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Citizen North Coast
Headlight Herald
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VOL. 47, ISSUE 20
by Columbia River
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Citizen North Coast
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
CANNONBEACHGAZETTE.COM
The History of Coaster Construction By DEB ATIYEH
B
eginning in the early 1970’s, a native Oregonian named Maurie Clark had a dream and a vision. Like many of us, Cannon Beach was a place that Maurie grew to love as a child, and it captured his heart and imagination. Inspired by Carmel, California, it shaped his vision for Cannon Beach. Maurie began buying commercial property along Hemlock Street, offering low rents to artists and other tenants in exchange for their promise to stay open all year. Working with two friends, Ray Watkins as the designer and Nick Nelson as the construction foreman, they constructed and renovated several buildings in Cannon Beach; the Coaster Theater, Sandpiper Square, Mariner Market, US Bank Building, U.S. Post Office and the Cannon Beach Library. Maurie, Ray and Nick set their standards high and everyone else followed. Cannon Beach is a testament to an idea that transformed a town with a quiet determination to bring a vision to life. In realizing their dreams, they helped others realize theirs,
LEFT PHOTO: Nick Nelson on the left and Maurie Clark on the right. RIGHT PHOTO: John Nelson and Joel Nelson. The photo was taken moments after they signed papers to purchase Coaster Construction.
and Cannon Beach is the beneficiary of what these three people worked to create. In 1973, Maurie Clark and Nick Nelson formed Coaster Properties, which managed their downtown properties in Cannon Beach as they began a series of construction projects. John Nelson joined Coaster Construction in 1982; assuming his father’s responsibilities after he retired in 1985. Nick Nelson continued his involvement in the company after retirement, with father and son working
together on projects such as the Local Scoop and the remodel of Sandpiper Square. They also worked with Steve Martin to develop affordable housing to assist the Cannon Beach community. As Maurie Clark’s health declined, John took on additional work to keep his crew of five employed, including new construction and remodels. This led to the creation of Coaster Construction. After Maurie Clark passed away in 2001, his son Mike Clark assumed ownership and
Coaster was expanded. After constructing a new building, they moved into their current location on Elk Creek Road in 2005. Coaster has evolved into a full service construction company, specializing in large custom homes, remodels and commercial projects, while still maintaining their downtown properties. Coaster currently has around 30 employees, in addition to numerous local subcontractors whom they have worked with for years. John Nelson and his son
Joel purchased Coaster Construction from Mike Clark in 2019, and the dream continues as John and Joel pursue their goal of building on the reputation and foundation that began with Maurie, Ray and Nick. They remain dedicated to high quality construction while serving the community of Cannon Beach. Coaster has played a significant role in shaping the character of Cannon Beach over the years; helping to create one of the most well-loved coastal towns in
the world. Cannon Beach stands apart from many other Oregon coastal towns due to the aesthetics and quality of the architecture. The vision and dream that began with Maurie Clark, Nick Nelson and Ray Watkins was an inspiration that helped shape the character of Cannon Beach. That legacy lives on with Coaster Construction, whose deep love for Cannon Beach has persisted throughout the years. Congratulations on 50 years of keeping the dream alive!
Coaster Construction Celebrates 50 Years By DEB ATIYEH
E
mployees, family and friends of Coaster Construction gathered at Les Shirley Park on Saturday, September 16th to celebrate their 50 years of construction in Cannon Beach. What originally started with Maurie Clark, Ray Watkins and Nick Nelson now spans three generations with son John Nelson and grandson Joel Nelson operating the business. John Nelson began working for Coaster Construction in 1982 when there were just five employees; with the business growing over the past fifty years to include thirty employees. After Maurie Clark passed away in 2001, his son Mike Clark assumed ownership of the business until John and Joel Nelson purchased Coaster Construction in 2019. The good memories and loyalty of family, friends and employees brought them together to celebrate 50 years of excellence and pride for a job well done. Thank you Coaster Construction for helping to shape the character of Cannon Beach.
John and Debbie Nelson, Ashley and Joel Nelson
John and Debbie Nelson
Jessica Dearinger, daughter and owner of interior decorator business JD Designs and son Ryder
Joel Nelson (co-owner and son)
John Nelson (co-owner) and his sisters Lynda Craft and Judy Sweeney
Holly Nelson (niece and office manager) and Ashley Nelson (daughter-in-law, Joel’s wife)
Sander Romanski (project manager), Peter Tooley (one of the first employees, now retired), Joel Nelson (co-owner)
The old guard-Mike Niebuhr, Fred Higgins, Bill McCargish, Peter Tooley, Paul Rhoer, John Nelson
Brian and Allison Smith and family (Cannon Beach Electric)
Joel Nelson (co-owner) and Kevin Becker (one of the first employees)
David Chesnut (project manager) Andy Weaver (project manager) and wife Jody