Pacific City

Founding and the Name Change

The modern history of the settlement began in 1893 when Thomas Malaney officially platted the town, naming it Ocean Park. However, the early years proved difficult: a devastating flood in 1894 forced the town to be relocated to higher ground south of the original site.

The town received its current name, Pacific City, in 1909. The name change was a necessary administrative measure to avoid constant postal confusion with the town of the same name, Ocean Park, in neighboring Washington state.

Key Factors of Development

The town's development was dictated by a unique combination of geography and resources:

• Geographical Specifics: The town is located at the mouth of the Nestucca River under the protection of Cape Kiwanda. Its main feature is the lack of a natural deep-water harbor, which forever defined the maritime traditions of the region.
• Isolation: In the early years, reaching the area from the Willamette Valley was difficult, which helped foster a close-knit and distinctive community.
• Natural Resources: The abundance of salmon in local waters acted as a magnet for early settlers and commercial enterprises.

Early Culture and Economy

The economy of early Pacific City rested on two pillars: fishing and emerging tourism. As early as 1895, the Sea View Hotel (later the Edmundes Hotel) opened to welcome pioneers eager to see the ocean.

The primary cultural phenomenon was the emergence of the Dory fleet. Due to the lack of a pier, local fishermen used special flat-bottomed boats capable of launching and beaching directly through the surf. This fishing method became the town's hallmark and has survived to this day.

Historical Milestones

• 1893 — Thomas Malaney officially plats the town, originally named Ocean Park.
• 1894 — A severe flood destroys the first buildings by the river, forcing residents to move the settlement to higher ground to the south.
• 1909 — Upon the opening of the post office, the town is renamed Pacific City to avoid confusion with a town of the same name in Washington state.
• 1920s — Improved road connections with the Willamette Valley begin to attract the first automobile tourists to the coast.
• 1926 — A ban on commercial net fishing in Nestucca Bay is introduced. This event was a turning point: fishermen were forced to use dory boats en masse to head into the open ocean through the surf, finalizing the unique local fishing style.
• 1951 — The Pacific City State Airport is transferred to the ownership of the State of Oregon, ensuring a reliable link to the outside world for small aircraft.
• 1959 — The first "Dory Days" festival is held, becoming an annual tradition to honor the unique culture of local fishermen.
• 1996 — The Pelican Brewing Company opens right on the beach, eventually becoming one of Oregon's top gastronomic attractions.
• 2018 — The launch of the Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa marks a new era in the development of premium tourism in the region.

The Evolution of a Resort: From Fishing Village to Luxury Getaway

The story of Pacific City transforming into a popular tourist destination is a prime example of how challenging circumstances can shape a place's unique character. A decisive role was played by the residents' adaptation to nature and local laws: the ban on river net fishing in the early 20th century didn't destroy the industry, but rather transformed it into the legendary dory boat culture. For today's traveler, this means the chance to witness living history: the spectacular launch and landing of fishing boats directly through the surf has remained unchanged for a century.

In recent decades, the town has made a qualitative leap from a secluded settlement to a high-class resort. While visitors once came solely for the wilderness and fishing, the arrival of landmark gastronomic projects and spa complexes has added essential comfort to Oregon's rugged beauty. Today, Pacific City offers a rare combination of an authentic frontier atmosphere and premium service, where guests can enjoy craft beer and fine dining with an ocean view after a hike at Cape Kiwanda.

Architectural Character and Urban Planning

Pacific City is a small coastal town whose architecture is shaped by Oregon's rugged climate and its unique resort identity. You won't find monumental cathedrals or classical palaces here; instead, the buildings showcase an evolution from a utilitarian fishing settlement to a modern center for eco-tourism.

Development Stages and Styles

The urban development of Pacific City can be divided into two main stages, each leaving its mark on the town's appearance:

• Traditional Coastal Style (Mid-20th Century): Historical development is represented by modest beach cottages and bungalows. This period is characterized by the use of cedar shingle siding, which develops a noble grey hue over time due to the salty air. These houses were built with gabled roofs to protect against frequent rains and feature simple, functional forms.
• Modern Northwest Style (Late 20th – 21st Century): As the resort's popularity grew, buildings in the "Northwest Regional" style began to appear. This movement emphasizes harmony with the landscape. It utilizes natural materials (stone, raw wood), large panoramic windows for ocean views, and open-concept floor plans.

Iconic Structures

The look of modern Pacific City is defined by several key properties located near Cape Kiwanda:

• Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa: A striking example of modern resort architecture. The building combines rustic elements with minimalism: rough stone and wood sit alongside metal and glass, creating a sense of luxury integrated into the wild surroundings.
• Pelican Brewing Company: Located right on the beach, the brewery building has become an architectural landmark on the coast. It is designed in the spirit of great seaside lodges, featuring massive wooden beams and wide windows facing the ocean and Haystack Rock.

Historical Figures and Contemporary Leaders

Despite its modest size, Pacific City is connected to individuals whose efforts have defined its unique character, from ancient times to the present day.

• Chief Kiwanda
  Leader of the Nestucca tribe, 19th-century historical figure
  A famous leader of the indigenous people who lived on these lands before the arrival of Europeans. He was known for his friendliness and hospitality toward the first settlers. Cape Kiwanda, the region's main natural landmark and the protective barrier that allows fishermen to launch into the sea, is named in his honor.
• Thomas Malaney
  Town founder and surveyor
  The man who officially platted the settlement in 1893, originally naming it Ocean Park. It was his vision that transformed scattered farms and fishing shacks into an organized community, which later became Pacific City.
• Ray Monroe
  Legendary fisherman and guardian of traditions
  One of the most famous representatives of the dory boat fleet. Monroe played a key role in the political struggle to preserve the right of fishermen to drive onto the beach to launch their boats. Thanks to his activism, the unique tradition of launching from the sand—the town's calling card—was not legally prohibited.
• Mary Jones
  Entrepreneur and restaurateur
  Co-founder of the Kiwanda Hospitality Group and the famous Pelican Brewing Company. In the 1990s, she took a risk by opening a business right on the beach, which served as a catalyst for transforming a quiet fishing village into a popular Oregon tourist and gastronomic hub.
• Jeff Schons
  Developer and hotelier
  Mary Jones' business partner, responsible for the architectural development of the resort area. His projects, including the Inn at Cape Kiwanda and Headlands Coastal Lodge, set a high standard for local hospitality and shaped the modern architectural style of the coast.