Pendleton rededicates city hall on 30th anniversary of opening
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PENDLETON – Exactly 30 years to the day after the former Helen McCune Junior High reopened as Pendleton City Hall, city leaders gathered once again to rededicate the building in a short ceremony Monday night.
Pendleton Mayor McKennon McDonald noted that for some younger City Council members, this marked their inaugural dedication of the facility
“I’ve never not known it to be City Hall,” said McDonald, who noted that the year began with a 30th anniversary celebration for the library occupying the bottom floor and concluded with Monday’s ceremony for the city offices above.
The downtown building on Dorian Avenue was built in 1937 with funding from the estate of John Vert and the federal Public Works Administration. Originally named Pendleton Junior High School, it was renamed in 1956 for longtime Pendleton educator Helen McCune.
After junior high classes relocated elsewhere in the city, the structure faced potential demolition. However, community member spoke out against razing the site, and voters approved a $2.95 million bond measure in 1994 to renovate the facility into City Hall and the Pendleton Public Library.
The refurbished complex was dedicated Nov. 9, 1996, and also houses the Vert Auditorium and Pendleton Recreation Center.
“I love that city hall is located in downtown Pendleton and brings vibrancy and life,” McDonald said. “We hope to do so for many years to come.”
Pendleton City Council and Chamber of Commerce members get ready to cut ribbon at Monday’s ceremony.
