Q: What is the significance of the three large urns sitting on top of the Tioga Hotel in downtown Coos Bay?

A: “Why they are there? I have no idea.” That’s the answer from the building’s owner, Loren Ness. He just isn’t sure. Ness purchased the Tioga Hotel and adjacent Koski Building in December 2007. He said he has studied the history of the building and believes the urns were installed in the 1920s.

Ness said owners long ago had planned more elaborate designs for the building, but money ran short during the Great Depression and construction ceased.

When finishing work was completed in the 40s and 50s, the lower levels didn’t get the same designs as the ninth floor.

Ness said he wants to address the lack of detail on the first two levels by applying for a facade improvement grant with the city. The design work is being done by Butch Schroeder, who also helped prepare plans for the facade improvement of the nearby Blue Heron Bistro. Ness said he wants to turn in his grant application by the end of the year and make improvements next year. The urns will remain where they are, even if their origins remain unknown.