Historic YMCA In Astoria Bought For Creative Space

By April Baer (OPB)
Portland, Oregon June 16, 2015 10 p.m.

Astoria's historic YMCA building has found a buyer. Boise businessman Noel Weber purchased the space, and says he intends to develop it for creative work.

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The building was formerly owned by artist and educator Jim Russell.

The building was formerly owned by artist and educator Jim Russell.

Courtesy of Loopnet

The old Y was originally built in 1914, and has stood vacant for several years.

Weber runs a sign-painting business his father started and still has family in Astoria. He says the old building will be rehabbed to host a design-build creative agency with screen printing, a wood shop, video production and more.

The building will also include artist studios available to rent, he says.

Astoria's real estate market is heating up, which has made it harder for artists to afford work space, even as the city has become a popular destination for creatives.

The 11,000-square-foot building was listed at $350,000 while it was on the market.

Weber says renovations will begin at the end of this year.

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