[3] Portland General Electric (PGE) began construction in 1975 on a three-building, $32 million complex to be known as the Willamette Center.

[4][5] Located between Front (now Naito Parkway) and Second avenues, and Taylor and Yamhill streets in Downtown Portland, the 873,000-square-foot (81,100 m2) complex was scheduled to open in January 1977.

[9][10] In addition to being the headquarters of PGE, other initial tenants included the local offices of International Paper and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

[11] The Oregon Public Utility Commission determined PGE could not bill customers for the expense of building the complex.

[18] The three-building complex was designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership (now ZGF Architects LLP), with the buildings connected by a glass-enclosed, elevated walkway.

[23] Tom McCall Waterfront Park is adjacent to Two and Three World Trade Center on the east, across from Salmon Street Springs.