The Tony’s Town and Country building at 401 E. 2nd St. still remains. But for how long?
The Dalles Historic Landmarks Commission paved the way for Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal to demolish the Tony’s Town & Country building on Wednesday afternoon, July 28.
The Commission held their meeting at 4 p.m. via ZOOM.
Commissioner F. John Ercole made the motion to approve the demolition, and it was seconded by Commissioner Doug leash. Commissioner Bev Eagy voted in favor.
The motion went unopposed in the vote.
The decision came after a tightly run meeting by Chair Bob McNary and virtually no opposition from the public.
Prior to the decision, City Senior Planner Dawn Hert reported the building had a foundation that was cracked and failing, a roof that leaked and environmental issues including a furnace oil tank that needed to be removed as well as some asbestos. That was just a partial laundry list, with total costs to bring the building into fair condition standing at $711,000.
It was also noted that part of the ceiling is starting to fall down in the building.
Board Member of Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal John Fredrickson told the commission he was in favor of tearing the building down. He said he did not want to see another “Recreation Building disaster.”
The owner of the Last Stop Saloon, Todd Carpenter, also stated the building should be torn down because of its “dilapidation.”
Courtney Christensen, who lives across the street from the Tony’s Building, said she had safety concerns about the demolition of the building and hoped that mold, asbestos and lead would be contained. “I have a high-risk 10-year-old,” she said.
A city leader assured her that safety would be sought during the demolition.
City Planning Director Alice Cannon lined out the following process.
An archaeological investigation and protection of any artifacts deemed worthy will be taken. Artifacts only need be 75 years or older.
Urban Renewal will go out for bids to hire a company to demolish the building.
Removal of the underground fuel tank and removal of asbestos will occur prior to the demolition.
