A replica of a 1930s oil derrick could become another icon for a small foothills village this summer.
Twin Cities Hotel co-owner Chris Goss plans to construct a 65-foot tall oil derrick replica on the northwest corner of his business’ lot this summer, representing the decade the 77-year-old hotel was built and the booming oil industry at the time.
On April 21, Longview Village council approved the hotel owners’ request to amend the land use bylaw for the site to allow the derrick to reach 65 feet, which deviates from the bylaw’s maximum height of 27.88 feet for commercial structures.
“We need to help our businesses in every way we can,” said Longview Mayor Cliff Ayrey. “If it makes the vehicles stop in the village it’s a win for every business in town.”
Ayrey said the oil derrick replica will add to Longview’s existing icons, such as the bright blue crosswalk sign on the side of Longview School and the popular Longview Jerky Shop.
Ayrey said council had no concerns regarding the height of the oil derrick, adding the radio tower at Longview School is about 100 feet.
“There are other structures in our communities that are a lot taller,” he said.
A public hearing held before council’s decision saw approximately one dozen people in attendance supporting the Twin Cities Hotel’s proposal.
Ayrey said he also spoke with local merchants adjacent to the hotel beforehand and received positive feedback.
“It adds another feature to our village,” he said. “We have to continue to look at ways to continue to be sustainable. As we move forward if we have an idea that comes forward we have to look at all the pros and cons and with the uniqueness of this project I see it as a win for the village and for businesses.”
Goss, who lived in Longview his entire life, said he’s glad to have support from the community to construct the oil derrick.
“The response was great,” he said. “Eight people got up, long-time residents like the former mayor and some business people, and they were absolutely very much for it because they thought it was awesome to show Longview’s history. We are just trying to give the hotel some curb appeal.”
Goss said while oil derricks were made of wood in the 1930s, the 60,000-pound replica will be constructed of metal for longevity and safety reasons, but will look wooden in appearance.
Business owner Winnie Hayden said she supports council’s decision, adding the oil derrick is a symbol of Longview’s heritage.
“That’s what Longview was built on was the oil and gas industry,” said the owner of Hayden’s Machine Shop.
“I think it’s wonderful to have something like that here. It supports our history. It’s something to draw people to Longview.”
While no one expressed opposition at last week’s public hearing, residents Lorraine Watson and Bonnie Duckett collectively wrote a letter of opposition to the Village regarding the Twin Cities Hotel proposal.
The letter suggested the Village have a conversation with the larger community before making a decision, and that such a structure should be considered an asset of the Village and therefore belong to the Village. The women expressed concerns that the structure’s height would be equivalent to a six-foot story building and more than two times the allowable height for commercial buildings in Longview.
“The decision is their decision and I wish the larger community had more time to be aware of the whole project and have a larger discussion about what such a structure would mean,” Watson said after council approved the proposal.
Goss said his plan is to have the oil derrick built in Calgary and transported to Longview in about two months. He hopes to have it installed for Little New York Days and to fly the Longview, Canadian, American and British Union Jack flag on the top of the oil derrick replica.
