Walk Tacoma's Historic Auto Row on July 19th
Once upon a time, downtown Tacoma had an auto row that stretched the entire length of what we now know as the St. Helens neighborhood. On Thursday, July 19th, take a walk along these streets and see some of these buildings that you may have taken for granted in a whole new way. Mueller-Harkins. The Mandarin Antiques building. Many of the storefronts along Broadway. These are spaces originally built to house the increasingly popular automobile. Other than Mueller-Harkins, these buildings have moved on to new uses, but the reasoning for their architecture and distinctive style remains.
As downtown changes we get further away from this historical backdrop. Before we all forget what was there, take a walk and learn a few things. Did you know that the building that houses Stadium Bistro, Doyle’s and St. Helens Cafe – the final destination on the tour – was Tacoma’s first automobile building? It was built in 1907 to house the American Automobile Company. As the endpoint for the tour, St. Helens Cafe will feature a band just outside its roll up doors. Come on out, learn something, and help support local businesses.
The event is sponsored by Historic Tacoma and the Tacoma Historical Society.
What
Autowalk walking tour
When
Thursday, July 19th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where
Downtown, between South 9th and South 7th on Broadway and between South 7th and South 2nd on St. Helens Avenue
Why
To spotlight the architecture and the dealerships that brought Tacoma into the automotive age
Cost
Free
Previously on Exit133
4 comments
M michael buchanan June 23, 2008
Damn, its the one I booked for the 4th fireworks show. This may not be a good omen for me too! Maybe they need a new captain. I had sailing lessons 40 years ago when I lived in Sausalito but,of course, have forgotten everything I learned.
D Davest June 23, 2008
Ya always gotta watch the charts! Puget Sound is massively deep in some areas but incredibly shallow in others. We were about a mile off the shore in Everett a couple of summers ago and I was able to touch bottom due to low tides and all the silt from the river.
They’ll get unstuck. A change in tides and maybe a little help from a tug. My guess is they’ll be at the festival with nothing worse than a squeaky clean keel.
Whoever was navigating will be hiding in the sail locker :-)
S Squid June 23, 2008
I think the Adventuress was scheduled to be one of three Youth On Board vessels for Tall Ships with a crew of Tacoma teens sailing her from Victoria, scheduled to leave this Sunday.
E Erik B. June 23, 2008
It better get unstuck soon or its going to be transformed into a Tacomic.