Apr 22, 2008
Could Elks site be new home to kids museum?
Peter Callaghan; The News Tribune
An old new Children’s Museum? The first I heard of the idea was from
Tacoma architect David Boe. Why not relocate the Tacoma Children’s
Museum to the old Elks Lodge?
It was during the dispute over the use of planned open space on the
Foss Waterway for a new museum. The museum board and staff wisely
decided to look elsewhere. About the same time the Portland owners of
the Elks announced they couldn’t find a suitable and profitable use for
the building and were putting it back on the market.
That set off chatter in downtown and preservation circles, wondering
if there was a potential for a proverbial win-win. While the museum was
hoping for a site in or near a park to allow guests to play both
outside and inside, there are some fabulous spaces in the old lodge
that would suit a museum.
It would be expensive – a $5 million asking price plus millions more
for upgrades and exhibits. But the museum had expected to need $15
million to build on the Foss.
So, any chance?
Tanya Andrews, the executive director of the museum, said she has
heard from people who like the idea, and the lodge is on a long list of
possible sites. But she admitted to being skeptical, based largely on
the cost and complications of such a move.
“But stranger things have happened in this town, so I’m not ruling it out,” she said.
Peter Callaghan: 253-597-8657
peter.callaghan@thenewstribune.com
The News Tribune
1950 South State Street, Tacoma, Washington 98405 253-597-8742
© Copyright 2008 Tacoma News, Inc. A subsidiary of The McClatchy Company
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