Tacoma's Old City Hall to be developed into 60-room boutique hotel with rooftop restaurant

TACOMA -- Tacoma officials say they are moving forward with plans to sell or lease the Old City Hall building for the development of a boutique hotel.

The city expects to negotiate agreements in the next several weeks with McMenamins of Portland to sell or lease the Old City Hall for the development of a 60-room boutique hotel, restaurant, bars and other businesses in the historic building.

"We look forward to breathing new life into our iconic Old City Hall," Mayor Marilyn Strickland said in a news release. "McMenamins’ proposed development is compelling for several reasons. It advances the City's vision, will generate substantial revenue and create jobs, and will serve as a regional destination that will raise the Tacoma's profile."

McMenamins is a chain of 65 brewpubs, breweries, music venues, historic hotels, and theater pubs in Oregon and Washington.

In addition to the boutique hotel in the Old City Hall, McMenamins plans to develop four small, signature bars showcasing the jailhouse, clock tower and rooftop greenhouse; a rooftop restaurant; soaking pools; community/private meeting and event spaces; and a gift shop.

On June 19, the city of Tacoma purchased the Old City Hall building in downtown Tacoma for $4 million to enable its revitalization. On Sept. 8, the city issued a Request for Interest from developers to buy, lease/purchase or master lease Old City Hall.

“We fell in love with Old City Hall while going through the process of purchasing and planning for the Elks Lodge,” said Michael McMenamin, CEO of McMenamins. “It was challenging to fit in everything we wanted to provide to the community within the Elks building.  The Old City Hall building will allow us to do just that.  It is a natural complement to the Elks Lodge, and needless to say a great building.”