historic homes tour tacoma wa

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Historic Homes of Tacoma Tour

Stay tuned for 2023.

We hope to be able to announce plans for resuming the annual Historic Homes of Tacoma Tour in May 2023.

In the meantime, please enjoy our virtual Stadium Historic District Historic Homes Tour .

2019 Homes Tour - thank you!

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North Slope Historic District

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If you would like your own copy of "CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NSHD," you can get one here . This is a 28 page table top pamphlet you will enjoy reading.

Design guidelines for nshd.

READ GUIDELINES HERE

GOOD THINGS NOT SAID IN THE DESIGN GUIDELINES

May 23th, 2024: meeting to feature update on new zoning plan, february 22nd nshd meeting to be on waking up our gardens, feb. 23rd program to feature “home in tacoma” zoning, february 23rd, immanuel presbyterian church, 901 n. j. st. enter on n. 9th st. meeting begins at 6:30 with a social time; speaker is scheduled for 7:15p.m, may 25th program to feature homelessness forum, may 24th immanuel presbyterian church 901 n j st. enter on n 9th st. social time begins at 6:30, forum at 7 pm, holiday gathering featured at november program nov.16th, national night out is august 1st.

• Just invite the neighbors in your block, asking them to bring something for a potluck (dessert is easiest), and decide where to have it. Just use someone’s front yard.
• Eat, chat, share contact info and talk about any problems you’d like to work on. Choose a chair, and decide who will tackle what. Decide if you want to use emails or phones.
• Need more information? Call Board Member Julie Turner, 253-383-2329.

Tacoma's North Slope Historic District is a trapezoidal-shaped district bounded by North I Street to the north, Division Avenue to the east, and N Steele Street to the west. North Grant Avenue caps off the south end of the district. The North Slope has 1,285 resources and is one of the state's largest historic districts.

The District was settled primarily as a residential neighborhood and contains a wide variety of architectural styles including Stick Style, Queen Anne, Craftsman, American Foursquare,Tudor Revival, and Mission Revival. Within it you will find many churches, apartments, and a few business areas.

The neighborhood developed over time and it is common to find structures built structures built 20, 30 or even 50 years later.

There were three building booms within the district: 1888 to 1893, 1902 to 1915, and 1919 to 1929. Nearly 80 percent of the homes were built prior to 1930.

Tacoma's North Slope Historic District is a cohesive neighborhood that represents the social and economic history of Tacoma. The district represents a cross culture of individuals - both famous and ordinary - whose skills and talents played a role in the development and growth of the city. The early residents included professionals, trades people, business proprietors, railroad employees, and celebrities - all living in a close-knit neighborhood.

The district embodies the distinctive characteristics of residential development in Tacoma. Many of these dwellings represent the work of master craftsmen and architects. The period of significance for the district runs from 1881 to 1955. In 1955, the City of Tacoma changed zoning laws that allowed some of the neighborhood's older homes to be demolished and replaced by apartment buildings.

Residents of the North Slope Historic District are united by more than their affinity for old homes. The district's board is made up of residents who are dedicated to the betterment of our neighborhood. Board members discuss and take action on issues pertaining to safety, zoning, historic preservation and more. Each year the board plans a variety of educational and social activities for residents.

Things of Interest

Home owner information.

Whether you're a new homeowner in the North Slope Historic District or a long time resident looking for new information, you will find something interesting in the material put together here. There are articles about our neighborhood, its history, and requirements of the Historic District Ordinance.

Click here to read the articles.

Click here to read the articles

The History of the North Slope Historic District

Read Julie Turner's personal account of the formation of the North Slope Historic District.

Download your copy here.

Download your copy here

From The Historic Preservation Office

Walking tour.

Prepared in the summer of 2008 for visiting dignitaries from around the state, now you can download your very own walking tour of the North Slope Historic District. This project was funded by Historic Tacoma, the North End Neighborhood Council and your very own, North Slope Historic District. Our thanks to everyone that worked on this including the researchers; Brian Kamens, Marshall McClintock, Kim O'Rourke and Caroline Swope of Historic Tacoma. It was designed and edited by Erin E. Clarkson.

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Would you like to be notified via e-mail when the North Slope Historic District has new educational/social events and/or news? Would you like to receive the e-mail edition of the Trolley Times? Click below.

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Tacoma historical society hosts annual historic home tour may 5 & 6.

