Astoria, Oregon ~ January 25, 2011
I went out without my good camera today, so I bring you phone pictures of the burned-out remains of 6th Street Pier and a corner of the adjacent Number 10 Sixth Street building. They're behind a chain link fence, and for a good reason. Naturally, people want to explore, but it's dangerous. With parts of the floor missing and structures occasionally still crashing down inside the buildings, it's not a safe place to be.
I have not been close to the buildings often since they burned, but one day I saw a crane barge pulled up next to the pier, and I assume they dismantled parts that could easily be hauled away. I don't know if anyone is sure at this time whether there will be rebuilding or demolition, but when buildings are this old, there are additional aspects to consider, such as heating systems that may be so out of date that "not up to code" is a totally inadequate term. Word on the street is that it will be awhile before much can be done, and there is still investigating and planning before significant changes can be made. Speaking of investigating, once again, the word on the street is that the cause of the fire is still not certain. The most likely scenario is that an accidental electrical fire in the Cannery Cafe (above) spread quickly across the pier to Number 10.
There were many, many people and businesses affected by this fire more than I was affected, but I wanted to mention again how sad it feels to me personally to see this mess. This pier has been a destination on many of my walks over the years, and I enjoyed coming here for other reasons. Pictures of this pier encouraged me to choose Astoria over several other locations when I moved here in 2001. Important buildings, and indeed the entire downtown area, have been taken out by fires over the years. It is an aspect of Astoria's history that seems doomed to be repeated in a town where we love our antique Victorian wood buildings, but it is always devastating to someone. We will see what the future brings to 6th Street and Number 10. I'll keep you posted. I will also post some pictures from better days when I come across them.
8 comments:
How sad, it looks like a great place to visit and I hope the rebuild ASAP.
I'm surprised you can get this close!
Hope they get rebuilt, it's such a lovely place. Maybe a lingerie?!! :-)
Very sad that this place hasn't been rebuilt and repaired. Looks like it must have been a lively spot at one time.
Woody - I had my cell phone right up to the chain link. They still have the River Walk open there. I'll show the photo of that tomorrow if I remember.
Halcyon - Yes, it was lively and someone went to the effort to put out colorful banners and flags that changed with seasons and events.
Ciel - Lingerie, funny! Re: your post, but they try to keep the riverfront on theme for local color and tourist things, although that doesn't always happen. In this town and economy, a building owner is happy to have a paying tenant with a good business of almost any kind.
Oh, this IS sad...
This is the kind of thing that is just plain demoralizing...it's not just the physical damage, as you note, but the psychological pain that this causes those involved!
Your photos are poignant reminders of all that!
Lovely pier! Shame on the fire...
This is sad but we should remember that no situation stays the same forever!
This will change soon!
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