McMenamins' Latest Plans for Downtown Elks Building
A conversation at last night’s Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting might be of interest to any of you keeping track of the plans for the McMenamins’ plans for Tacoma’s downtown Elks building.
Not on the agenda, but under discussion were new plans from the McMenamins that take into account the changes in the project due to the demise of the Elks on Broadway development.
The latest plans keep the 1937 addition on the north side of the building, adding windows to the currently blank face, and filling that space primarily with hotel rooms for guests. There are more guest rooms, mostly on the upper floors, event spaces, and of course, several bars and pubs.
Among the spaces for dining and imbibing, we see several of interest. The plans call for the landing on the Spanish Steps to open directly into a pub (we’ll cross our fingers for an outdoor table or two, but we’re not holding our breath). There’s also an intriguing space labeled “Sidewalk Bar,” which would sit in the vaulted sidewalk space, with skylights from street level on the Broadway side. We also see an intriguing note on the first floor, labeling a space “tiki bar cooler,” which would seem to imply that there are plans for a tiki bar somewhere in the building, but we don’t see that specifically called out.
The plans also include a two-story auditorium, a dining room overlooking Commerce, a conference room, and an event space. There’s also a good-sized skylight for the main building.
All of this is, of course, still pending formal plan review, but assuming it passes, we’re seeing a lot to get excited about.
Download the full McMenamins Elks Building packet here (pdf)
Filed under: Tacoma Landmarks, McMenamins Elks Project
15 comments
T Tom Llewellyn September 27, 2012
when the hell are they gonna start on this thing?
J John September 27, 2012
“Excited” doesn’t begin to do it justice. This is going to be another destination location (especially if we can get the downtown/waterfront hotel issues sorted out) to go along with new spots like the Lemay Museum.
S Sarah September 27, 2012
In the previous Elks post, Jesse said that he spoke to workers who were looking for apartments to lease because they start work on the building at the beginning of January and are coming up from Portland.
Love looking at these plans and imagining the transformation taking place in the coming year.
J Jim September 27, 2012
I think its great that McMenamins is working to fix this building…but one the other side the food and service at most McMenamins is subpar…
P Paul White September 27, 2012
I am going to go there, eat food, drink beer and talk to Beth.
A Albert September 27, 2012
I wonder what kind of impact this will have in Tacoma. Is it me, or does it seem that this city is on the verge of becoming more popular. Even the South End and Lincoln neighborhoods are becoming prettier by the day. I feel a lot of Tacoma pride lately. I went into Vien Dong yesterday and it felt like I was in a bigger city with more diversity than I am used to seeing. I don’t get out much, so it was noticeable.
M Malty Belgian September 28, 2012
I’ve been waiting for this project to start, as well as the one in Bothell. I love visiting the McMenamin hotels and pubs, although some locations get kind of loud. And you don’t always get your own bathroom. But their food is usually good, not high class, but reliable. And some of their beer is excellent, depending on the individual brewer. Love the artwork! I hope they can show movies in the auditorium. Nothing like watching a complimentary movie while sitting on a comfy couch, sipping a cold brew.
D Don Carleone September 28, 2012
Unless you do something with the Old Winthrop Hotel, and specifically the vermin that occupy it, and roam the streets, this and future projects are DOA.
J jsisbest September 28, 2012
I know that they’re trying to pack some hotel rooms in a building with relatively few windows, but that spacing of new windows on the north facade is nothing short of terrible! It would be nice to see the window spacing have some kind of relationship to the windows above. Doesn’t have to align exactly, but on some kind of rhythm with the existing window and structural bays would sure be a whole lot better!
Landmarks Preservation Board, where you at? Please tell me that there’s some Architects on the Board that are picking this up!
M Michael September 29, 2012
Can’t wait for this to get started. @8 should save the hateful comments about “vermin” for his bunker in the Idaho panhandle, or the TNT comment section if he must. While I believe the Winthrop could be put to uses more appropriate to its location, and to state the obvious, its residents deserve the respect due any human being.
D david September 29, 2012
Hello Tacoma-are you ready? are you FIRED UP?
This is the begining of a great transformation!
Hey, has anybody seen the Mayor? not for almost 3 years now.
L Lisa Sumner October 2, 2012
As a nearby neighbor I’m both happy and sad the old Elks lodge is getting a new lease on life! I’m definitely excited to stop in for some beers, food, and eclectic McMenamins art as part of the usual weekend bar rounds but it’s always so nice to go down to Spanish Steps for some thinking time when it’s quiet. Can’t wait to see the project start moving!
J Jeanette October 9, 2012
I’m really hoping this lives up to the hype. I would LOVE to see some life go into these old buildings, but would hate to see anyone bite off more than they can chew only to leave a half started project!
I don’t want to be Debbie Downer, so I will think positively and get ready for great things….hooray for Tacoma!!!
J John October 11, 2012
Jeanette, it’s McMenamins… they’ve done this once or twice, and quite well I might add. Don’t worry, it’s gonna be great.
L Leland October 17, 2012
I have visited/stayed at about 20 McMenamins and always enjoyed them. These rooms being new appear to all have in room bathrooms.