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Private owners present plan to convert Craig Building into market, housing and wine-focused hub
Summary
David Brown and an architectural team presented a multi‑phase plan to restore the historic Craig Building, add ground-floor market/café uses and up to three residential units above, and connect the site to the new Federal Street Plaza to support wine‑country tourism and downtown activation.
Private owners and architects presented conceptual plans to the Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency on May 20 for a phased restoration and reuse of the Craig Building in downtown The Dalles. The proposal centers on a ground-floor market/café and retail uses that would link to Federal Street Plaza, and on upper-floor residential and meeting space to serve visitors to the Columbia Gorge wine region.
David Brown, who identified himself as the owner of the Craig Building, said the project is intended to anchor downtown activity and to serve as a hub for wine tourism tied to his existing vineyard and wine-distribution businesses. Architect Ellen Forden and architect Shem Harding (DECA Architecture) outlined an incremental approach: near-term facade and storefront improvements and pop-up activation; midterm establishment of a market/deli with outdoor seating; and longer-term buildout of apartments and full-service restaurant space upstairs.
The team presented visual precedents and described how opening glazed storefronts, restoring upper‑story windows and improving the Federal Street facade would better activate Second Street and the new plaza. They said the project would proceed in phases so that leasing and tenant recruitment can keep pace with investment and that grant funding—candidates included Oregon Heritage grants and urban renewal support—could help restore incompatible mid‑century storefront alterations.
Board members welcomed the vision and emphasized coordinating work with the Federal Street Plaza committee to ensure the plaza and building frontages are consistent and complementary. Staff asked the presenters to circulate materials and to follow up on grant options and guidelines. No formal action was required or taken; presenters were invited to continue discussions with staff and the agency.
Why it matters: The Craig Building project aims to add daytime uses, dining and residential population to downtown The Dalles and to provide a meeting point for visitors to local vineyards, which proponents say could broaden the city’s tourism base and strengthen commercial vitality.
Next steps: The owners said they will continue design work, pursue grants for facade restoration and work closely with urban renewal staff and the Federal Street Plaza committee to align timing, design details and funding options.
