Union Town Steam Bath Restoration
Donation protected
Bring Back The Historic Uniontown Steam Bath!
The baths opened in 1928, one of three public saunas operated locally by Finnish immigrant and Olympic medal winning wrestler Kaarlo Koskelo. There were eight private steam rooms, some hot tubs and a larger communal steam room dubbed the "bullpen," where many regular visitors gathered to relax and trade stories, build community and gossip about day to day happenings
Instead of the more familiar dry saunas, the Union Steam Baths relied on steam - the pull of a cord spills water over hot pipes running through the tiled rooms and generates clouds of steam. The Astoria baths are believed to be the only remaining authentic steam saunas in the Western United States
The baths were especially popular with local fishermen and cannery workers seeking to warm their bones from a cold day on the water and remained a draw for locals and tourists for years. While the second floor provided room and board for those in need of shelter for the night or a place to call home.
If you can help us make our goal it will be the beginning of the exciting process of bringing this brick and block two story back to life:
A new roof, wood clad windows, storefront remodel and fresh mortar and paint will be just the beginning of this beautiful italianette renovation. Reclaimed fixtures, fir, cedar and local basalt will be the materials of choice for the interior remodel. But this process is no short list; plumbing and electrical will require a full upgrade as well as the installation of a fire suppression and boiler system.
In addition to the Steam Baths, visions of a cozy cafe filled with Gravlax and Akvavit dance in our heads and bellies. And the multi unit second floor is set to house both full time residents and travelers in search of an authentic Astorian experience.
We live and work within this amazing little city and are excited to provide more job and housing opportunities to our fellow community members.
Please help bring this historical haunt’s rich history back to life!
Donate what you can and spread the word to those who share our excitement. We can accomplish this goal but not without lots of love and support from you!
The baths opened in 1928, one of three public saunas operated locally by Finnish immigrant and Olympic medal winning wrestler Kaarlo Koskelo. There were eight private steam rooms, some hot tubs and a larger communal steam room dubbed the "bullpen," where many regular visitors gathered to relax and trade stories, build community and gossip about day to day happenings
Instead of the more familiar dry saunas, the Union Steam Baths relied on steam - the pull of a cord spills water over hot pipes running through the tiled rooms and generates clouds of steam. The Astoria baths are believed to be the only remaining authentic steam saunas in the Western United States
The baths were especially popular with local fishermen and cannery workers seeking to warm their bones from a cold day on the water and remained a draw for locals and tourists for years. While the second floor provided room and board for those in need of shelter for the night or a place to call home.
If you can help us make our goal it will be the beginning of the exciting process of bringing this brick and block two story back to life:
A new roof, wood clad windows, storefront remodel and fresh mortar and paint will be just the beginning of this beautiful italianette renovation. Reclaimed fixtures, fir, cedar and local basalt will be the materials of choice for the interior remodel. But this process is no short list; plumbing and electrical will require a full upgrade as well as the installation of a fire suppression and boiler system.
In addition to the Steam Baths, visions of a cozy cafe filled with Gravlax and Akvavit dance in our heads and bellies. And the multi unit second floor is set to house both full time residents and travelers in search of an authentic Astorian experience.
We live and work within this amazing little city and are excited to provide more job and housing opportunities to our fellow community members.
Please help bring this historical haunt’s rich history back to life!
Donate what you can and spread the word to those who share our excitement. We can accomplish this goal but not without lots of love and support from you!
Organizer
Eric Bechard
Organizer
Astoria, OR