Key downtown Astoria parcel changes hands
Published 4:00 pm Friday, November 30, 2007
Warren Williams, a Bend resident who acquired the Spexarth Building in Astoria just a year ago, recently purchased additional downtown property – the irregular-shaped lot and a building at the corner of 13th and Duane streets.
Williams bought the property from Sam Morrow, who previously operated a used car lot and antique furniture shop at the site. Last year Morrow announced plans for a two to three story luxury condominium/retail structure on the site, but that project didn’t materialize.
Williams, who purchased the nearly 10,000 sq. ft. lot for around $450,000, has no immediate plans for changes on the site, but said he intends to re-stripe the parking area and improve the existing 2,700 sq. ft. building.
“Like we did on the Spexarth Building, we’re working with a designer to choose exterior colors that will integrate well with the surrounding business neighborhood,” Williams said. He added that exterior painting will likely not begin until better weather returns next year.
Williams’ long-term plans for the site are dependent on market conditions.
“I might build condos or apartments, but right now apartments don’t pencil, and there are several other condo projects in the works in Astoria. So, I’ll just hang tough and see what happens,” he said.
For now, Williams simply hopes to find a tenant to occupy what will be a refurbished building, and perhaps lease some of the parking spaces to downtown business people.
Myriad Commercial Properties and Select Properties of Oregon, both of Astoria, were the agents for the transaction.
