Tacoma’s Historic Districts & Landmarks

Buckley's Addition Historic District

The Buckley’s Addition Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. It is roughly bordered by North Steele Street, North 8th Street, North Pine Street, and North 21st Street. It includes 592 primary buildings, 430 of which are Historic Contributing properties. Architectural types include Queen Anne, Colonial and Tudor revivals, Foursquare, and Craftsman

The district represents the broad pattern of social and economic history of Tacoma and is a typical early 20th century street-car suburb. The district is named for James M. Buckley, who was the Assistant General Manager of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Buckley purchased several large homestead claims and platted Buckley’s Addition, which was filed on June 12, 1883. Development began in the south section and continued until 1941, when only 8% of the lots were still undeveloped.

College Park Historic District

The College Park Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. The district is 125 acres roughly bordered by North Pine Street on the east; North 21 Street on the north; North Alder Street and North Union Avenue on the west; and North 8th & North 18th adjacent to the University of Puget Sound, on the south

It includes 582 primary buildings, 509 of which are contributing properties. Architectural types include Queen Anne; Colonial and Tudor revivals, Minimal Traditional, and Craftsman. The period of significance is 1890 to 1960, during which most of the homes were built. The district represents the broad pattern of social and economic history of Tacoma. College Park also embodies the distinctive characteristics of homes from this period and includes the work of master craftsmen and architects

On May 3, 2021, the City received a written request and petition to create a new local historic overlay zone in the “College Park” neighborhood adjacent to the University of Puget Sound campus. Again, the proposed area was already listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of 2017.

On November 2, 2022, the Tacoma Planning Commission voted to deny the proposed College Park Historic Special Review District.

​View the decision document.

North Slope Historic District

The North Slope Historic Special Review District, with more than 950 properties, is one of the largest historic districts in the country. It was listed on the Tacoma Register in 1994 (expanded in 1996 and 1999), as well as the Washington State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2003.This district was created in response to an initiative from residents who valued the atmosphere these historic homes create. Few homes in the district are high-style; instead the neighborhood is composed primarily of middle-class Victorian, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Foursquare houses.

They represent a collection of Pacific Northwest versions of the residential architecture popular in the United States prior to World War II. Current residents still take great pride in their historic homes and beautiful streets. Street signs mark the extent of the district, which extends from North I Street to North Grant Avenue, and between Division Avenue and Steele Street, along the angle where Tacoma’s street grid follows the shoreline and links Old Town (developed in the 1870s) with New Tacoma which was built to meet the railroad line in the 1890s.

North Slope Historic Special Review District Requirements – What Gets Reviewed?

If your house is located within the boundaries of the historic district, then changes to the exterior of your property may require design review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission if permits are required, as stated in TMC 13.07.360. This includes changes to windows, siding, additions, chimneys, porches, and decks.

Your project will require Landmarks Preservation Commission review if:

• It is a new construction project or demolition
• It involves a contributing historic structure
• It involves exterior work
• It requires a building permit

Projects are exempt from Landmarks Commission review if:

• The project does not require a permit
• The project does not involve any exterior work
• The project involves plumbing, sewer, electrical, or landscaping work

Old City Hall Historic District

Old City Hall (1892) reflects the grand ambitions of the time. It is an outstanding example of the height of Italianate style in America. Other striking buildings are found throughout the district, including the Northern Pacific Headquarters (1888), the Beaux Arts Elks Temple (1916), and the Winthrop Hotel (1925).

Smaller brick buildings also remain as reminders of Whiskey Row, the entertainment district that once thrived on the wages of dock workers and politicians. New uses continue as buildings are rehabilitated for office, retail, and unique urban residences, maintaining the historic character of old Tacoma.

Salmon Beach Historic District

The Salmon Beach Historic District is listed on the Washington Heritage Register; it represents a rare glimpse of the waterfront lifestyle from the first part of the 20th century. The original community was a collection of approximately 100 cabins built on stilts at the base of a steep bluff bordering the Tacoma Narrows. Several cabins, including Cabin #97 (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) are in close to original condition, representing the small, intimate, and independent character of the historic Salmon Beach community.