Celebrate Historic Preservation Month this weekend as the Tacoma Historical Society (THS) hosts its annual spring tour of historic homes in the city's north end neigbhorhoods. Tickets are $25 and benefit the Society's museum and many programs that honor and preserve Tacoma Heritage. For more information about homes on the tour and ticket information, go to:  https://www.tacomahistory.org/historic-homes-of-tacoma . 

Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation Telephone (360) 586-3065 Fax (360) 586-3067

1110 S. Capitol Way, Suite 30 Olympia, WA 98501

Mailing Address PO Box 48343 Olympia, WA 98504-8343

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23rd Annual Historic Homes of Tacoma Tour

May 6, 2017 @ 7:00 am - may 7, 2017 @ 4:00 pm, event navigation.

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Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma historic homes tour this weekend.

Grand Junction  

Tacoma Historic Homes Tour    

South Jordan Heights When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. May 7.

Where: Seven North End homes with reception center at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 4420 N. 41st St., Tacoma. Other addresses provided with ticket purchase.

Tickets: $25 from Tacoma Historical Society Museum, 919 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; Pacific Northwest Shop; Stadium Thriftway and Columbia Bank branches (Pearl Street, Fircrest) and online.

Also: Complimentary food and drink at Bethany Presbyterian during tour. No food, drink or photography allowed in homes. Tour supports the Tacoma Historical Society. Wear walking shoes.

Information: brownpaper tickets.com/event/2910478 .

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Hoska House (1890)

Introduction.

Author-Uploaded Audio

Welcome to the Hoska House.

Text-to-speech Audio

Hoska House (2020)

Backstory and Context

Learn more about the Hoska House.

Hoska had arrived in Tacoma in 1883 with his spouse Grace while on their honeymoon, and the newlyweds soon were welcomed by the western boom town that would become known as the “City of Destiny.” They decided to make Tacoma their home, and once settled, Conrad joined with A.J. Littlejohn in starting an undertaking business. Grace and Conrad had two children: Imogen and Lukas.

Hoska’s business interests branched out to include the purchase of major wheat lands in Eastern Washington. He had memberships in First Presbyterian Church, Chamber of Commerce, Masons, Knights of Pythias, Elks and Eagles. He was elected as a Democrat to three terms as Pierce County coroner and served on the Tacoma School Board. Grace was an active supporter of the YWCA.

The Tourist Hotel was never completed, and a massive fire of mysterious origins gutted the unfinished building in 1898. On February 19, 1903, Hoska was joined by close friends Alfred Lister and Eric Edward Rosling on a morning stroll downtown to work. As they walked by what remained of the Tourist Hotel, Hoska and his two friends had an epiphany: Wouldn’t that be a perfect new Tacoma high school? Later that day, the three met with school board president William Coffee with the idea. School architect Frederick Heath agreed and advised the board to purchase the hotel remains and the adjacent gulch from the railroad. The next day the board met in a special meeting and, with the leadership of Coffee and board member Charles Drury, approved the purchase for $34,500. Stadium High School opened its doors three years later.

Hoska died in 1910 and Grace moved from the residence. Soon after, the home was sold, subdivided and became the Marvin Apartments. (The Marvin Apartments sign was found by the current owners and can now be seen in the kitchen.) In the late 1940s the third floor and peaked roof were removed either by fire or earthquake.

The new owners have beautifully restored the exterior of the home by rebuilding the third floor, with dormers, the front porch and restoring the columns supporting the porch’s roof. The home now looks much as it did in 1910. The living room includes the original stained-glass window as well as the fireplace with white and light blue tiles. The downstairs woodwork is all original. The dining room also includes an original stained-glass window and a fireplace that shows an inlaid Czech hunting scene. A 150-year-old family heirloom chandelier hangs in the dining room. The woodwork on the stairs leading to the second floor is also original. Restoration work continues on the second floor. The third floor, with expansive views, serves as a family rec room.

THS Homes Tour Research Volunteer. www.TacomaHistory.org. Accessed October 14th 2020. https://www.tacomahistory.org.

Ed Mattison, Tacoma Historical Society volunteer

Additional Information

• Tacoma-Pierce County Buildings Index entry
• Tacoma Historical Society website
• Historic Tacoma (historic preservation nonprofit)

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Foster & Kleiser Building (Red Cross)

Gault middle school, rust mansion.

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Tacoma City Landmarks

The City of Tacoma maintains the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, which includes individually registered City Landmarks in addition to Historic Districts and Conservation Districts. Nominations of properties to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places may be made by citizens or property owners, which are then reviewed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.  If found to meet the criteria, the Commission makes recommendations for designation to City Council. Changes to the exteriors of City Landmark properties must be approved by the Landmarks Commission.

