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American Legion Post 12 asks Astoria for $1.2 million to repair historic downtown building
Summary
American Legion Post 12 asked the Astoria City Council to consider $1.2 million in East End Urban Renewal funds to restore its historic Montgomery Ward building; speakers urged immediate roof repairs (~$125,000) to protect artifacts and to make the structure usable as a storm shelter and ADA‑accessible community space.
The American Legion Post 12 asked the Astoria City Council on July 22 to consider $1.2 million from East End Urban Renewal funds to restore its historic building at 1132 Exchange Street. Post Commander Dwayne Holliday said the building—chartered in 1919—serves veterans and the broader community and needs urgent repairs.
Holliday told the council that the roof is in poor repair and that three bids for a tear‑off and new membrane roof averaged about $125,000. "We've had a blowout in a third floor and our flag room ceiling collapsed," Holliday said, adding that insurance declined to cover some interior damage. He described stored artifacts dating to World War I and said continuing leaks threaten those items.
Holliday outlined a three‑tier restoration priority: immediate roof replacement to stop further water damage, life‑safety upgrades (sprinklers, alarms, a repaired fire escape), and then historic renovation and facade restoration. He said the building lacks ADA access to upper floors and that an elevator would be costly; he and other presenters noted the elevator would be a later, higher‑cost phase.
Council members praised the post's community contributions, including prior fundraising and scholarship programs, and indicated support for exploring urban renewal funding. One councilor said the city’s East Urban Renewal fund balance could be shared to begin emergency work and urged the Legion to return to a noticed council meeting where a vote could be taken. The chair noted that no formal decision could be made during the work session and invited Post 12 to present at a future regular meeting.
Holliday said the post has a confidential internal grant of $7,500 and has collected three contractor bids for the roof; he asked the council to consider matching or emergency funds to allow work before another winter. "Until we have a new roof on there, it's a moot point," Holliday said on the risk to artifacts and the building's function as a shelter. He offered city staff tours of the facility and contact information for follow‑up.
Next steps: councilors asked staff to schedule a formal presentation with the Legion at a noticed meeting so council can consider an ordinance or allocation. The work session closed the American Legion item with council direction to pursue a formal agenda item and additional detail on bids and funding match options.