South J Street Historic District

The South J Street Historic District was added to the Washington and National Register of Historic Places in 1986. In 1992, it was added to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places as a multi-property listing, instead of a historic district

The South J Street Historic District is composed of eight late-Victorian detached row houses. These narrow, two-story frame structures were erected in 1889 and 1890 and display a variety of exterior cladding materials and decoration. The houses are very similar in appearance, utilizing only two slightly different designs in a vernacular Queen Anne Style. The repeated bays and gables of these homes create a distinctly rhythmic pattern that is uninterrupted. The eight buildings of this district form the largest group of row houses of this period, quality and style remaining in Washington State. Three of the houses were designed by Proctor and Dennis, a prominent architectural firm in Tacoma. All of the houses were erected by a local building and loan association, which attempted to finance homes for the middle and working classes.

Stadium/Seminary Historic District

Tacoma’s high-style residential district, the Stadium-Seminary National Historic District, is listed on the National Register (1977). This district occupies beautiful tree-lined avenues between North I Street and the shoreline, and between First Street and North 10th Street. With its stunning views of the Puget Sound, the district provides insight into the lives of the early lumber barons and railroad executives.

The area is significant because it is one of Tacoma’s earliest residential neighborhoods and it contains outstanding examples of high style homes from the late 19th to the early 20th century.

Union Depot/Warehouse District

​The Union Depot-Warehouse Historic District (National Register of Historic Places-1980; Tacoma Register-1983) flanks Pacific Avenue from South 17th Street to South 23 Street and extends up the hill to Jefferson Avenue. The district is surrounded by the Union Station Conservation District. Properties within the surrounding Union Station Conservation District must also be reviewed for exterior changes.

Architecture in the district is characterized by rugged brick warehouses and factories– examples of commercial high style and industrial vernacular architecture that developed in America during the early 1900s.

The district was a hub for goods that arrived by railway during the 1890s through the 1920s. Union Station (1911) is a stunning landmark, with its massive arches and copper clad dome. The adaptive reuse of Union Station as a Federal Courthouse earned the City of Tacoma a National Preservation Honor Award in 1994.

In 1999, Tacoma received a second National Preservation Honor Award for the University of Washington, Tacoma’s adaptive reuse of the warehouse buildings along Pacific for its new urban campus. Other buildings in the district are being rehabilitated for use as apartments, businesses, restaurants, and shops. These projects are outstanding examples of historically sensitive adaptive reuse.

Wedge Neighborhood Historic District

The Wedge Neighborhood Historic District was established on May 24, 2011 (City Council Ordinance #27981), in response to a request submitted in 2008 by neighborhood residents. The Wedge Neighborhood is significant for its representation of a pre-WWII, middle class, Tacoma neighborhood. The profiles of its residents–which cut across professions and backgrounds–tell a typical story of an emerging community.

The original Wedge settlers were a diverse group of people from all walks of life and from many parts of the world. Many early residents were born in Germany, Sweden, Norway, and England. They brought their languages, foods, cultures, and religions. Some homeowners took in boarders and extended-family members. The population included pioneers, successful merchants and businessmen, European immigrants, westward travelers, as well as laborers, professionals and civil servants.

The Wedge Neighborhood Conservation District is intended to “buffer” the core historic district from the impact of development in the surrounding area.

The Conservation District has fewer design review requirements. The following projects require Landmarks Preservation Commission review and approval:

• Demolition of an entire building
• Construction of a new building

Nomination Process

Complete the Nomination Form

​After gathering the historical information, use the nomination form (available in the column to the right) to record the historical narrative and the physical appearance and condition of the property. Contact the Historic Preservation Office if you have questions.

• Nomination Form (PDF)
• Download Nomination Form (Microsoft Word)

Landmarks Commission Review

​The Historic Preservation Office will schedule completed nominations for a preliminary review before the Landmarks Commission. When new landmark nominations are under review, they are posted on the Landmarks Commission web page.

If the Landmarks Commission finds that the property appears to meet the designation criteria, it is scheduled for a public hearing. If approved, the nomination is then forwarded to City Council.

NOTE: The process takes approximately four to six months. Properties intending to apply for special tax valuation for the coming year must be nominated by June of that year.

Council Resolution

​The City Council votes on the designation at their next available agenda.

