Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Longview #20: Columbia River Mercantile Building

1339 Commerce Avenue

Columbia River Mercantile Building in Longview, Washington on September 5, 2005
Columbia River Mercantile Building on September 5, 2005.

The 70,000 square foot Columbia River Mercantile Building, also known as The Merk, was the first commercial building completed in Longview. It cost over $195,000. It opened on July 17, 1923, five days after Longview's dedication, as the Long-Bell offices and company store. In 1951, the Bon Marche moved in, staying until Kelso's Three Rivers Mall opened in 1987. The building reopened in 1989 as a shop and office complex. Today, along with various businesses, the building contains the Longview Room containing local memorabilia.

Historical Photos:
Postcard View of the Columbia River Mercantile Building (R.A. Long Historical Society)
View of Commerce Avenue in the 1920s showing The Merk Building (The Daily News)

Related Links:
Columbia River Mercantile Building at the Cowlitz County Parcel Search

Continue to
21: Big Four Building & Lumberman’s Bank Clock

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