There is a lot of excitement about the future of Tacoma's Old City Hall.
After sitting empty for more than a decade, the one-time home of Tacoma's city government has a new lease on life.
“This is big, really big,” said Bill Baarsma, president of the Historical Society and a former mayor of Tacoma. “We’re very, very excited,” added Surge Tacoma co-founder Eli Moreno.
Surge Tacoma, a local company specializing in co-working and office space, is preparing to renovate the 125-year-old building, combining retail, special events, micro apartments and office space.
“It is amazing to bring new life to this iconic building,” said Elly Walkowiak with Tacoma’s Economic Development Council.
“This building represents Tacoma,” added Moreno. “It belongs to the city of Tacoma. And bringing it back to life is bringing back that little piece of history that we’re missing.”
Artistic conceptions of the plan show a mixture of retail, office space, an event center in the clock tower, and micro apartments combining market rate and subsidized housing. Moreno says the cost of getting the aging building ready will be substantial.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Recall issued for ground beef sold at Safeway, Target, Sam's Club, death reported
- Caught on video: Three burglars ransack four floors of DSHS offices
- Bellingham Fire Department officers on leave after training on dead body
- Auburn clerk who collapsed during robbery is back home; search for suspects continues
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
“We’re looking at anywhere between $13 million to $15 million. Somewhere around there,” he said.
Baarsma says saving the old building would save an important part of the city's history. “Now we see new enthusiasm and commitment to historic preservation and a new owner to be, our hope, that’s fully committed to making good things happen.”
Elly Walkoviak, of Tacoma's economic development council, says one of the big reasons Surge Tacoma won out over others bidding to renovate city hall was its willingness to put up its own money.
"They’re willing to risk their own equity and appear to be capable of making that financial commitment.”
Renovation is expected to take two to two and a half years.
Cox Media Group
