ca. 1960. 1960 Richards stock footage- the County-City Building from the intersection of 11th and Tacoma Avenue South. In the background to the left can be seen the Armory. This view shows the two story court wing next to the twelve story central structure. The very controversial joint building took over 7 years from voter approval to finished structure, with skirmishes over location, architect, cost (it finished 3 1/2 million over original budget) and division between city and county. The building, however, has served Tacoma and Pierce County well and still meets the needs of the community. The wings have been extensively remodeled and added on to and now stretch almost to Tacoma Ave. So.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

ca. 1960. The County-City Building, dedicated in April of 1959, over 7 years after the voters' approval, and designed by A. Gordon Lumm. The building stretches over 2 city blocks and was built at a cost of 9 1/2 million dollars; 3 1/2 million over the original amount approved by the voters. Shown is the four story law enforcement wing that was completed and occupied last. It housed both the Pierce County Sheriffs and the Tacoma Police Department. It is connected to the twelve story central structure. The photograph is taken from the intersection of 9th and Tacoma Ave. South with the structure facing onto Tacoma Ave. So. Photograph from the 1960 Richards stock files.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

Flora B.Tenzler Memorial Hall at the College of Puget Sound, ordered by Strom Construction. Silas E. Nelson, architect. Tenzler Hall was dedicated on October 26, 1958. The furnished dormitory was the largest single gift ever received by the college. It was donated by the Tenzler Foundation and named after Flora B. Tenzler of Tacoma, the late wife of Herman E. Tenzler, president of the Northwest Door Company. Mrs. Tenzler had an intense interest in young people and education. The dormitory could house 80 girls and was intended for senior girls and sororities high in education. It had apartment like living areas, a lounge, spacious recreational areas, sundecks, study facilities and fireplaces. (TNT 10/27/1958, pg. 15)

Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--Buildings;

In November of 1959, Verla White was photographed selecting art prints for the imported grasscloth wall in her new apartment at the Finisterre Apartments. The modernistic Finisterre (meaning "lands end") was built in 1959 by Stromberg Building Enterprises, who served as builder, architect and contractor. It was completed on November 20, 1959. The building was located at the north corner of 6th and No. Jackson, overlooking Puget Sound and the Narrows Bridge. Each apartment had soundproofing, wall-to-wall carpeting, draperies, built-in colored appliances and ceramic tile baths. Five color schemes were available. There were a total of 20 one and two bedroom suites. The one bedrooms rented for $105- 127.50, the two bedrooms for $120-127.50. They could be rented furnished or unfurnished. The building was sold to C. William Brasier prior to opening. (TNT 9/20/1959, pg. B-6; 11/8/1959, pg. B-4-B-5-photograph & article on Finisterre)

Finisterre Apartments (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; White, Verla; Apartments;

The modernistic Finisterre was built in 1959 by Stromberg Building Enterprises, who served as builder, architect and contractor. It was completed on November 20, 1959. The court apartments were labeled "Century 21 Architecture." The building was a four story court type structure with 22 suites, including 2 penthouses. The penthouses were originally occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Harbke and Dr. and Mrs. Frank Unmack. The building offered panoramic views of the Puget Sound and the Narrows. The exterior was viking brick accented with modern panels and 18 foot contemporary seahorses on the 6th Avenue side. The suspended, motel-like cantilever decks and stairs were built of structural steel and concrete with a paneled railing for safety. The court area included a contemporary pool and an original design fountain garden was the focal point of the courtyard. Finisterre means "lands end." The building was located at 6th and No. Jackson. TPL-7913 (TNT 11/8/1959, pg. B-4- B-5)

Finisterre Apartments (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The former Yorktheimer residence, 27 Broadway, taken from Stadium Way; the rear entrance to the home. The ornate home was built in 1887 in the florid style of the eighties. The home was occupied by the Cardin and Chambers families. In 1910, it served as the home of the Gatlin Institute and its alcoholism cure. The home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yorktheimer in 1918. The family, consisting of the mother, father and four daughters, moved in on Armistice Day. The 16 room house had an elaborate interior with a massive staircase of hardwood, huge paneled wooden doors and intricately carved wooden lacework. One of the daughters, Miss Blanche Yorktheimer, still resided in the house until 1959. The home was bought by a trio of investors and demolished in 1959 to make way for the 12 story, 108 unit apartment building, Belmont Terrace. (TNT 8/30/1959, pg. 1) TPL-9850

