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December 12, 2007 · Whitney · archive: txp/article

Luzon Update

The Gintz Group is moving forward with their plans for our beloved Luzon building. The Landmarks Preservation Committee heard, and approved, an application for design review this evening. Their application included multiple points.

  • There will be an addition to the building built to house code required stairwells, bathrooms and provide structural stability. This is critical to stabilize the building.
  • The South wall (facing the parking lot) will be demolished where the addition is built.
  • All interior wood will be removed. The cast iron beams that make the building significant will be preserved but all other wood features will be stripped.
  • The exterior fire escapes and earthquake braces will be removed, as they are not original.
  • A new steel and concrete building will be built inside the existing historic brick in order to provide seismic stability. Floor plans will be completely open, except where historic cast iron columns exist.
  • There is a possibility of converting the 6th floor to a mezzanine and adding a penthouse above this floor.
  • The original elevator will be reused. If the shaft and machinery can be saved it will be, but the existing machinery is mostly likely under water. If not, the original elevator car will be restored and the elevator shaft relocated to the new addition near the stairwells.
  • Exterior masonry will be stripped of paint and restored by the same firm who has been working on the Mecca.
  • The windows will be fully restored.

The representatives from Gintz emphasize their need for speed because of the continued deterioration of the building. The entire 1st floor has collapsed and the upper floors are slowly following. Eventually, a building will be built adjacent to the Luzon and encompass the addition, but that project has not yet been finalized. Tonight, the stated goal of completion was this time next year.

Wouldn’t that be a great Christmas present for 2008?

Filed under: General

11 comments

  • drizell December 13, 2007

    Great news for the Luzon.

    I think the major issue for everyone on the LPC agenda tonight is the use of the Heidelberg brewery site. The developers have applied for the demo permit, but they were supposed to unveil their plans for the site tonight? Did anyone take pictures or attend that part of the meeting?

  • Thomas December 13, 2007

    Congrats to the Gintz Group and to all of Tacoma. I look forward to seeing the forthcoming changes.

  • morgan December 13, 2007

    That would be an AMAZING present for 2008! IThe elevator sound pretty cool- I can’t wait to see it. I am curious to see their plans for adding a penthouse too.

  • Erik Hanberg December 13, 2007

    Drizell, I know what you mean about eyes being on the Heidelberg right now … but to me the priority of this building is second to none. In terms of architectural significance and history, the Luzon has top billing in Tacoma. I’m glad it’s being saved, and by such a good group.

  • Crenshaw Sepulveda December 13, 2007

    After this the Gintz group should take on the Elks, David’s on Broadway, and finally the Winthrop. I’m really admiring this developer.

  • Derek staff December 13, 2007

    …the use of the Heidelberg brewery site.

    Expect to see a couple of stories tomorrow about the Heidelberg. Our understanding is that folks were not happy with what they heard.

  • Erik B. December 13, 2007

    A new steel and concrete building will be built inside the existing historic brick in order to provide seismic stability. Floor plans will be completely open, except where historic cast iron columns exist.

    Pretty amazing. If Gintz actually pulls off the Mecca and Luzon, we are going to have to award him some kind of medal or at least hoist him on our shoulders for removing such a prodominent thorn out of Tacoma proverbial side.

    Our understanding is that folks were not happy with what they heard.

    Oh oh. There are not alot of options worse than a dilapidated building. A parking lot? A DOC group home?

  • drizell December 13, 2007

    Thanks. I suppose disappointment depends on who you ask. The typical historic preservation buff may object to any alteration, while the urban design fanatic may salivate over it.

    Thank you for the update. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s TNT.

  • Mofo from the Hood December 13, 2007

    It would be so much simpler to get a set of the original blueprints and build another Luzon.

    This building report makes the Luzon sound like a sand castle that is one high tide away from dissolving.

  • drizell December 13, 2007

    I think a lot of people thought it was going to be a hotel, but a Holiday Inn Express? I’m familiar with this developer’s two hotels near downtown Seattle. They’re not too nice to look at. Do I smell a repeat of the Marriott—or worse? On the other hand, the hotel’s guests will add customers to many of the area’s businesses and add some life to a desolate block. You can’t complain about that.

  • Erik S December 13, 2007

    This (the Luzon, not the brewery project) sounds pretty darn encouraging.

    Do we know what the intended use is? Anything short of criminally negligent biohazard lab or methadone clinic would be an improvement, of course, but I’m sort of curious.