City Manager Eric Anderson announced at this afternoon’s City Council Study Session that the historic Luzon Building will be torn down this Saturday. According to the building official, the structure is in eminent danger of collapse and must be taken down immediately to protect the public. According to the City Manager, “there is no hope [for the Luzon]”.
This conclusion is the final determination in a series of last ditch efforts to save the Luzon from demolition. Years of neglect on the part of multiple owners, including Pierce County left the building in a state of disrepair. Yesterday the structure was enclosed with a 6-foot fence after the Tacoma Police and Fire Departments insured the building was empty.
The Luzon is one of the first buildings on the West Coast built by Chicago architects, Burnham and Root to employ an internal steel structure, later used in the engineering of skyscrapers. An effort will be made to preserve the steel structure and the unique patina brick on the exterior of the building.
This conclusion is the final determination in a series of last ditch efforts to save the Luzon from demolition. Years of neglect on the part of multiple owners, including Pierce County left the building in a state of disrepair. Yesterday the structure was enclosed with a 6-foot fence after the Tacoma Police and Fire Departments insured the building was empty.
The Luzon is one of the first buildings on the West Coast built by Chicago architects, Burnham and Root to employ an internal steel structure, later used in the engineering of skyscrapers. An effort will be made to preserve the steel structure and the unique patina brick on the exterior of the building.
Other stories on the Luzon...
If they are preserving the internal steel structure and the external brick, what exactly are they tearing down?
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it the steel and the bricks will be taken off site and stored until someone figures out what, if anything, to do with them.
ReplyDeleteRepurposed (recycled) building materials are in high demand and fetch a premium for those who want to remodel using authentic period materials...the could make a bundle if the product is recovered properly.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it the steel and the bricks will be taken off site and stored until someone figures out what, if anything, to do with them.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Smithsonian wants them?