Astoria Column

Astoria Column, built in 1926, is an Oregon Historic Landmark with 164 winding steps that lead to a viewing platform. After 80 years of intense use and severe coastal weather, the original cast iron stairs became a safety concern, and the column was closed. Hennebery Eddy investigated several restoration and replacement options and settled on a durable cast steel design that replicates the original spiral treads. We also identified a constructability strategy to remove the non-original dome in order to remove the existing stair and insert the new stair with minimal impact to the column.

Installing the new stair required temporary removal of that non-original dome, a 225-foot crane, and an operator with a spinal surgeon’s touch. With the new stairs in place, Astoria Column once again allows visitors to experience the stunning mountain and coastal views of northwest Oregon.