There are over 180 properties individually listed on Tacoma's Register of Historic Places, ranging in age from the 1870s through 1940. Landmark buildings and properties are scattered throughout the city, and represent a wide variety of perspectives, architectural design, and local history.

Tacoma Register of Historic Places  (PDF)

Tacoma Register of Historic Places (search)

Historic Properties Inventory Database (search)

Pending Landmark Nominations

When new landmark nominations are under review, they are posted on the Agendas and Minutes page, under the Landmarks Preservation Commission tab.

National Register Landmarks

To search for Tacoma properties on the National Register of Historic Places, use the National Register Database .

Listing on the National Register does not restrict future alterations, nor does it affect future use of the property. Projects that occur on or near the site of a listed property or district may be subject to review under SEPA, NEPA, or Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and may be required to employ measures to reduce or mitigate impacts to affected historic properties. Listed properties may be eligible for federal historic rehabilitation tax credits if listed or determined eligible for listing. The National Register does not alter the requirements and incentives already in effect under TMC 13.05.047.

Contact the City

Relay services.

Who’s ready to geek out on a little bit of Tacoma History?! After reading this blog, you’ll walk away with a baseline understanding of what a Historic District in Tacoma is, what purpose they serve, where historic district are located, the benefits of owning a home in a historic district and where you go to find more resources. You will be fully equipped to dive deeper and answer some of your own questions regarding Historic Homes in Tacoma and if your home could qualify to be registered. Let’s start with the basics.

Historic Landmark (city + state) Blue Mouse Theater – Tacoma, WA is the oldest continually operating Theater in Washington State. 2611 N Proctor Street

What is a Historic District?

Historic Districts are designated areas within Tacoma that have unique character and development patterns specific to a period of time. The intent behind these Historic Districts and Landmarks is to preserve and maintain the look and material of older homes and neighborhoods. Our availability of older homes and buildings is one of the things that makes the City of Tacoma stand out. Having a committee that guides and provides resource to expand our understanding of unique architecture and history is really wonderful.

How many Historic Districts are there? 

The City of Tacoma has eight Historic Districts across three registers; National Register(NR), State Register(WR) and Tacoma Register(TR).

• “The Wedge” (TR, WR, NR)
• “North Slope” (TR, WR, NR)
• Old City Hall (TR, WR, NR)
• Union Depot/Warehouse (TR, WR, NR)
• Stadium (NR)
• Salmon Beach (WR)
• Buckley’s (WR, NR)
• College Park (WR, NR)

Notice that I outlined which of these district are National, State and Local. Local District and preservation will be what we discuss here. National and State are largely honorary. To give you an idea of what a Historic District looks like, below is a photo of The North Slope Historic District. The North Slope is the largest established Historic District in Tacoma AND one of the largest in the Country! Click HERE to find a wealth of knowledge on all eight historic districts located in the City of Tacoma.

North Slope Historic District – City of Tacoma

What are the benefits of buying a home in a Historically Designated Area? These only apply to the Tacoma registry, not National or State.

• Did you know that homes located within any given historic district hold and increase in value, more than surrounding homes that are not located within a historic district? It is true. Preservation regulations within historic district maintain the original character of the homes and neighborhoods, thereby contributing to larger stability and economic growth.
• When restoring your historic home, there are some guidelines to follow. These guidelines were created to better preserve the original look and materials used. The preservation of materials is something that should be discussed more. The Historic Society’s mission is to preserve and restore as much as possible. Pride in ownership is what drives strong and stable values. The maintenance of your historic home, when done thoughtfully and intentionally, are beneficial for the community.
• If you do perform renovations on your home, the City of Tacoma offers to reduce your overall taxes for the following 10 years. HERE you can click and find out if you qualify and what renovation costs go towards and the various incentives offered
• Be apart of Tacoma’s History! Tacoma’s North Slope District is the largest local district in the Nation. As a community, that’s something to be really proud of.
• For more   benefits on owning in a historic home, click HERE

Engine House No 9. – 2019. The history behind this building is exciting! And to most it’s simply a great place to enjoy a cold beer and great conversation. That’s great too.

Engine House No. 9. Sketch from Tacoma Public Library dated 1907. – One of the first taverns in Pierce County to serve Microbrew. Located on 611 N Pine Street

I’m a Home Buyer/Seller and I’m interested in buying in a Historically Designated Area – What should I know? 

