Sneak Peek: Astoria Hotel (aka Loeb Block)

The 1905 Astoria Hotel, aka the Loeb Block, photographed ca. 1907 by Hugh McKenzie (Image: University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library Special Collections & Archives)

Happy 2022! On Mondays throughout 2022 we will be giving you a sneak peek at our newest book, Duluth’s Grand Old Architecture 1870–1940 by Tony Dierckins and the late Maryanne C. Norton. We’re hoping to release the book in June, but meanwhile you can find out more about it here.

For our first sneak peak we chose a building that has been in the news recently. This past December the owners of the historic 1905 Astoria Hotel, aka the Loeb Block, at 102–108 E. Superior St. had given its tenants notice to move out, as it is planning to demolish the building in 2022. Read our history of the Astoria here.

The Astoria is a contributing building to Duluth’s Downtown Commercial Historic District. Since the district was established in 2006, the following contributing buildings have either been demolished or their owners plan or hope to demolish them:

Historic Name: J. J. Costello Hardware and Stoves
Recent Name: Abalan’s Quality Interiors/The Master’s Piano Shop

Address: 22-24 East Superior Street
Date: 1884 and 1891
Architect: Traphagen & Fitzpatrick (22) and George Wirth (24)
Status: Contributing (Demolished)

Historic Name: Carter Hotel
Recent Name: Carter Hotel
Address: 17-25 North 2nd Avenue East
Date: 1928
Architect: unknown
Status: Contributing (Demolished)

Historic Name: Parker Millinery
Recent Name: Duluth Oriental Grocery
Address: 323 East Superior Street
Date: 1900
Architect: F. L. Young
Status: Contributing (Demolished)

Historic Name: Carlson Bakery
Recent Name: Hacienda del Sol
Address: 319 East Superior Street
Date: 1910
Architect: Anthony Puck
Status: Contributing (Demolished)

Historic Name: Astoria Hotel
Current Name: Old Town Antiques and Books/Chinese Dragon Restaurant
Address: 102-108 East Superior Street
Date: 1905
Architect: Unknown
Status: Contributing

Historic Name: Pastoret Terrace
Current Name: Kozy Bar & Apartments

Address: 127-129 East 1st Street
Date: 1887 Architect: Oliver Traphagen
Status: Contributing (Derelict)