The Waldron Brothers’ Drugstore, also known as the Gitchell Building, is the oldest intact commercial building in The Dalles. Constructed during the Civil War of local stone, it has served many purposes in its 155 years: a Post Office and drugstore, town newspaper office and Masonic Lodge, ticket office, and later as apartments, offices, and even a haunted house. Repair work was done in 2009 to address areas of deterioration, but now the building is threatened with demolition. A group of concerned citizens has formed to work with The Dalles Main Street program, city officials, and residents to develop a plan for the rehabilitation and reuse of the Drugstore. In the past year, they have succeeded in completing a feasibility study for its reuse and, along with Restore Oregon staff, appealed to City Council to place a stay on demolition. This provides much-needed time to explore relocation options and assess the resources and cost of rehabilitating this critically endangered landmark.
