The U.S. Bancorp Tower, known to many as Big Pink, has recently made headlines not just for its looming vacancy but for its unique robotic security guard named Rob, who patrols the parking garage. The conversation around Big Pink and Portland’s downtown area has intensified as questions arise about what could revive business interest in the largely deserted building.
This dialogue gained momentum when The Wall Street Journal reported on Big Pink being put on the market, sparking discussions about safety in Old Town and the potential influence of increased police presence.
In response, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson expressed his discontent with the Journal’s portrayal yet attempted to use the moment to advocate for an increase in the police budget.
However, his efforts fell short as the City Council decided to reallocate $1.9 million from the police department’s budget to parks maintenance, a decision described as “devastating” by Councilor Dan Ryan.
Rob, the robotic guard, humorously responded with a “Beep” as the reassessment of law enforcement priorities unspooled.
Community reactions to the shift in policing and the state of downtown Portland varied among residents.
One commenter, SafeSpacer, dismissed the Mayor’s influence, criticizing his response to the Journal’s coverage.
Facebook user Tom Mcroy drew attention to the broader issues contributing to downtown’s unoccupied office spaces, noting remote work trends rather than solely crime as a factor.
David Meltzer reflected on the historical challenges of the Old Town area, pointing out its longstanding issues with homeless populations and crime. He expressed skepticism about whether physical police presence could entice people back to work in Big Pink, despite recognizing the problematic state of downtown as a hindrance to work attendance overall.
Jean Korte took a more pessimistic view of Portland’s trajectory, likening it to the decline of Detroit and blaming rising taxes for exacerbating urban challenges.
Another user, trpljmp, echoed sentiments that even improved police numbers might not change the demand for high-rise office spaces in the city.
However, Marjorie J. Simpson countered this position by emphasizing rising demand for office space in cities across the U.S., correlating the demand with local crime issues.
She noted that the city’s drug problems and rising theft rates are driving businesses and potential tenants away, arguing that better police staffing could help reduce the crime that has scared people from downtown areas.
Conversely, Facebook user Daron Larsen favored increased funding for parks over policing, stating that parks have enriched his life more profoundly.
Ben Hill articulated strong support for restoring the police budget, promising to engage in efforts if a ballot initiative were proposed.
Chuck Mize questioned the effectiveness of the Portland Police Bureau, noting its significant budget without corresponding improvements in hiring sworn officers.
In a broader critique, benjamingo suggested that the scale of budget shifts may not dramatically impact the discourse around public safety and city investment priorities moving forward.
Reddit user MGLtheIII forecasted dire future possibilities for Portland, speculating that a combination of economic downturns and exodus of major entities like the Blazers might signal an impending crisis within the next couple of years.
As conversations surrounding policing, urban revival, and infrastructure in Portland continue, the future of Big Pink and the surrounding areas remains uncertain.
Letters to the editor are welcomed and must include the author’s street address and phone number for verification purposes. The limit for submissions is 250 words.
Interested contributors can send letters to:
P.O. Box 10770
Portland, OR 97296
image source from：https://www.wweek.com/news/dialogue/2025/06/01/readers-respond-to-empty-towers-and-police-coffers/