Houses--Tacoma--1880-1890;

A trio of Broadway buildings, taken from the year entrances on Stadium Way. On the left is the Broadway Apartments at 21 Broadway. The Broadway apartments were built in 1928 based on a Gothic design by architect Stanley Shaw. They were trimmed in Wilkeson sandstone. According to the 1958 City Directory, it had 42 apartments. In the center is the former Yorktheimer home. The 16 room mansion was built in 1887 in the ornate style of the excessive eighties. It was purchased in 1918 by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yorktheimer. In 1958, it was still occupied by one of the daughters, Miss Blanche Yorktheimer, who listed her profession as music teacher. This home was demolished to make room for the 108 unit Belmont Terrace apartment building. To the right is an unnamed 7 unit apartment building which was also demolished.

Belmont Terrace (Tacoma); Broadway Apartments (Tacoma); Houses--Tacoma--1880-1890;

The Ansonia Apartments, ordered by Ward Smith Inc. TPL-4577. This beautiful example of German- English Renaissance architecture was built in 1914 at an original cost of $135,000. The apartments were designed by the architecture firm of Heath & Gove. Designed as city dwellings for the elite, the building even featured burglar-proof vaults for their jewels and treasures. In 1939, the building was purchased by the Rhodes Investment Company. It became famous for its lush roof top garden. The building has an arched canopy that reaches into Tacoma Ave. No. to shield residents from the elements as they alight from their carriages, and later vehicles. It has several balconies.

Ansonia Apartments (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Harbor Terrace Apartments, ordered by Ward Smith Inc. These modern apartments were built in 1951 with lots of floor to ceiling glass and balconies to take in the water view. The apartments are terraced so that no apartment blocks the view of the one behind it.

Apartment houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Harbor Terrace Apartments (Tacoma);

The new home of Karl and Ruth Johnson at 11309 Loma Place in Rhododendron Lanes. The rambler has a cottage style peaked roof and cross hatched window panes. It features a wide driveway and a two car garage. Picture ordered by Cole & Weber, Bob Harrison.

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Johnson, Karl--Homes & haunts;

Two children play outside on the swingset behind this view home designed by Miller Construction and located in Panorama Park. Large windows cover the rear of the home to take in the inspiring view of the Narrows Bridge. The home appears to be a split level, the address is unknown.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interior and exterior shots of the new County-City building; jail cells in the new law enforcement wing. The combined facility for the county sheriff and the Tacoma police departments was jokingly referred to as the "joint joint." The jail was designed for maximum security and to be a more comfortable and spacious environment for the city, county and federal prisoners. It had air conditioning, a chapel, infirmary, delousing room and even a fenced rooftop exercise area called the "patio." The city jail was located on the third floor and the county jail on the fourth floor of the north wing. Jointly there were 8-9 tanks capable of holding 10-50 prisoners each. The city and county jails each had space for 140 prisoners. The day cells were equipped with showers, but the shower booths had no controls. A jailer yards away controlled both the temperature and the volume of the spray. (TNT 4/7/1959, pg. B-10)

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma; Jails--Tacoma;

This large tri-level was located in Skyline Terrace and built by Miller Construction. The 30 million, 1500 home subdivision was designed by Ed Miller. This large home features additional living space over the two car garage.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This one story rambler with its attached one car garage was built by Miller Construction in Skyline Terrace. The 1500 home project, designed by Ed Miller, featured homes of many designs and price ranges. This home was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Tom McGraw. A community recreation center was being planned by Miller for the addition. It would have 2 pools, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a picnic area and a large clubhouse. A family membership would be included with the home purchase.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior shot of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso," taken at night with flaring gas torches for light. The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located in Glenwood Acres in Lakewood. This shot is taken from the patio area, with its privacy fence, looking into the glass walled living room area. The home was a "whole site" development, where the entire site was incorporated into the home. The patio area is extensively landscaped. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

The exterior of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The fenced patio lies to the left of the two car carport. Another fenced outdoor living space is in the back of the home. These areas are fenced with an opaque material for privacy. The use of the outdoors as additional living space for this small home won it national awards. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

