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Historic Landmarks Commission approves fire boat exhibit at Columbia River Maritime Museum
Summary
The Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission unanimously approved a new-construction and design-review package to place a historic fire boat at the Columbia River Maritime Museum plaza next to Warnock Pond, with conditions on lighting and security; a separate canopy proposal was continued to Dec. 16.
On Nov. 18, 2025, the Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission unanimously approved a New Construction Request (NC25-03) and a Design Review Request (DR25-04) to place a historic fire boat as an outdoor exhibit on the Columbia River Maritime Museum plaza adjacent to Warnock Pond at 2050 Marine Drive.
City Planner Tiffany Taylor presented the staff report and recommended approval of both requests with the conditions listed in the staff report, noting the project must comply with the city's night sky ordinance and the Development Code lighting standards. Taylor answered commissioner questions about fixture placement and nighttime illumination to ensure the exhibit would not conflict with lighting rules.
Alec Holser of Opsis Architecture, representing the applicant, described the fire boat's history and the reasoning behind locating it on the museum campus plaza. Bruce Jones, speaking from the public, said the museum will secure the exhibit when it is not open to the public, adding, "they will close the gangway when it’s not in use to deter unwanted persons. In addition, they will also have a camera and lights aimed at the boat to deter vandals." The commission recorded those security measures as part of the public explanation of exhibit operations.
Commissioners said the application met the approval criteria. Commissioner Jack Osterberg moved to adopt the findings and conclusions in the staff report and approve NC25-03; Commissioner Will Rose seconded. The motion passed 5–0 (Ayes: President Mac Burns, Jack Osterberg, Will Rose, Mike Francis and Jackson Ross). President Burns then read the rules of appeal. Commissioner Mike Francis moved to adopt the staff findings and approve DR25-04; Commissioner Jackson Ross seconded. That motion also passed 5–0.
Separately, the commission continued New Construction Request NC25-04, a proposal by Jim Stadick and Scott Edwards Architecture on behalf of Big Beams LLC/Cervesia Gratis to build a 23-by-40-foot wood-and-steel canopy at 426 14th Street, to the HLC meeting on Dec. 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. The applicant requested additional time to revise the proposal; Commissioner Jack Osterberg moved to continue and Commissioner Will Rose seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
In administrative business, the Community Development Department announced three new staff members: Associate Planner Samuel Peterson, Building Official Edward Hatley and Permit Technician Denese Klemple. The meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m.; the minutes were approved without changes on Dec. 16, 2025 and signed by Secretary Tresa Abke.
Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes, July 15, 2025: motion by Commissioner Jackson Ross; second Jack Osterberg; outcome: approved 5–0 (Burns, Osterberg, Rose, Francis, Ross). - Approve minutes, August 19, 2025: motion by Commissioner Jack Osterberg; second Mike Francis; outcome: approved 5–0. - NC25-03 (Columbia River Maritime Museum — fire boat): motion by Commissioner Jack Osterberg; second Will Rose; outcome: approved 5–0. - DR25-04 (design review for fire boat exhibit): motion by Commissioner Mike Francis; second Jackson Ross; outcome: approved 5–0. - NC25-04 (426 14th St. canopy): continued to Dec. 16, 2025 at applicant's request; motion by Jack Osterberg; second Will Rose; outcome: continued 5–0.
The commission's staff report and conditions for the fire boat exhibit are on file with the Community Development Department.
