Glowing silver

The early evening light was just right, turning the Associated building to silver. Located on Commercial Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets, it is one of the buildings comprising the center of the downtown shopping area. The building actually has three names emblazoned on the upper story: Copeland Building, Hobson Building, and Carruthers Building. It was designed by architect Charles T. Diamond and built in 1923, after the fire of December 1922 burned most of Astoria's downtown area. Many of the new buildings display the date of 1923, as does this one. A web page by Robert D. West which gives details of many of Astoria's landmarks, and says that the 1922 fire started in just about this location. Downstairs in the Copeland building is the Riversea Gallery, one of my favorite places to drop in when I'm not in a hurry. It's nicely arranged and filled with the most interesting art by talented local artists.