Centennial Mills Water Tower Demolition Marks Start of Building Removal in Portland
Crews are set to begin demolition of the Centennial Mills building in Portland, OR, starting with the detonation of its water tower.

Portland, OR, August 14, 2026 —
Demolition of the historic Centennial Mills building in Portland, Oregon, is set to commence with the controlled detonation of its iconic water tower. This marks the initial phase of the larger demolition project that will ultimately remove the entire structure from the city’s landscape.
The Centennial Mills complex, a long-standing fixture in Portland, has been slated for removal for some time. While specific details regarding the exact timeline for the complete demolition beyond the water tower were not immediately available, the commencement of the water tower’s removal signals a significant step forward in the process. The contractor’s name was not provided.
The project’s initial focus on the water tower is a common strategy in large-scale demolition projects, often serving as a precursor to the main structure’s dismantling. Further information on the subsequent stages of the demolition, including any potential traffic disruptions or community impact, has not been detailed.
The Centennial Mills building has a lengthy history in the area, and its demolition is a notable event for the city. The reasons for the demolition and the plans for the site following the removal of the building were not specified in the information provided.
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