This particular block had been a

focus of redevelopment discussions

ever since the

City purchased the property in 2002.

​

City Councilor Arline LaMear,

along with Astoria City Library Director Jane Tucker,

suggested moving the Garden of Surging Waves concept

from its 9th Street site to the

more centrally located Legion Block

in the middle of downtown Astoria.

​

The new location would be more visible and

provide additional urban park space for community use.

 

The Astoria City Council and the

Garden's project committee 

agreed that the move was a good solution.

​

The block was subsequently renamed

"Astoria Heritage Square"

 

The Garden of Surging Waves

occupies the northwest corner of Heritage Square —

the block bound by Duane, Exchange,

11th and 12th Streets,

adjacent to City Hall —

and preserves the design and footprint

that were planned for the original 9th Street location.

 

As funds are available,

other portions of the Heritage Square block

will be redeveloped for public use,

and include community gathering space

similar to Portland's Pioneer Square.

 

Concepts call for the block to feature an amphitheater

and creative, interpretive “windows” to Astoria's past.

The American Legion Building

currently situated on the site

would remain and be

integrated into the block's redevelopment.