Tacoma Pagoda was site of 97 years of memories

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — The pagoda that burned Friday has such a place in the hearts of Tacoma residents that several people struggled to stop tears as they spoke about it.

Gene Grulich, the Tacoma architect who oversaw a major restoration of the structure in 1987, had to regain his composure when he talked about the landmark’s significance.

The pagoda was built in 1913 as a turnaround for the Tacoma streetcar line serving Point Defiance Park.

The building was modeled on a 17th century Japanese lodge, not a pagoda. It was designed by the prominent Tacoma architect Luther Twichell.

The idea of putting a Japanese-style building at Point Defiance was not an immediate hit with many Tacoma residents.

But the Japanese theme survived despite a groundswell of public support for a more natural, heavily timbered design.

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Information from: The News Tribune, http://www.thenewstribune.com