AT HOME IN TACOMA
A blog about all the little things that make Tacoma home.

Achieving a Historic Designation In Tacoma

  • By Sharon Benson
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  • 03 Aug, 2018
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More Info on the Process and Benefits

How do I apply for an historic designation for my home? 

Being as rich with history as it is, Tacoma is naturally populated with lots of beautiful locations and buildings that have earned historic designations – places like Fort Nisqually, Union Station, and even Engine House No. 9. But did you know that it may be possible for your own home to be included on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places? 

Beyond the pride of having your home recognized, there are some very real benefits that come along with an historic designation.

But first, how do you know if your home qualifies? Right off the bat, your home must be at least 50 years old, and maintain the integrity of its initial design, workmanship, vibe, and location – in other words, it's got to have a similar look and feel to how it was when it was originally built, carrying the weight of its historical significance. From then on, things get a touch complicated, as your home must meet one of six criteria: it's associated with historical events or people; it evokes the aesthetic of a particular time period, or possesses a unique design; it may provide interesting historical information; it's part of an historic district worth preserving; or it represents a classic visual feature of the neighborhood or city. 

Obviously, there's a bit of a gray area to some of these requirements, and those get ironed out when you go through the process of nominating your home for the designation. Fill out the nomination form on the City of Tacoma's website, being sure to describe the home's history, appearance, and condition. After the Landmarks Council decides that your home qualifies, the final say comes down to a vote from the City Council. If you're wondering about whether or not your home fits the bill, the Northwest Room at Tacoma’s Main Library is a great resource for researching its past.

As for the benefits of getting a historic designation for your home, there are so many! There a number of financial incentives, including up to ten years of reduced property taxes, tax credits for building rehabilitation, special loans for repairs, and the ability to transfer development rights over another party. Most importantly, once your home is named a landmark, it has that added layer of protection and care to help it stick around for future generations to see!

To navigate the further ins and outs of getting an historic designation, cityoftacoma.org has tons of information to guide you through the process.

Updated Historic Craftsman in Tacoma’s North End 

By Sharon Benson • April 16, 2025
Merely blocks to the heart of the Proctor District, this beautifully curated Craftsman masterpiece offers the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about in Tacoma’s North End. With a 1,632-square-foot layout plus an unfinished basement, this home-sweet-home is replete with historic charm, modern updates, and versatile spaces ready to evolve in the years to come. A picturesque backyard getaway blossoms with springtime wonder, while the newer detached garage promises even more flexibility. Located at 2411 N Union Avenue Tacoma, WA 98406 and just minutes to University of Puget Sound, the waterfront, Downtown Tacoma, and of course the Proctor District, this North End Craftsman is listed for $739,500.

Charming Cape Cod in North Tacoma’s Proctor/UPS Neighborhood

By Kelli Jo Hjalseth • April 4, 2025
Bright and beautiful, this classic Cape Cod retreat is a delight through and through, from its impeccably appointed living spaces to the spacious backyard. Imagine cozy evenings relaxing alongside the fireplace in the living room, enjoy the perks of having a formal dining room to host in, and discover dialed-in design in the kitchen. And that’s only the beginning! One of this home’s most enviable features is the fact that it's just down the street from University of Puget Sound and only 0.8 miles from the heart of the popular Proctor District. Located at 1102 N Washington Tacoma, WA 98406, this 2,084-square-foot home is listed for $640,000. Pre-inspection available after your tour.

2-Story Condo with Garage Along Greenbelt in Renton

By Sharon Benson • April 1, 2025
Effortless low-maintenance living beckons from this turnkey condo in Renton. Featuring a 1,209-square-foot layout over 2 stories, here you’ll find plenty of space to spread out—in addition to 2 bedrooms and 2.25 baths, generous open-concept living offers an inviting atmosphere. This rare opportunity includes a few other enviable condo benefits as well—this home comes with an attached garage, and is even nestled alongside a greenbelt so you can enjoy natural beauty from your private outdoor retreat! Located at 3800 NE Sunset Boulevard #B101, Unit B101 Renton, WA 98056 and no more than 5 minutes to shopping, dining, schools, freeway access, The Landing and more, this condo is listed for $425,000.
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