Knights of Pythias Building Damaged
We noticed an unfortunate little note on the Historic Tacoma Facebook page with the accompanying picture.
Knights of Pythias Building Damaged
The winter snow and ice storms unfortunately led to significant water leaks and damage at the Pythian building downtown. The Pythian Temple, designed by architect Frederick Henry Heath, was built in 1906. Most of the interior is historically intact and the building is on both the Tacoma Historic Register and the National Historic Register. Historic Tacoma has had a number of functions in the space, particularly the stunning “castle hall.”
Historic Tacoma board member Roger Johnson, who specializes in moisture infiltration, went out and assisted the Knights in a building evaluation after the storm. An ice dam allowed water to leak along interior walls. Wall and ceiling papers have peeled back, finished woodwork has water streaks, plaster has become loose in some areas, pocket doors have become swollen from the water and historic books were damaged as well.
The knights are trying to address the damage and are discussing a longer term capitol project of replacing the roof. If you would like to assist them, or donate funds to the cause, please contact Phil Blackledge at philblackledge@gmail.com.
Checks can be made out directly to the Knights of Pythias and earmarked for water damage repair. Mail to 924 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
… and a follow-up:
Castle hall managed to avoid most of the water damage. The carpet did get water logged/stained and the pocket doors have become swollen. The worst of the damage is in the auxiliary spaces, and of course, the roof needs to be addressed for long term stability.
We’ve always liked the Pythian Temple for a number of reason, and it would be a shame to see this water damage go un-addressed. If you’re not familiar with the interior of the building at 9th and Broadway, we found this fun little video tour out there in the interwebs (the impressive “castle hall” makes its appearance around minute 3).
Previously from Exit133: A Glimpse at the Pythian Temple.
Filed under: pythian-temple, History
2 comments
S Sarah April 17, 2012
I was so sad to see the post about the water damage. While it is a relief to hear that the Castle Hall managed to avoid most of the damage, I hope they are able to work on the other areas soon. Since the snow and ice storms were a few months ago, did they just now find the damage?
If you haven’t been to the Pythian Temple, I suggest you check it out. They are very welcoming and like to share the history of the building. It feels like you are in another time when you are there, it really is lovely.
J Joel April 17, 2012
The damage was discovered during the ice storm, and the ice dam was relieved. The Knights are working on preventing this type of backup from occurring in the future. Over the past several months, the priorities were to ensure proper drainage, dry out and dehumidify the interior of the lodge (including the historical books, which have successfully been dried with minimal damage thanks to Phil’s quick response and following proper historical book saving techniques), and then repair. The focus has been on the more public areas first, so that the lodge will be ready for the Magic Lantern convention coming this June (in conjunction with the exhibit at the WSHS). The picture above is from a members area of the lodge.
And I will second Sarah’s comment from above. Come and meet the Knights and Sisters of Pythias. Open, social meetings are the 1st and 3rd Mondays on the month at 7pm. Please come introduce yourself and get to know them better.