Historic Tacoma’s Annual Meeting featured an award ceremony saluting five local development professionals who have honored Tacoma’s architectural past by revitalizing existing buildings through adaptive reuse. These businesses have been identified and nominated by members of our local arts community.
2018 AWARDS FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Stonegate Pizza and Rum Bar – Jeff Call, sole proprietor. This business earned the nickname ‘Green Gate’ due to the vast amount of recycled materials used in its creation. It took two and a half years to restore the 8,000 square foot building, originally built in 1908 and located at 5421 S Tacoma Way.
Award created by artists Elayne Vogel/Ed Coumou
The Trecento Block – Rick Semple and Jori Adkins, developers. Their properties were recently awarded status on Tacoma’s Register of Historic Places. Their efforts have been recognized as stimulating Tacoma’s Dome District, our transportation hub. Personal goals included the creation of affordable spaces for artists. Four buildings covering the 300 block of S Puyallup Avenue, on the north side of the street.
Award created by artist Marse Lear
The Kellogg-Pochert Buildings – Kevin Grossman, Power Properties and The Ballinger Family Trust. The former Browne’s Star Grill property sat empty for a decade before the City of Tacoma purchased the two structures. Advocates for the building’s restoration into low income housing were Historic Tacoma and the Hilltop Business Association. Other stakeholders were the Hilltop Action Coalition, the Tacoma Housing Authority and the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, among others. From eyesore to community gem, the investment in Hilltop is paying off. Located at 1114 MLK Jr. Way.
Award created by artist Peter Darling
McMenamins Elks Temple – Brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin, developers. Currently the historic site is undergoing renovations with an investment of $34 million. The newest addition to the McMenamins’ chain of hotels, pubs and entertainment sites will feature a mix of 45 hotel rooms, conference rooms, three restaurants, brewery, a game room and a music venue. Besides packing the venue with antiques, the McMenamins hire local artists to embellish all and to enhance the sense of community. The opening date is Spring 2019. Located at 565 Broadway.
Award created by artist Steve LaBerge
7 Seas Brewing – Travis Guterson and Mike Runion, owners. Puget Sound natives, they began work on the 80,000 sq. ft. building in 2009 and feel the work will never be done. Instead of an adaptive reuse of the building, this is a return to historical use. The project not only returned brewing to the once bustling Brewery District, it now welcomes the public into a family-friendly gathering place, greeting both local residents and visitors alike. After being nominated by the owners, the building has recently met the requirements for addition to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. Located at 2101 Jefferson Avenue
Award created by artist Ann Darling
