SEASIDE – One of Oregon’s unique landmarks is getting a face-lift.

The Prom, built in 1921, is a central feature in Seaside, and is getting a little sprucing up to save it from even more wear and tear.

Randy Curs, of Hanson Concrete Construction Co.,, said the restoration project will span a total of 1,000 feet at it’s completion. A crew of five is working on the restoration, which requires pressure washing of the concrete, followed by sanding and crack repair and a thick “slurry coat” before the whole structure is sealed.

“It’s a cement polymer compound that dries really hard and quick,” said Curs. He said the product being applied to the Prom rail is a product also used in Hawaii, where salt air, wind, sand and water are also significant factors in concrete wear and tear. Curs said the rail and light poles that have been restored thus far were “eroding really badly.”

City Public Works Director Neal Wallace said Hanson Concrete had been authorized to do a “base repair project” for about $40,000. Once that dollar amount has been eclipsed, the project will have to go out to bid.

The 1,000-foot length of the Prom selected for restoration will take at least one month to complete and the work must be done on dry days.

“It all has to be done by hand,” said Curs. “We could probably get a sprayer down here but then it would probably all end up on the beach. It takes a good week with five guys working to do 100 feet … and that’s really going at it.”

Curs said people have stopped to talk to the work crews and told them the restoration is a “great improvement” to the Prom.

“I think it’s pretty obvious, in some places, that neglect is catching up with it,” said Wallace.

Wallace said the city considered the possibility of removing the railing entirely and rebuilding it from the sidewalk up but, upon further exploration, found that it would be an expensive proposition as the railing is anchored to the sea wall with rebar. He said the city has currently set aside about $250,000 to spend on the restoration, including the cost of the 1,000 feet currently being restored.

“Structurally, it’s all one,” said Wallace. “I’ll bet you it’d easily cost three times the cost of the (current) project (to demolish the Prom railing). We were really looking for alternative ways to fix it, making it structurally sound, and make it whole again.”

In an effort to offset some of the cost of the restoration project, the city is offering commemorative opportunities on the Prom. Those interested in placing a commemorative plaque can purchase placement on one of the light poles on the Prom. The cost of a commemorative opportunity covers the cost of the plaque and replacing or restoring the light fixture.

Wallace said the process had not been formalized, but those wishing to get their light pole request in early could call Public Works at (503) 738-5112 and reserve a pole along the Prom.