Although you may, at times be concerned about possible regulations to your homes exterior, there are long ranging benefits. I want to reiterate that the intentions of local historic society is to preserve. Preserving historic homes and communities isn’t just about the “look”, it is about the preservation of original material and construction practices. If this resonates with you, you might be well suited to purchase a historic home.

• Windows. I mention windows first because in my experience, it is the first items homeowners mention. If you need to replace a window, you must do it “in kind”. Meaning a vinyl window for a vinyl window. Preserving older wood windows especially is strongly encouraged. Contrary to popular belief, wood windows are some of the most efficient windows. Although the initial cost of wood windows is higher, the efficiency, longevity and potential increase in your home value, will in the long run, pay for itself.
• Exterior . Significant modifications to the first impressions of the home are limited. While bigger maybe better right now, you are limited to how you can expand your historic home. If you look at this from the eyes of the preservationist, we can agree, that there is something really special about modifying you’re living circumstances to what you have, rather than spending resources on alter your historic home. Again, the mission of the City of Tacoma’s Historic Society is to preserve and conserve the original building material.
• ADU’s are approved in historic areas, However – if the addition is visibly seen from the street, the historic committee will ask to make adjustments to the plans
• Can I paint historic home what I want? In short – yes! There are no regulations on what color you paint your home.
• Changing out siding? Newer Hardieplank siding is approved, but it must be a specific texture and style.

Bottom line here folks, owning a historic home is an honor. You are apart of a community that is committed to preserving historic homes, minimizing material waste and contributing to a stronger healthier community. If you are looking to talk to a human at the City of Tacoma to answer some specific questions, give Susan Johnson a call. (253) 281-7445. She is the Historic Preservation Officer and is happy to answer your questions.

Stewart Middle School – Tacoma, WA. Built in 1925 and more recently added to the City Historic Registry. 5010 S Pacific Ave Tacoma

How do I find the History of my home? 

Once I discovered this tool, I was hooked for hours, researching my personal home to learn about the history of my home and people who lived here before me. Here is a link to the Pierce County Building Index at the Tacoma Public Library.

What if I DO NOT own a home in one of the eight Historic District? Can it be designated as a Historical Landmark? 

Short answer – YES! It most certainly can. Here is the baseline criteria your home must meet:

• Must be 50 years of age
• In fair condition OR retain original materials to be able to convey its significance
• The building has something that sets it apart from others like it. This might include a unique design or excellent condition
• Does it represent the architectural style well?
• Is it emblematic of a theme or local history?
• Is it connected to a significant person?

To read more about the guidelines for Historic Landmark approval, click HERE

For further clarity on various entities working in this field are below.

• Historic Tacoma is a nonprofit organization that promotes and advocates for the preservation of historic architecture, with a volunteer board of directors. Its website: www.HistoricTacoma.org .
• Tacoma Historical Society is a different nonprofit organization that is all about Tacoma history more generally and operates a local history museum at 406 Tacoma Avenue S. Their website: www.TacomaHistory.org .
• The City Historic Preservation Office (HPO) staff manage the nomination processes for the Historic Register, Historic Districts, and the associated tax benefit programs. It also reviews building permits and modifications to historic buildings. Finally, the City staff also support the work of …
• The City Landmarks Preservation Commission . Its members are local residents appointed by the City Council. The Commission reviews and approves nominations of historic districts and buildings and forwards those nominations to the City Council for final approval. It also advises the Historic Preservation Office staff on any proposed modifications to historic buildings.

For more information on your historic home or the process of buying or selling, contact Realtor, Jenny Wetzel; 253-381-9788; [email protected]

Hi! I'm Jenny!

Local Real Estate Expert in Tacoma. I will provide you with a customized strategy and plan to succeed in your home selling and buying endeavors.

Learn more about me and how I can help you here .

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Get In Touch

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Jenny Wetzel

Call or Text:  253.381.9788

Email:   [email protected]

WATCH VIDEOS

Unlock the past: Explore 19th century mansions, historic homes

GALVESTON, Texas -- Visitors have a chance to explore Galveston's rich history through its architecture.

"People love to come down and walk through the houses," Will Wright of Galveston Historical Foundation said.

The foundation runs Historic Homes Tour, which is held annually during the first two weekends of May.

The tour gives people an opportunity to step inside these private residencies that are often closed to the public. A few of the homes were built in the 19th century and work has been done to preserve its history.

"It's great to always look back at the past and keep things as they were so we can go back and see it, and enjoy the details," Homeowner Julie Lee said.

This year marks the tour's 50th anniversary. Tickets are available online .

Click on the video above to see the story.

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