by Julie Collison
May 17, 2024
It isn’t often that we get the opportunity to do something that will leave a legacy for our
children. 2 years ago, the Parkland Community had just that. News from our county
council representative, Jani Hitchin, came to the folks attending the Scandinavian
Cultural Center meeting that the Parkland School was being considered to be removed
from the Pierce County Historical Registry by its owner at the upcoming Pierce County
Landmarks and Preservation meeting in order to build a six-story apartment building on
the property.

The rallying call was put out in person, at church, on Facebook and the Pierce Prairie
Post trying to reach all of the folks that needed to know about this. Over 40 people
showed up at the Landmarks meeting in person and online in support of keeping the
building on the registry and stopping the demolition that was planned by developers.
This was only the beginning of an effort that would join unlikely people together with a
common goal.

A 501c3 was formed and while that was in the works, the Spanaway Community
Association stepped up in partnership with them so that legal fundraising could begin.
The Parkland Community Assn. (PCA) was formed and a whole bunch of people
mobilized and sprang into action, creating banners and brochures, holding rallies,
attending council meetings, and more. Several folks still meet on a weekly basis to
determine and discuss next steps.

When you lose a building, it’s gone forever and with it is our ability to touch the lives and
the experiences of our ancestors.

If you have ever driven south on Pacific Ave, on your way to Spanaway or Mt. Rainier,
you will pass by this iconic structure on the SW corner of 121st St. S.

At one point in time, it was the only school (beginning in 1889) around for miles, so, if
you are of an age and lived in Parkland, you attended Parkland Grade School. Many
folks have their hearts impressed upon them by the old gal, who appears to be warm
and alive to many of the locals.

It is a usable structure and is a solid concrete and brick 1908 building, with additions in
1937 and 1947 and was used as recently as 2018 as a high school. Containing over
36,000 usable square feet, featuring a full-size gym with maple floors, floor to
ceiling fir bleachers, as well as a commercial kitchen with cafeteria. The community and
others felt that this building was best to save for reuse and repurposing, not for filling the
landfill, and the Save Parkland School Project was created.

The Parkland Community Assn, thru in person discussions with the owner, Pacific
Lutheran University (PLU), were able to agree on a Purchase and Sale Agreement with
a sales price of $2,850,000.00.

The Parkland Community Assn. was able to present $750,000.00 as a down payment
and as of May 10. 2024, the closing date of the sale, they are now the proud owners of
the Parkland School building. PLU is the gracious lender who holds the $2.1 million,
zero interest rate loan, so the fundraising will continue to repurpose and reuse Parkland
School!

Now Historical Tacoma is bestowing upon us one of their 2024 Historic Preservation Awards, “Outstanding Achievement in Community Engagement.” It is truly appreciated! Thank you!

The announcement below is from the City of Tacoma website:

Celebrate 2024 Historic Preservation Awards on May 23 

The Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission will present the 2024 Historic Preservation Awards on May 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Mouse Theater, 2611 N Proctor St, Tacoma, WA 98407.

The annual preservation awards recognize the critical work of community members to enhance and preserve Tacoma’s unique character through outstanding heritage related efforts. The awards and reception are free and open to the public. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

This year’s Historic Preservation Awards categories and recipients are:

Award Category	2024 Recipient
Outstanding Achievement in Community Engagement	Save Historic Parkland School community group/project
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability	Willamette Casket Company Building, 2916 S. Steele St.
Outstanding Achievement in Broadening Perspectives in Preservation	Washington State Historical Society, for “Boldt at 50”
Outstanding Achievement in Housing	506 N. L St.
Outstanding Achievement in Partnerships in Preservation	Tacoma Evergreen, for the Remnant Project and Black History visioning work
Outstanding Achievement in Leadership in Preservation	Artifacts Consulting, Inc.
Outstanding Landmark Nomination	Two award winners: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 901 N. J St.; McFarlane House, 314 N. Yakima Ave.
Outstanding Heritage/Legacy Business	Radio Club of Tacoma, 1249 S. Washington St.
Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Renovation	Cider & Cedar, 744 Market St., #102B
Excellence in Historic Preservation	Blue Mouse Theater, 2611 N. Proctor Ave.
Outstanding Career Achievement	Michael Lafreniere