Winthrop Hotel - Where's Our Future?

The future of the Winthrop Hotel is another topic that I’ve sat on.  I mentioned it once while playing pinball and the debate was quite amazing and unexpected.  Now, a Tacoma Weekly story and emails from some folks have prompted me to open this up to you.  I originally had wanted to simply say, “Winthrop.  Debate.”  Then I realized I had opinions myself.  Any surprise?  So here are a few thoughts. 

The pinball debate often came back to the question of – if the Winthrop wasn’t low income, where would the low income residents go?  Personally, I don’t care where they go.  They can go virtually anywhere in the city as far as I’m concerned.  I’m all for planned affordable housing and low income rental units in a city and in downtown.  What I don’t understand is the absolute attachment to keeping an iconic building as low income housing.  This building could be another symbol of… well something much more positive.  Does the Winthrop have to become the ‘project’ for our city?  Do we have to put all the low income in one place?  A hotel?  Maybe.  Market rate apartments?  Maybe.  Condos?  Eh. 165, or so, low income apartments in the middle of the theatre district and all our new condos?  I hope not.  Would the residents value the history and location of the building or would they prefer something else?  Let’s add up the number of units from the Bridge, Vintage Y, and the other projects.  Does it surpass the number of low income units destined for the refurbished Winthrop?  The ratio scares me.  I’m skeptical.  Can we spread out an equal number of units throughout our redeveloped downtown?  This would be a great oppportunity to see some leadership that can help guide the future of our city.  Where will our future lead us?