The home of the famous “Porltand” sign is the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, a historic theater building and performing arts center in downtown Portland, Oregon. The theatre was originally built in 1928 as the Portland Publix Theatre and was changed in 1930 to the Paramount Theatre, because the owners had a contract with Paramount to run Paramount films locally in Portland. The building continued to show films until 1972, after which it hosted concerts.

Locally known as “The Schnitz", it is the last surviving theater building on Portland's Broadway Avenue, which was once lined with large theater houses.

In 1972, the Portland City Council voted to give the building Landmark Status, over the objections of John Haviland, the owner. [Oregonian Article: 30 Mar 1972] The building (as the Paramount Theatre) was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The landmark status applies only to the exterior of the building.

A major renovation began, which restored the building to much of its original opulence. Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, notable Portland philanthropists, donated US$1 million to the project. When the performing arts center was opened in 1984, it was decided to name the building after Arlene Schnitzer.

The "Portland" marquee is a replica of the original theater sign. The original, replaced during the remodel, still read "Paramount". The removal of the sign turned out badly, as it accidentally fell onto the sidewalk in an impressive crash. The 65-foot high sign above the Broadway Marquee, contains approximately 6,000 theatrical lights. The sign read "Paramount" from 1930-1984.

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