The Oregon Coast has a special history of art deco style due to the six major bridges built by Conde B. McCullough in the late 1930s. These bridges did more than open the door to modern transportation, they left a unique art deco legacy on the coast.

As the new highway-oriented culture took root, the modern progressive design of the bridges affected new construction in places like Newport's City Center business district. This resulted in a distinct pocket of art deco style, one with its own unique history and culture.

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 20-30 minute walk of about 10 blocks.

Please keep in mind that the revitalization of this historic area began in 2007 and is a work in progress.

SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR

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. Walk 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 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 and push plate.

Continue down 9th Street to Alder St. On the left is the Yaquina Broadcasting Center with its columned front. About half a block further down 9th is the Victorian style Oregon Coast History Center. Go inside to see exhibits about local history and the development of the bridge.

Back on Alder Street is the Old City Hall built in 1925 that now houses the Pig N' Pancake with Fish and Wildlife offices upstairs. Note the vertical columns, decorative brick inlays and tonal paint design. The opposite side of the street facing Coast Hwy is the Lincoln County School District. Originally built as the Bank of Newport in 1936, note the bas-relief windows, faux columnade, horizontal window design and accordianed pillars above the entrance.

Immediately next door and built at the same time as the bank is the former Midway Theater, note the stepped ziggaraut tower, porthole windows, recessed entry and curved portico. Directly across the Hwy is the former Tip Top Motors, now Bushnell Stationers, with its fluted corners and recessed entry. Continue on Coast to Hurbert noting the Kite Company's curved corner, 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 curved concrete shelf of the Red Cross/Legal Aid.

No tour would be complete without visiting the Yaquina Bay Bridge. A great view is available on the North side at the base of the bridge near the art deco pedestrian plaza. Note the fluting of the curved stairway. Now hike up the bridge to inspect the art deco stylized cast concrete pylons and a nice view of the city & ocean. Enjoy!

The City Center Newport Assn. is registered with the Oregon Cultural Trust as a cultural non profit organization.

You can help support CCNA's mission of revitalizing Newport's unique Art Deco heritage by becoming a member today.