Try selecting your object in "Object Mode", then press the letter f. It should zoom in on your object and center it on your screen. If you still have problems getting close enough, then you might need to adjust your camera's attributes (Near clipping plane, and Far clipping plane).

Other than that, I'm not really sure.

Edit: Also, You are trying to view the top of your object in the perspective view pane, have you tried to view the top of your object in the top view pane? In your screenshot, you have the translate button selected in your toolbar on the left side of your screen. 7 buttons below that one, is the 4 view pane button. Click it, then put your cursor over the view you want, then press the space bar.