City of Tacoma Issues RFI for Old City Hall Today

Tacoma, Wash. -- Today, Sept. 8, the City of Tacoma issued a Request for Interest (RFI) for the adaptive reuse of Old City Hall in downtown Tacoma. Developers are invited to express their interest in purchasing, leasing/purchasing, or master leasing the building located at 625 S. Commerce St. for the purpose of converting it into a high quality development that contributes to the vitality of the Old City Hall Historic District.  

“Old City Hall is an architectural icon,” said Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “We look forward to working with a developer who will restore its original grandeur, put it to its highest and best use, and respect our community's vision.”

Old City Hall was built in 1892, and the Old City Hall Historic District served as Tacoma’s early governmental, commercial and entertainment center from 1886 through the 1920s.

“There has been substantial reinvestment in this area, including a $15 million renovation of the former Winthrop Hotel that is well underway and plans for a $22 million restoration of the Elks Temple into a new McMenamins entertainment venue,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

“It is the City’s preference to attract uses for Old City Hall that mesh well with surrounding development, maximize tax revenues, recoup its investment, result in new jobs and draw pedestrian traffic to the area,” said Community and Economic Development Director Ricardo Noguera. “Hotels or offices that support companies and organizations with financial strength and growth potential are strongly preferred. Street-level, pedestrian-friendly uses, such as restaurants and retail venues, are highly desirable.  Market rate residential development will also be considered.”

Questions regarding this RFI can be directed to Elly Walkowiak at ewalkowiak@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5209.