Mandarin Antiques Building Sells for 2.4 Million
We’re a little late with this one, but we still thought you’d want to know … The circa 1928 Wagner Motors building at 616 St. Helens (which houses Mandarin Antiques) sold in early September. We know you wanted it … its huge windows, the elevator that could move a Packard between floors, it’s perfect location in downtown Tacoma.
It was listed in June of 2006 for $2.9 million and sold in September for $2.4 million. So while the price has gone down, a $1.6 million return in six years isn’t too shabby.
The new owners are listed as Shaub St Helens LLC & Roann LLC et al. No word on the intended use of the building. The building is on the Tacoma Historic registry, however, so we’re looking forward to an adaptive reuse of the big beautiful windows… and the elevator.
Previously on Exit133
(Thanks, Morgan!)
11 comments
D drizell December 12, 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?
T Thomas December 12, 2007
Congrats to the Gintz Group and to all of Tacoma. I look forward to seeing the forthcoming changes.
M morgan December 12, 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.
E Erik Hanberg December 12, 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.
C 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.
D 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.
E 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?
D 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.
M 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.
D 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.
E 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.