Point Defiance Pagoda Reopens

Since it sustained significant fire damage from arson in 2011, the 99-year old pagoda has undergone substantial repairs and upgrades. That work went beyond smoke and fire repairs to bring the building up to current codes. The lower level of the building was also upgraded from storage to functional programming space, heated floors will take the edge off the sometimes chilly spaces, and landscaping around the pagoda has been restored to look more like it did in the trolley car days – complete with mock tracks.

Built in 1914, the pagoda originally served as a station for Tacoma’s street car. It’s now an event space, with improved amenities. And this Saturday, January 12, it will be open to the public. Grand opening events will include presentations on the history of the pagoda, paper crane making, a limited-availability Japanese tea ceremony, and more.

Point Defiance Pagoda grand re-opening
When: Saturday, January 12 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Where: The Point Defiance Pagoda at Point Defiance Park
Details: www.metroparkstacoma.org

Open House Activities:
2:00 pm
Welcome & Special Acknowledgements

2-5 pm
Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Pagoda
Chat with Metro Parks staff about the building’s history, restoration and rentals
Metro Arts Exhibit: The History of Point Defiance Park
Senior Arts Studio-Works exhibited throughout the Pagoda

2:30-5 pm
Paper Crane Origami
Help complete a 1,000 paper crane blessing

2:30 pm
History of the Nearly Century-Old Pagoda
Melissa McGinnis, Culture & Heritage Resource Manager

3:00 pm
Life After Arson, Restoring a Cherished Architectural Icon
Curtis Hancock, Project Manager

3:30 pm
Looking to the Future…Japanese Garden Restoration
Marina Becker, Parks Superintendent

4-5 pm
Formal Japanese Tea Ceremony
Free. Limited to 16 participants; pre-registration required
RSVP to nancyj@tacomaparks.com or by calling (253) 305-1092