Historic Tacoma

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Historic Tacoma

Historic Tacoma is a small nonprofit helping others to learn more about Tacoma's historic buildings. Congress and signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden.

Funding for Historic Tacoma has been provided by Humanities Washington and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 approved by the U.S.

10/07/2026

Preservation in progress at CAB! 🏛️✨

Back in June, we shared the history of Tacoma Public Schools' Central Administration Building. Fast forward to today: TPS design and engineering teams are on-site conducting top-to-bottom investigations!

Engineers recently inspected window openings after removing test panes to ensure new custom windows fit precisely and preserve the building's historic character ahead of their March 2027 renovation.

We love seeing thoughtful care taken with Tacoma's historic school facilities. Read the full update from Tacoma Public Schools https://www.tacomaschools.org/departments/construction/current-construction/current-capital-projects/central-administration-building or revisit our original July history post.
https://www.facebook.com/HistoricTacoma/posts/the-tacoma-school-districts-central-administration-building-wasnt-always-a-quiet/1460226379465974/

10/01/2026

McCormick Library opened in 1927 and was designed by architect Silas Nelsen. Photo circa 1930s, courtesy of Tacoma Public Library's Northwest Room. The Pin Oak Tree planted in 1931 is visible in the photo.

09/30/2026

📣 Save the Date! Join Historic Tacoma's 2026 Annual Meeting

Historic Tacoma invites the community to gather at the historic Pythian Temple (926 Broadway, Tacoma) on Saturday, November 14 for an evening of local history, preservation, and community.

The program will include:
🏛 A tour of the historic Pythian Temple
🏢 Updates on Historic Tacoma's preservation efforts and activities
⚡ A special presentation by Chris Staudinger, founder of Pretty Gritty Tours: The History of Power in Tacoma

From Tacoma Light & Water to the Cushman Project and beyond, Chris will explore the people, events, engineering achievements, and civic vision that helped shape Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest.

Admission is free and all are welcome. If you're able, please consider a suggested donation of $10 or more to support Historic Tacoma's preservation advocacy, educational programs, and community outreach.

Registration is highly encouraged to help us plan seating and refreshments:

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/3rbr29sa

We look forward to seeing you on November 14!

09/17/2026

Looking for something fun to do this Saturday?

In honor of International Day of Peace, our friends are hosting a community celebration at Thea's Park on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you haven't spent time at Thea's Park lately, this is the perfect excuse to enjoy one of Tacoma's most remarkable waterfront spaces. It's hard to imagine today, but the Foss Waterway was once lined with heavy industry and suffered decades of environmental contamination. Through years of cleanup, restoration, and public investment, the area was transformed into the vibrant waterfront destination we know today.

The park is named for Thea Foss, the Norwegian immigrant entrepreneur who began renting rowboats on Tacoma's waterfront in 1889. What started as a small business eventually grew into one of the most successful maritime enterprises in the Pacific Northwest, making her one of Tacoma's most celebrated historical figures.

While you're there, be sure to visit the Memorial Globe and the Peace Pole, which features the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in 15 languages, including the languages of Tacoma's 13 sister cities, Lushootseed, and English. It feels like the perfect place to celebrate peace, friendship, and community.

Check out the event flyer below for the full schedule, and we hope to see you there!

09/15/2026

As those yellow buses return to our streets and Tacoma Public Schools begins another school year, we're reminded that the excitement of heading back to school isn't just for kids!

Did you know that exactly 136 years ago today, on September 15, 1890, the University of Puget Sound (UPS) welcomed its first class of 88 students? Founded in Tacoma in 1888, UPS is the oldest operating college in our city.

While the university's earliest classes were held downtown, UPS moved to its current North End campus in 1924. Today, the campus remains one of Tacoma's most beloved architectural landmarks, known for its beautiful Tudor Gothic buildings, red brick facades, ivy-covered walls, graceful archways, and carefully crafted stonework.

Historic Tacoma actually meets monthly right here on the UPS campus. If you've ever been curious about what we do, are interested in local preservation, or would like to get involved, we'd love to meet you. Email us at [email protected], and we'll be happy to invite you to sit in one monthly board meeting.

Here's to a great school year ahead, and to continuing to appreciate Tacoma's rich history together!

09/10/2026

Following up on the North Union Avenue Greenway historic designation!

The News Tribune just covered the story, and you can watch a short video feature with two of our board members, Jody and Marshall, talking about why this stretch of median is so special.

Getting North Union on the Tacoma Register took over a year of deep research and collaboration with local stakeholders, city staff, and neighbors. We’re so excited to see that hard work recognized!

Check out the TNT article and video interview here: https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article317118905.html

09/08/2026

📢 Historic Tacoma has added the U.S. Bank building at 3916 N. 26th Street to our Watch List!

Built in 1963 for United Mutual Savings Bank, this New Formalist landmark was designed by the architectural firm Harris, Reed & Wilson. Its distinctive round form makes it a rare example of mid-century bank architecture and possibly the only mushroom-shaped circular building in Tacoma, and perhaps even Washington State.

The building's unique design features an upper floor that extends beyond the lower level, vertical fixed windows and cement plaster trim, and modern architectural detailing, it reflects the optimism and innovation of the 1960s. The building was also featured in the February 1965 issue of Architecture West.

As development continues to intensify in the Proctor District, this architectural treasure faces increasing pressure from rising property values and surrounding redevelopment. Historic Tacoma will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the preservation of this one-of-a-kind landmark.

👀 Learn more on our website and stay tuned for updates! https://historictacoma.org/watchlist -108

09/04/2026

🔎 Ever wonder what used to stand on your block over a century ago?

Sanborn Maps are one of the most valuable tools preservationists, historians, and local researchers use to unlock our city's past.

Our friend Jennifer Crooks at breaks down how these amazingly detailed maps offer a fascinating window into Pierce County's history—and why they're still an essential research resource today. If you've ever dug into the history of a local historic property, chances are you've used one!

📖 Read the full article here: https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2026/08/04/sanborn-maps-offer-window-into-pierce-countys-past/

09/01/2026

69 years ago today—September 1, 1957—the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, brought his electrifying performance to our very own Lincoln Bowl! 🎸👑

This historic venue, nestled beside Lincoln High School, was completed and dedicated in 1948. At the time, it was the premier large outdoor arena in the area capable of hosting one of the most iconic concerts in Tacoma's history.

Approximately 6,000 fans—mostly screaming teenage girls—packed the bowl for the 2:00 p.m. matinee show. Dressed in his iconic style, Elvis drove the crowd into a absolute frenzy. The energy must have been unreal—what a wild way to wrap up the summer before heading back to school!

What is your favorite memory of Lincoln Bowl, or your own favorite back-to-school tradition? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments! 👇

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Tacoma, WA

Website

https://www.HistoricTacoma.org/

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