Duluthians, residents of the Twin Ports, Northlanders, business owners, civic leaders, neighbors, students, history buffs, historians, enthusiasts, educators, tourists, admirers and other like-minded individuals, who share the same love and passion for seeking historic preservation of our great city’s landscape, and who deeply care about our local and regional history; especially the buildings’ architecture, which contribute to and benefit the city’s DNA and economy.

Duluth is no stranger to change: for better or for worse—for blessing or for curse, yet transitional change came to Downtown Duluth in the formidable 60s Gateway Urban Renewal project; a dramatic, devastating and dynamic evolution, not just to downtown, but to the overall historic architectural landscape of the city. Recent changes are apparent as demolition of several historic buildings between downtown and Lincoln Park have occurred within this year and last.

Many will also counter argue and agree that parking overall, is still an issue faced by citizens and tourists alike, who work, visit and patronize the very downtown businesses in jeopardy of relocation, yet, surely another empty space or parking lot would benefit an already empty lot/land parcel nearby. The unfortunate burden is upon the local businesses that presently call the building, located at 102 E Superior St. (102 - 108 E Superior St.) home, to name: Chinese Dragon, Hucklebeary and Old Town Antiques & Books. All are beloved staples in and to our community.

Please share in the support—to help bring awareness to downtown; what the remaining architecture, including the present building, has to offer, by persuading the owners (HALL EQUITIES, NORTH CREEK INVESTORS II LLC & ZAC NC ASSET INVESTORS LLC, based out of Walnut Creek, CA) to rethink their plans to demolish the former Astoria Hotel in lieu of a proposed parking lot. The building commands a annual tax amount of $25,020.00, as opposed to the pre-existing parking lot next door, which draws a annual tax amount of +/- $10,000.00. Is a lesser tax amount feasible for the City of Duluth? As a result, the tax loss will more than likely shift proposed taxes and/or fees to other areas. Do citizens want to makeup the difference by paying more in taxes? Duluth needs a sustainable downtown. Is another parking lot or ramp needed(?), “Yes”, but elsewhere would be better suited.

With your support, along with the willful support of city council members and the heritage preservation commission, the goal is at least 1,000 signatures (or more) by mid-January, in order to persuade the developers to change their minds. Let us be hopeful to keep downtown as historic as possible and business friendly. Duluth deserves every good accolade and merit it’s known for; even its beloved historic architecture.