The McMenamins Now Own the Elks Building
We can all breathe a bit easier now … We’ve been talking about McMenamins in the Elks Building for several months now. Only, one thing was missing – the McMenamins didn’t own the building. The TNT is now reporting that the real estate transaction has closed. McMenamins officially owns the building.
Given the rough few weeks we’ve had around town … Good news!
Link to The News Tribune
Previously on Exit133
Elks to Become McMenamins
The Elks Project – a Few More Drawings
Filed under: McMenamins Elks Project
26 comments
C crenshaw sepulveda October 31, 2009
“The neighborhood and the whole downtown will become a major cultural and entertainment destination for the entire Puget Sound area,” Pleasants said in the news release.
Construction is supposed to start next fall and they should be open (McMenimins) come spring 2012. I can feel the excitement building. Some financing has to be found for the rest of the project (parking and grocery and apartments) but I suspect they will not have any problem finding the money they need these days.
J joeski October 31, 2009
sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. that section of downtown will be giving 6th ave a run for it’s money from th looks of it.
T TacomaThinker October 31, 2009
I hope the grocery store locates in Pacific Plaza rather than the Elks location. It’ll hurt Stadium Thriftway and it’s too far from the downtown core/UWT. Doesn’t something more like retail or entertainment belong next to McMenamin’s?
M Morty November 1, 2009
The weak link in the project is Moses and Pleasants, they have been shopping for financing since the PSA was signed without success. Given the dismal performance or flat out failure of several high profile projects in Tacoma, and the ability to purchase properties below replacement cost, finding new construction financing anytime soon is highly unlikely.
Let’s hope the McMen’s will or can proceed without the mix use component
J Jesse November 1, 2009
That part of DT is really coming together even in this poor economy. In 5 years that part of town will be “the place to be”. It looks like that area is going to be Tacoma’s entertainment district extrordinaire in about 4-5 years. Cool.
I can’t wait to have my Captain Neon burger right in DT Tacoma!
A andre November 1, 2009
Cool. Kudos to Grace, Rick and the McMenamin’s folks. Also, kudos to Marilyn Strickland for her work in guiding this endeavor through the proper channels.
T TheGulag November 1, 2009
Being a regular user of the Spar in Olympia throughout the 90’s I wasn’t too thrilled with the new version under McMenamins, even though I recognize they were probably the best suited to take over the establishment. HOWEVER, I was at an all night event at the Olympic Club Hotel in Centralia last Saturday (first time I’d been there) and I absolutely loved the place! Any venture that choose to retain giant, circa 1913, urinals in their business model is O.K. in my book. So I wish the best of luck in this endeavor!
C crenshaw sepulveda November 1, 2009
The urinals at the Olympia Club are amazing. Kind of like taking a leak in a cathedral. The McMenamins organization did an incredible job in Centralia. Until they finish the project in Tacoma I urge all of you to check out the Olympic Club in Centralia, you are in for a treat.
M Mr. FeedTacoma November 1, 2009
Fantastic news among so many closings! I know many of us have long looked forward to McMenamin’s finally working on a project in Tacoma and I really hope they do us right in the Elks building. Too bad we couldn’t convince ‘em to take the old Winfield’s/David’s on Broadway building too! ;)
T Thorax O'Tool November 1, 2009
I think that unless the grocery store going in is like a Whole Foods or something, that the effect on Thriftway would be minor. Remember that:
A) Thriftway is the closest thing to an organic store this side of town
B) There really aren’t any stores between Proctor and Stadium Thriftway… that’s a lot of people and area. Besides, Safeway and Metropolitan Market seem to be living fine together.
C) They already compete with Safeway and Save-A-Lot over in Hilltop… not to mention whatever store is going into the new building on 25th & Yakima
D) With their new expansion, Thriftway promises to be much larger than anything that’s going to fit on that lot next to the Elks.
E) Finally, remember this: We (collectively) have wanted a store downtown, claim that a store downtown will bring residents to the ‘hood, etc etc. So build it! Don’t chicken out because it will bring some competition to established establishments…
C crenshaw sepulveda November 1, 2009
I live downtown, we really don’t NEED a grocery store, especially some fancy high price grocery store. A grocery store would be nice and I’d certainly use it, but I’ve done just fine without it. I’m sure the residents of the Winthrop would like a close in grocery. I guess we need a grocery that wants the Winthrop residents as their customer base.
J Jake November 1, 2009
What downtown needs is a drug store. I think a Walgreens in Pacific Plaza would be a great addition.
R RR Anderson November 2, 2009
have the dudes over at hotel murano given this project their stamp of union labor approval?
A Altered Chords November 2, 2009
@12 – you can buy plenty of drugs downtown. It’s an open air “farmers market” format. Takes a little getting used to I suppose.
J jamie from thriceallamerican November 2, 2009
Jake@12: Walgreen’s? Isn’t that blasphemy in the land of Bartell’s?
C crenshaw sepulveda November 2, 2009
In the old days there were lots of pharmacies downtwon, probably at least 3 and probably even more. Of course back then, before the 50’s there were lots more people living downtown and near to downtown. Downtown was also a destination for people all over Pierce County. Sad how things have changed.
T tressie November 2, 2009
I love love love the McMen’s turning the Elks into another McMen’s ….they have the knack for keeping it OldSchoole just enough to not gross out us real life types, and still attract the TraderJoes-packaged types.
Kudos!!
A anonymous November 2, 2009
a Trader Joe’s would be good at that site. TJ has great stuff u can’t get elsewhere at good prices. The one in UP is just to far a commute most days.
D dolly varden November 3, 2009
@18: I agree — that is a perfect site for a Trader Joe’s. The Stadium/north downtown area is not unlike parts of other cities that support two or three grocery stores that fill different niches. A natural foods store (Marlene’s? Whole Foods? Tacoma Food Co-op?) could also do well.
K Kevin November 4, 2009
We Need a PCC in Tacoma (not UP, like Trader Joe’s) PCC would be great at this location.
T Tim November 4, 2009
I think they should just turn it into condos. If there’s anything we need downtown, it’s more condos. …and less parking.
D dolly varden November 4, 2009
PCC’s not going to expand to Tacoma as long as there’s another coop in the process of starting up — coops generally try not to compete. That’s why everybody should join the Tacoma Food Coop now! I hear they’re going to initially operate out of the Sixth Ave Neighborhood Market and eventually maybe take it over entirely. Here’s hoping they hurry up…
N narndt November 5, 2009
Anyone know if McM’s are union? Because I wouldn’t want to upset Mr. Sondland over at the Murano.
T tressie November 5, 2009
the last time I looked…McMen’s are not union. Not when my daughter and son-in-law worked for them in Portland…nice bene package if you can get more than part-time.
J jtarleton November 5, 2009
I’ve visited many of the Brothers taverns over the years mainly in Oregon. Having Mike and Brian open up an establishment in Tacoma is a real plus for the downtown. It’ll bring more vistors into the area and over time more business’.
If you ever get a chance stop at the Edgefield down in Troutdale, just east of Portland… you’ll have a memorable time.
J jtarleton November 5, 2009
Edgefield @ Troutdale
http://www.edgefieldconcerts.com/