September 25, 2013 ·

On the Market: Former Sector 4 Police Substation

Want to own a police station? This could be your chance. The City of Tacoma is once again looking for offers for the purchase of Tacoma's former Sector Four Police Substation.

The 6,500 square-foot station, located at 3524 McKinley Avenue, has been appraised at $335,000, with a new minimum bid amount of $280,000. Originally listed back in April, the deadline has been extended to October 1.

Built in 1941 with more recent renovations, the building is woodframe with concrete stucco exterior.  Interior finishes include painted wood and drywall walls, and suspended acoustic tile ceilings with primarily fluorescent light fixtures.  The building is equipped with restrooms, conference rooms, private offices and open office areas, as well as onsite parking, The original listing noted some deferred maintenance, including roof replacement, interior re-carpeting and painting, and replacement of rooftop HVAC units.  

The City will only consider offers that meet or exceed the current minimum bid. Offers which meet or exceed this amount will be reviewed by a selection committee that includes City staff and members of the Eastside Neighborhood Advisory Council.  The selection process will take into account the purchase price offered as well as the proposed future uses of the property.

An offer will be selected based on its alignment and compatibility with the neighborhood and the City’s goals.  Located on the McKinley Hill Business District promenade, the City’s preference is to have this property activated for pedestrian-orientated commercial uses.

What could you do with an old police station?

Visit the City website for details, and to make an offer.

Filed under: Neighborhoods, Eastside, On the Market

4 comments

  • Fred davie September 25, 2013

    If I were offering a commercial property for sale I would post lots of pictures including interiors and pictures of the problem areas. McKinley Hill would be a very challenging area for retail development. Poor demographics.
  • tacoma1 September 25, 2013

    Fredo You wouldn't be interested in this property no matter how many photos the city put up. It has street trees in the parking strips.
    • Fred davie September 25, 2013

      Ha, good point. Hard to be sure why the appraisal is so low but it's probably a combination of hideous building surrounded by hideous landscaping.
  • Christine September 26, 2013

    Hideous building, hideous landscaping and poor placement. Perhaps it could be converted into a small manufacturing facility of some sort. But that's pretty much it.