Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission Meeting – June 11, 2026

The Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) met on June 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to consider a public hearing on a proposed wall graphic (mural) on the former Darigold Building, review three special assessment applications for historic properties, and receive staff updates. The meeting was held in the City Council Chambers and via Zoom.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the April 14, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously with no corrections.

Public Hearing – Miscellaneous Review MR26-01

• Applicant: Clatsop County for a wall graphic (mural) on the south and east walls of the former Darigold Building at 385 9th Street, located within the Downtown National Register Historic District.
• Staff Report: The wall is a non‑contributing concrete remnant. The proposed mural, designed by local artist Joe Brown, depicts Oregon film history, includes interactive photo elements, and is reversible. Staff found the proposal met the three criteria: appropriateness of color, scale, location, and design; no adverse impact on surrounding historic structures; and no obstruction of key views.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioner Francis inquired about the final design approval process. Staff clarified the commission’s review is limited to historic criteria; final design sign‑off will be by the Community Development Department. Commissioner Osterberg raised the lack of a final color rendering but expressed confidence after the artist’s presentation. Commissioner Ross asked about maintenance and graffiti resistance; staff noted the maintenance plan will include graffiti provisions. Artist Joe Brown explained his preference for no anti‑graffiti coating to allow future repainting, and his practice of personally maintaining his murals.
• Applicant Presentation: Assistant County Manager Monica Steele stated the county committed $225,000 to the Oregon Film Museum and sees the mural as supporting tourism. The mural will include QR codes linking to film information and will direct visitors to the museum. Artist Joe Brown presented a scaled drawing showing film scenes (e.g., The Goonies, Short Circuit, The Shining, Free Willy, Grimm, The Fisherman’s Bride, Wild, Benji, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and noted the wall’s height varies from 4 to 7 feet.
• Public Testimony: None offered for or against.
• Decision: Commissioner Diffenbach moved to approve the request with the conditions as noted in the staff report. The motion was seconded and passed (6‑0‑1, with President Burns abstaining due to a conflict of interest). The approval is subject to final design review by staff, engineering review for traffic safety, and a maintenance plan including graffiti provisions.

Review of Special Assessment Applications

• 1511 Commercial St and 1535 Commercial St (former Robies Building): The applicant proposes extensive tenant improvements for the Oregon Department of Human Services, including window replacement, roof work, facade repairs, and paint. Staff recommended comments to SHIPO (State Historic Preservation Office) incorporating conditions from a previously approved exterior alteration application (EX25‑09). Commissioners expressed support for the staff comments and approved forwarding them.
• 283 W. Marine Dr (Workers Tavern): The applicant proposes replacing wood siding on east/west elevations with Hardy material and full window reconstruction. Staff recommended repair over replacement and suggested the applicant first explore prep, paint, and repair. Commissioners agreed, adding language that repair should be pursued “if feasible” and that any necessary replacement would come back to the HLC for review. The comments will be forwarded to SHIPO.

Staff Updates

• Historic Preservation Month: May 2026, themed “All People Are Created Equal,” recognized by City Council proclamation. Local activities include a talk on the Astoria Column centenary by John Gutenberger on May 21.
• Next Meeting: June 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to resume deliberation on a previously heard garage application. Commissioners not present at the prior meeting were urged to review the recording.
• Dr. Harvey Awards: Three properties received awards at the May 4 City Council meeting: Astoria Public Library (institutional), Bolin Hotel (civic), and Lum Lodge (commercial). Awards were well received.

Public Comments (Non‑Agenda Items)

• No members of the public spoke.

Key Outcomes

• MR26‑01 approved with conditions (final design review, engineering sign‑off, maintenance plan). The decision may be appealed to City Council within 15 days.
• Special Assessment recommendations for 1511 & 1535 Commercial St were supported as presented; for 283 W. Marine Dr, staff will revise wording to allow repair “if feasible” while retaining preference for preservation.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.