Tony's Building Property: Demolition and Hazardous Materials Abatement

The Tony’s Building property, located at the corner of E. 2nd and Federal Streets (401-407 E. 2nd Street), was first developed in the late 1800s. After being destroyed in the Fire of 1891, the main building was rebuilt the following year. The main building was extensively remodeled over time and eventually incorporated the adjacent building into the overall design in the 1970s. The property has housed many different businesses over the years, most notably Tony’s Town and Country operating from 1977 to 2016.

The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency Board (CGURAB) purchased the property in 2016 with the hopes of redeveloping a major portion of the downtown core. Multiple plans, including demolition, as well as reuse of the building were considered; however, various factors led to abandoning these plans. In review of these plans, various building inspections and surveys were conducted, which highlighted the high cost of needed building repairs and an inventory of hazardous materials throughout the property.

In early 2021, the CGURAB directed Agency Staff to pursue the steps necessary for demolition of the building with an interest in creating a “shovel-ready” development opportunity in the downtown. In August 2021, the City’s Historic Landmarks Commission unanimously approved the Agency’s request for demolition of the building.

In March 2023, Agency Staff issued an Invitation to Bid solicitation for hazardous materials abatement and demolition for the property. In July 2023, the Agency awarded a contract for the work to Konell Construction and Demolition Corp. of Sandy, Oregon, who completed the project November 2023. Following demolition, Stantec Consulting Services completed a post-demolition cultural resource review of the property consistent with an Archeological Excavation and Collection Permit issued through the State of Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.

Starting in 2024, the Agency will begin to explore development options for the site to add another piece to the history of downtown The Dalles.

Please contact the Agency Manager Joshua Chandler at jchandler@ci.the-dalles.or.us to request any additional information.

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