Concrete Historic Byway

Concrete Historic Byway. . , The large number of buildings constructed from fireproof Portland cement distinguishes Concrete's downtown. It was reconstructed after two disastrous fires in 1915 and 1921 destroyed or damaged many of the original wooden buildings. As you look around, note the construction techniques of different eras: , 1. Pouring concrete into reinforced wooden forms was the standard method of construction from 1913 through the 1920's. Walls of these buildings retain the horizontal form board lines, and close inspection reveals wood grain. From the Eagles Lodge, to the west, buildings date from 1919 (the "Model" and the "Argerin") to 1923 (the Concrete Theatre). The Fire Department at the end of Main Street dates from 1925. Ornamental cornices and lettering were added to top structures for visual interest. Over the years, many buildings have hidden their cement behind decorative fronts of wood, stucco, or other materials. , 2. More elaborate poured concrete construction can be seen in the 1932 building on the corner of Main and Dillard (the Verizon phone building). , 3. Concrete block construction was developed in the 1940's, and included use of glass block inserts. Examples are the American Legion, and buildings to the east. , 4. The most recent building destroyed by fire (2004) and rebuilt in wood-frame, is the restaurant at the corner of Main and Baker. , 5. The sculpture of "The Bear" was carved from a 1500-year-old Douglas fir log and mounted here in 1993 on a cement pedestal. , Detailed information about local buildings and their history can be found in the Town of Concrete Walking Tour brochure, available at the Concrete Heritage Museum and the Chamber of Commerce.