Interior view of the Cortina Villa restaurant. The restaurant was designed so that brick archways led from one dining area to another. A definite rustic atmosphere prevailed with checkered tablecloths and wrought iron rails. Lattices with entwined flowring vines decorated the walls. Cortina Villa, formerly Alphonse's, provided a hearty menu of Italian and American meals. The restaurant was located in the 2400 block of Pacific Ave., on the ground level of the Hotel Merkle. It would celebrate its grand opening the weekend of November 18, 1971. (TNT ad 11-18-71, A-15)

Cortina Villa (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Arches--Tacoma;

Exterior view of the Cortina Villa restaurant, featuring marquee and signage. The Cortina Villa, formerly Alphonse's, was a Italian and American gourmet restaurant located at 2400 block of Pacific Avenue. Its name was said to mean "courtyard country home." The restaurant was on the ground level of the Hotel Merkle and next door to the 24th St. Tavern. According to an advertisement in the October 5, 1971, News Tribune, Cortina Villa offered free parking at Peoples Bank. Cocktails were served in Ramon's Room and customers could partake in a "Merchant's Lunch" for $1.65 with menu changing daily. The restaurant was owned and operated by Ray and Vicki Smart. (TNT 10-5-71, p. 4- ad; TNT 11-18-71, A-15-ad)

Cortina Villa (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Electric signs--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hotel Merkle (Tacoma); 24th St. Tavern (Tacoma); Marquees--Tacoma;

Interior view, on November 1, 1971, of the Cortina Villa restaurant. This portion of the dining area, with its arched doorway, wrought iron rails, overhanging porch, and cheerful checkered tablecloths, probably made patrons feel that they were dining in a lovely courtyard. The restaurant had more brick archways leading to two other dining sections. Cortina Villa advertised itself as serving Italian and American gourmet meals. It was located in downtown Tacoma with free parking at Peoples Bank. The restaurant would celebrate its grand opening the weekend of November 18, 1971. (TNT Ad 10-5-71, p. 4; TNT Ad 11-18-71, A-15)

Cortina Villa (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1979. Views in 1979 of the 2400 Block of Pacific Ave. On the left is 2401-05 Pacific, home in 1979 to the 24th St. Tavern. The building was constructed in 1927 as a store, designed by Heath, Gove & Bell, architects. On the right is the Hotel Merkle, 2407-09 Pacific. The building was built in 1913 and designed by Darmer & Cutting.

Hotel Merkle (Tacoma); 24th St. Tavern (Tacoma); Business districts--Tacoma--1970-1980; Business districts--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1979. Views in 1979 of the 2400 Block of Pacific Ave. On the left is 2401-05 Pacific, home in 1979 to the 24th St. Tavern. The building was constructed in 1927 as a store, designed by Heath, Gove & Bell, architects. On the right is the Hotel Merkle, 2407-09 Pacific. The building was built in 1913 and designed by Darmer & Cutting.

Hotel Merkle (Tacoma); 24th St. Tavern (Tacoma); Business districts--Tacoma--1970-1980; Business districts--Tacoma--1970-1980;