Effects of Listing

​Once designated, changes to City landmarks are subject to design review by the Landmarks Commission. Such projects may qualify for the City’s Special Tax Valuation Program, the Historic Rehabilitation and Repair Loan Program, and potentially other development incentives (such as Transfer of Development Rights).

Guides and Resources

• Historic Tacoma’s Guide to Architectural Styles (PDF)
• Guide to Nominating a Property (PDF)
• TMC 13.05.040 (Historic Preservation Land Use Decisions)
• Wedge Neighborhood/North Slope Historic District Design Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Districts and Landmarks

What is a Local Historic District?

Historic districts are areas of the city that have been added to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places because they possess a special character, historic  development patterns, or represent the built environment during a specific period of time. The purpose of local historic districts is to encourage the preservation of architectural and cultural character within established neighborhoods and districts, and to protect such areas from adverse effects of unsympathetic development activities, as well as to promote economic development and neighborhood identity. They are intended to guide change and preserve community character as an area grows and evolves over time.

Local historic districts differ from National Register Historic Districts and Washington State Heritage Register Districts in that local historic districts require historic approval for development activities within the district, whereas National and State districts do not.

Tacoma has nine historic districts, four of which are listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. These include the Wedge Neighborhood, North Slope, Old City Hall, and Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Districts. Each district has its own set of guidelines that inform the design review of rehabilitation projects, new development, and public amenities within their districts.

The Stadium/Seminary, Salmon Beach, South J Street, College Park, and Buckley’s Addition Historic Districts are listed on the state and/or National Registers. Development activities within these districts are generally unaffected by the historic listing, except for demolition.

What is the Historic District Designation Process?

Local historic districts are listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places through a nomination process. The Landmarks Preservation Commission reviews the nomination for historic significance and makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission, which then reviews the proposal for compatibility with the City’s land use policies.  Following its review, the Planning Commission may recommend that the City Council create a new overlay historic zoning district. At each step, there are opportunities to provide written or oral comments at Public Hearings.

How does a Historic Special Review District work?

Historic districts are adopted by City Council as overlay zones, meaning that the regulations of the historic district are added “on top of” the existing land use zoning. In general, historic districts use a design review process and their own design guidelines for proposed remodeling projects. Historic Special Review Districts do not regulate use – including types and intensity of uses allowable under zoning.

How does being in a Historic District affect my property?

In general, new construction and projects affecting the exteriors of existing historic homes within the boundaries of a local Historic Special Review District require the review and approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission prior to the issuance of permits. In addition, demolition of historic properties is highly discouraged.

The Landmarks Commission reviews projects at its meetings twice monthly. For minor projects, there is an expedited administrative review process.

In certain cases, substantial remodeling projects that are historically compatible with the character of the building may qualify for property tax incentives.

What requires review?

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is required to review certain permitting projects for historic compatibility and compliance with standards for historic treatment. They review projects according to of the applicable standards, which include design guidelines for historic districts.

In general, any exterior work on City Landmarks or contributing properties that is visible from public rights of way requires design review. In residential historic districts, such as the North Slope Historic District, exterior work that is exempt from building permit requirements is also exempt from historic review, as is interior remodeling and private landscaping.

What are the guidelines?

Each district has their own set of guideline that are used as the basis for design review for permitting projects within a district. The guidelines are intended to ensure a certainty of design quality within each district.

While each district’s guidelines are different, at a minimum they address height, scale, massing, exterior cladding and materials, building form and shape, roof shape, fenestration patterns and window materials, architectural details, storefronts (within commercial areas), awnings and signs, additions, parking, main entrances, rhythm of openings, accessory structures, mechanical equipment, streetscape and sustainable design.

Occasionally, but not more than once per year, the Commission may recommend changes to the guidelines. When changes are proposed, there is opportunity for public feedback before any decisions are made. Most commonly, the guidelines are changed to accommodate new codes, to correct errors, or to address emerging topics (such as solar panel installation).

Are all buildings within a local historic district considered historic? What are “contributing” and “noncontributing” buildings?

Within the boundaries of a historic district, properties are categorized by whether or not they possess qualities that give the district its historic or architectural significance. These properties are considered either “contributing,” if they reflect the significance of the district as a whole because of their historic associations, historic architectural qualities or archaeological features; or “noncontributing,” if they are located within the boundaries of the district but were constructed outside of the time period for which the district is considered historic or are period buildings that have been altered to the point that the historical integrity is lost.

