiding type. After you’ve enjoyed the 8^th floor outdoor terrace with the fun sculptures head up to the 16^th floor for some pretty great views from the hall gallery windows. (But «shhhh…» about the oohing and aahing given court will likely be in session.)
If you do this all of this you might marvel that even the threats to public safety in our times, the security screening here is not at all invasive, the guards are very nice, and one can wander through a Federal Courthouse at will even when cases are taking place. Warts and all of recent times, I am continually reminded of what a remarkable form of government we enjoy.
THIS N THAT:
1) ENTRY: Can be a little tough to determine, or was for us at least. It is on the west side of the building.
2) ACCESSIBILITY: Universally accessible throughout, including the sculpture garden. One would expect no less in a Federal building in 2013.
3) MRS. HATFIELD: Antoinette was known as a gracious hostess and fine cook. She even published a cookbook or two when her husband was Governor and Senator. If you can get your hands on her Key Lime pie recipe, you’re in for a treat. I remember a Junior League focused senior citizen neighbor who baked up quite a few of those when I was a little kid gave me an autographed copy of the cookbook. Sadly, no longer in my possession.
4) PIONEER COURTHOUSE: As a retired Senator, Mark O. Hatfield was instrumental in ensuring the preservation of the incredible historical Pioneer Courthouse in downtown Portland, where the 9^th Circuit hears appeals even today. Another great place to visit.
5) THE O: The O stands for Odom. I bet you didn’t know that.

I am reviewing the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse, because the marble halls are filled with wonderful quotes of justice, truth, and liberty by many famous individuals; Mark Twin, Thomas Jefferson; an anonymous Spanish proverb… very sleek floors and interior. A neat-​o column waterfall near the entryway.
This 16– floor, steel structured building was completed in 1997 and is apparently the ninth tallest building in Portland.
On the ninth floor, on the east side of the building, is a secret sculpture garden with benches for reading, eating your lunch, or checking out the wonderful view of north, west Portland and a bit of the Willamette.
Head up to the 16^th floor and bask in the glory of a near 360 degree view of Portland. Floor to ceiling glass windows. Unfortunately, no benches to sit on, however if you show up in the afternoon, say after 3pm, you have a few hours to sit on the floor and watch the world go by.
Lastly, if one has not gone to 9am M-​F eviction court that is open to the public, then one hasn’t lived. So much dirt. So much drama. Might make your life seem much less crazy. If anything, it’s a great opportunity to witness the justice system at work.
The guards downstairs are very nice. Ask them questions about the courthouse and they might share.
Be sure to have i.d. with you or NO ENTRY. And make sure you don’t have any weapons or cameras with you… this is a federal courthouse, folks!