For renovations, a historic gift shop perched on a cliff in central Oregon will be shuttered through the spring.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said Thursday that the Cape Foulweather Gift Shop, which is part of the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint just south of Depoe Bay, will be closed until June while workers start a $917,000 renovation project on the historic structure.
Wilbur Buck and Anna Badley constructed the structure, also called The Look-Out on Cape Foulweather, in 1937. At first, they operated it as a coffee shop. Soon after, the two decided to capitalize on the rise in automotive tourism by selling souvenirs. During World War II, the American military also utilized the Look-Out as a strategic location.
Because of the exceptionally poor weather on the day he first spotted the landmark in 1778, Captain James Cook gave it the name Cape Foulweather.
The state parks agency acquired the structure in 2013, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
In 2015, shortly after being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cape Foulweather Gift Shop was viewed.Richard Terry/The Oregonian
The Cape Foulweather Gift Shop in an old photograph.The Historical Society of Oregon
According to park officials, the gift store will now undergo a significant makeover that will include improving visitor safety and accessibility, repairing the roof, windows, and exterior, and doing structural repairs. Using siding materials that are comparable to those used in the original building, renovations are also intended to restore the facade’s character.
Winter 2025 is when a second round of renovations is anticipated to start, with an emphasis on accessibility and improvements to the building’s plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
According to the parks department, parking at Cape Foulweather will be severely restricted during the restrictions.
–Jamie Hale co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast and writes about travel and the outdoors. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-294-4077, or HaleJamesB.
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