Will I be able to make any changes to my house?

Yes! Historic preservation policy recognizes that in order for historic buildings to remain a vital part of contemporary life, they must be allowed to adapt and change. The assertion that historic districts prevent any changes is a myth – additions and remodeling are common and the Commission approves dozens of projects per year. However, project proposals should be consistent with the guidelines for the district in order to be approved.

Do I need historic permission to remodel the inside of my house?

No! Interior alterations to existing properties are exempt from review, unless those modifications affect the exterior appearance of the property.

Can I build an addition?

Yes, if it meets the design guidelines. Additions to existing homes in the historic districts are not discouraged.

Can I build a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU)?

Yes, if the underlying zoning allows DADUs. The guidelines for the North Slope and Wedge Neighborhood Historic Districts treat DADUs as accessory structures, which means that generally they should follow the development pattern set by historic detached garages (set towards rear of lot, sympathetic material palette and compatible scale). The Commission has approved both new DADUs and garage-conversion DADUs within historic districts.

Can I change my windows?

Applications to replace windows are common. The guidelines for the Wedge and North Slope encourage the preservation of existing original wood windows that are in good repair, and recommends repair of historic windows before replacement. Non-historic windows that were installed in homes prior to the creation of the historic district do not need to be upgraded, and if replaced, can be replaced in-kind.  For failed historic windows, the guidelines recommend windows that are, or appear to be, wood windows. There are many product lines of clad windows that meet this requirement.

Thermal efficiency is another common reason cited for window replacement. Due to the low return on investment, in terms of energy savings, of window replacement, it is recommended that other house systems such as furnaces, insulation and appliances and fixtures be upgraded before windows. Window performance can also be dramatically improved with storm sashes.

Do I need historic approval for paint colors?

Yes, for individually listed properties on the Tacoma Historic Register and for contributing buildings within some historic districts. Please consult Historic Preservation staff for more information. 

Do fences need historic approval?

The building code allows construction of fences up to 7’ high without a permit, so unless your fence is higher than 7’, historic review is not needed.

Can I demolish my old garage?

Probably, if the garage is in poor condition or not sufficient for modern needs. Removal and replacement of garages is a common request in historic districts. The code and guidelines emphasize primary structures in the district and place a lower priority on the preservation of accessory structures.

Are solar panels, air conditioning units or heat pumps permitted?

Yes, however the Commission generally encourages the location of compressor units in less visible areas (such as side yards, towards the rear of the property, or in back yards. For solar installations, while practical requirements such as solar aspect can dictate location, the Commission also encourages applicants to design the installation in a manner that minimizes visual impact as much as possible.

If a district is established, will I need to restore my home to its original/historic form?

No. Owners do not have to rehabilitate their building or reverse any previous work following the establishment of a historic district.

Can new buildings be constructed in a local historic district?

Yes, new construction is allowed if the design meets the design guidelines.

Can a building in a local historic district be demolished?

Buildings classified as noncontributing structures may be demolished if there is an approved replacement structure. The City strongly discourages the demolition of contributing structures, however, and the burden of demonstrating that there is no alternative is on the applicant. Demolition of historic buildings also requires a public hearing.

Will this prohibit apartments/duplexes/triplexes?

No. The historic district does not regulate use, so if the design of a new building meets the design guidelines in terms of massing, scale, materials, and so forth, then it will be approved regardless of the number of units.

Will this make my property value go up/down?

There have been numerous studies of this question. Generally, it is expected that homes within historic districts appreciate at the same rate or slightly faster than homes in comparable neighborhoods that are not historic districts.

Are there costs associated with establishing a historic district?

There is no specific fee associated with the creation of a historic district.

Are there costs associated with the permitting and review process

Yes. There are fees associated with design review in addition to the normal permitting fees for obtaining a building permit.  The fee varies according to project value, but the minimum fee is $175 and the maximum for residential projects is $500. Learn more about design review and permitting fees.

Can a property owner opt out of the district?

All properties within an historic overlay zone adopted by council are subject to the requirements of the district.

How Can I Get More Information or Comment?

To ask questions about this process and to provide feedback, please email landmarks@tacoma.gov.