A WALKING TOUR OF THE DECO DISTRICT

To take a closer look at the architectural heritage of Newport’s “old-fashioned modern” deco district we'd like invite you for an easy 20 minute walk of about 9 blocks.

Please keep in mind that the revitalization of this unique area is a work in progress.

Start at City Hall (Coast Hwy at Angle St.) to see the renovated deco style interior including the light fixtures and details. Now head South down Coast Hwy, across Angle Street to the Salvation Army. Note the corner entry, vertical columns and slanted front windows. Proceed South on Coast Highway, cross Lee Street and turn left. About a half block down, note the scalloped concrete entry way of the Ocean Unity Church. Right next door is Northwest Radiator with its large plate glass corner window and green on green tones.

Turn right on 9th street down to Hurbert St. Across the intersection is the rounded corner and recessed entry way of the Oregon Parks Dept. Cross over to inspect the stainless steel door & push plate.

Continue down 9th Street to Alder St. On the left is the Yaquina Broadcasting Center with its columned front. About a half block further down 9th is the Victorian style facade of the Oregon Coast History Center. No, its not deco, but go inside to see exhibits about local history and the development of the bridge.

Back on Alder St. is Old City Hall (soon to be renovated as the newest Pig N' Pancake restaurant.) Note the vertical columns and decorative brick inlays. The opposite side of the street facing Coast Hwy is the Lincoln County School District. Built as the Bank of Newport, note the bas-relief window details and concrete relief above the entrance. Immediately next door is The Ark. Originally built as the Midway Theater, note the stepped gables, porthole windows, recessed entry and curved portico. Directly across Coast is the former Tip Top Motors, now Bushnell’s, with its fluted corners and recessed entry.

Continue on Coast to Hurbert noting the Kite Company’s curved corner windows, tile and recessed entries. Cross Hurbert and continue back toward City Hall. About mid-block, to the left across the street is the columned facade, tile and recessed entries of the Oregon Coast Community College. At the corner of Lee and Coast is the concrete shelf of the Red Cross.

No deco heritage tour would be complete without visiting the Yaquina Bay Bridge. A great view, on street parking and the art deco pedestrian plaza is available on the North side at the base of the bridge. —