Corvallis, a city with a rich history, is home to Second Street, previously known as Main Street. This one-mile stretch, a 15-minute walk, is dotted with historical landmarks and buildings that trace the city’s history from the Gold Rush era to today. The walk can start from the south end of Second Street, marked by a large cement bridge that crosses over 99W and the park. The intersection of Second Street and Monroe Avenue divides the street into NW Second Street and SW Second Street.
At the start of SW 2nd Street, at the corner of SW B Avenue, is the Pepsi Building, a one-story wood frame structure. This building, the only commercial building in the Avery-Helm Historic District, was home to the Corvallis Soda Works from 1924 to 1936. After Pepsi moved, the building was used by two fish hatcheries and later a meditation center.
Further down the street, on the east side of Western Avenue, is the ‘Waterdance’ by Miles Pepper, a 4-foot pillar inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings. Installed in 2004, this artwork mimics water movement, featuring fish and waves. Walking along Second Street, you’ll find 20 of these bronze art pillars marking entrances to the Riverfront Commemorative Park.