Historic Tacoma announces the start of its "Preserving Tacoma's Historic Schools" project to document, preserve and celebrate Tacoma's historic schools. The
Tacoma School District has agreed to provide $10,000 in funding for the first, critical phases of the project: an historic resource inventory of Tacoma's 27 pre-1960 schools and the writing of a thematic nomination of the most significant schools to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. The inventory work is expected to begin this winter.
In 2006, the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission identified more than a dozen schools that should be considered for listing on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places due to their architectural or historic significance. Grassroots neighborhood efforts resulted in the listing of two of those schools to the register that year: Lincoln High School and Washington Elementary School. Tacoma School District supported both nominations.
The school district recently completed successful, award-winning historic rehabilitations of register-listed Stadium and Lincoln high schools. Both building projects demonstrated that century-old buildings can be successfully adapted for modern uses, re-using sustainable building materials.
By funding the early stages of the "Preserving Tacoma's Historic Schools" project, Tacoma School District is taking a proactive approach: documenting what they have and identifying those schools worthy of future historic rehabilitation, such as McKinley Elementary School and Stewart Middle School. By listing additional properties on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, the school district ensures the schools’ preservation for future generations.
"We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Tacoma School District on this project. The district recognizes the significance and staying power of its historic schools; the district recognizes the role that each school plays in the life of our neighborhoods and in the city's history. Tacoma's architectural heritage is incredibly rich and our schools play no small role," noted Historic Tacoma Board president and project lead, Sharon Winters.
Historic Tacoma is seeking $2,500 to complete the project, also supported by in-kind donations from local architects, a photographer and others. The final phases include publication of the inventory in booklet and online formats, tours and a public program. During the final project phases, Historic Tacoma hopes to increase awareness of the architectural and historic significance of Tacoma's schools and to explore preservation, rehabilitation and re-use options through public engagement. Click
here to donate to this project!