The American Legion building in downtown Astoria eventually needs an estimated $1.3 million for repairs.

The Astoria City Council, acting as the Astoria Development Commission, voted Aug. 19 to approve a funding request for emergency roof repairs of the American Legion Clatsop Post 12 building downtown.

Representatives from the American Legion spoke at a City Council work session in July, outlining the history and current condition of the building on Exchange Street. The American Legion requested about $1.3 million in urban renewal funds for projects, including emergency roof repairs, but also the installation of an elevator and a restoration of the building’s historic facade.

Dwayne “Doc” Holiday, the post commander, spoke at the work session about the value of the American Legion to veterans in the community, including his personal experience.

“When I got out (of military service), I didn’t have anything,” Holiday said. “I didn’t have — there was no camaraderie, no friendship, none of that. You feel out of place. And I found the American Legion and I’ve been there ever since.”

Holiday explained that the building’s poor condition has interfered with the American Legion’s ability to provide necessary support to veterans. Constructed in the 1920s, the building’s roof has sustained significant weather damage. The building also lacks elevators, an impediment to many older and disabled veterans who are unable to fully utilize the space.

Additionally, Holiday said the American Legion hopes to restore the building’s historic footprint. City councilors noted in July that this historic preservation work could complement the city’s plan to revitalize Heritage Square, which shares a block with the American Legion building.

“We are wrapped in vinyl over there. I don’t know if a lot of people have ever seen pictures of what that building looks like, but underneath all that vinyl is the old Montgomery Ward building,” Holiday said. “And the whole face on the Exchange side is all beautiful windows. It’s a nice facade on the front. And that’s what we’d really like to go back to as well: bring back the historic look of the building to go hand in hand with everything around the city.”

The restoration of the windows on the building’s facade have a practical application for veterans, as well, Holiday emphasized.

“I have a lot of veterans that I want to get them signed up, but they won’t come in because, essentially, as it is right now, you’re sitting in a coffin without those front windows,” he said. “And I can speak for myself, too, I want every escape possible.”

The Development Commission agreed on Aug. 19 only to allocate about $160,000 for roof repairs, but stressed their commitment to aiding the American Legion with the remainder of the project.

“I think it’s important for the Development Commission and the Legion and city staff to work towards identifying other ways that the commission can help support the Legion and this block with development commission funds, in preserving and being able to continue to keep the Legion moving towards a restored state,” said City Councilor Elisabeth Adams, who represents downtown.