TACOMA, Wash. — Old City Hall has been part of Tacoma's skyline since 1893.
Built in the style of the Italian Renaissance, it housed Tacoma's municipal government until 1959 and was nearly torn down in 1973 before being saved and declared a historic landmark.
“Old City Hall is Tacoma,” said city economic development manager Ellen Walkowiak. “It’s so iconic.”
Attempts to remodel and lease space for businesses and restaurants that began 10 years ago failed when the real estate market collapsed.
In May, the city bought the building for $4 million -- more than a million over its assessed value.
What's happened since?
Tacoma's Economic Development Department has been aggressively marketing Old City Hall.
“We’re looking for uses that would be [a] hotel or offices,” said Walkowiak. “Could also involve retail.”
Time has been rough on the old structure.
Bricks are beginning to fall in places, so a fence surrounds it to protect people on the street below.
Roof repairs are badly needed.
The building sits in an area of Tacoma that has seen an economic revival and many hope it becomes a centerpiece.
“It would be great. It’s been a few years since we had anybody in that space,” said restaurant owner Dave Meconi. “Get some bodies in there. Get it full of potential customers for the business down here again, like it used to be.”
The city is planning a tour of the building for potential investors on Sept. 30.
KIRO