Interior of the living room of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The home was decorated for the Home Show by his wife and fellow architect Joan Price. The furniture is the square, spare, utilitarian style of the fifties. The glassed wall and door at the rear of the living room leads to the outdoor living space, screened for privacy. The house features an open floorplan where one room flows into another & then continues on to the outdoor living spaces. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Living rooms--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Interior shot of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located in Glenwood Acres. The home was decorated by Price's wife and fellow architect Joan Price. The home was noted for its open floor plan and integration of the outdoors as a living space. In this picture, the centrally located kitchen flows into the dining area and out the glass doors to the outdoor patio. A white privacy plastic screen-fence protects the homeowners from curious eyes. The home later won national awards for its use of space and the outdoors. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

This one story home has a view of the mountains through its one car carport. It is located in scenic Skyline Terrace. Skyline Terrace was designed by developer Ed Miller and was noted for its views. This home is made of brick, cedar and siding. The home had already been sold to its first owner Claude Harris.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The exterior of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. A firm believer in the theory that good fences make good neighbors, Price has carried this one step further with glassed walls that look out onto patios, fenced with transluscent multi-colored plastic screens as high as the roofline for privacy. The home has two fenced areas, one off the kitchen-dining area for outside dining and one off the living room area. The home later won national awards for its use of space and privacy. It also has numerous skylights allowing for the introduction of natural lighting. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

The identifying sign for the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The unveiling of the model home was an integral part of the Tacoma Master Builders Association's Home Show. The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located near the community pool in Glenwood Acres. A fine example of contemporary architecture, the home had won a design citation by Progressive Architecture magazine, from a field of 600. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 27+)

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

This modest one story home with its one car garage was built in Skyline Terrace by Miller Construction. The development by Ed Miller was 1500 homes, of varying designs and prices. The development was located in the growing Westgate area, around the path that the future 16 freeway would take to the Narrows bridge.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The kitchen of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The centrally located kitchen has an open floor plan and a free-standing island with a built in gas range top and rotisserie grill. The draft vent for the range has a clock on the outside. A double oven is to the left of the refrigerator. A wide expanse of glass looks out onto the privacy fenced patio. Pegboard makes up some of the walls, blending into the family room with its built-in television. The kitchen could conveniently serve the dining room, family room and outside dining court. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Construction continues on the new Student Union Building at the College of Puget Sound in late January, 1959. Ground was broken for the new building in July of 1958 and the goal for completion was August of 1959. Designed by architect Silas E. Nelsen, the two-story unit would have a 700-seat dining room, a bookstore, student lounge and recreation center, meeting rooms and student body offices. A federal government loan for $672,000 was approved and the student body pledged $90,000 with the college supplying the remaining funds; total contracts were $1 million. View of incomplete Tudor-styled Student Union Building with walls partially up, roof joists exposed, and stacks of plywood. Photograph ordered by Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. (TNT 2-9-58, D-15, TNT 2-15-59, C-16) TPL-10099

Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--Buildings;

A workman keeps an eye on a fellow employee as both are on the steep and unfinished roofs of the Student Union Building under construction at the College of Puget Sound. The wood and brick Tudor was designed by local architect Silas E. Nelsen and built by Strom Construction. Total contracts were approximately $1 million dollars, much of it paid for under a federal government loan. Located at No. 15th & Lawrence Sts., the new building's architecture would be harmonious with the classic Gothic and Tudor style of older units. The completion date was estimated to be August, 1959. The Student Union Building would be dedicated on December 4, 1959. Photograph ordered by Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. (TNT 2-15-59, C-16) TPL-10100

Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--Buildings;

ca. 1959. Imposing entrance of the new County-City building, an soaring glass and aluminum structure designed by A. Gordon Lumm. Lumm was the controversial selection of the County Commissioners as architect. His selection raised the ire of the local architects as he was the only one who did not participate in the free preliminary work performed by the architects' society. Bids for the construction of the original design came in 3 1/2 million higher than available funds. Voters approved an additional $3,700,00 in a bond issue to make up the difference. The building was finally constructed according to the original design and dedicated on April 10, 1959. (TNT 4/7/1959, pg. B1+)

County-City Building (Tacoma);

ca. 1959. The new County-City building from the intersection of 9th and Tacoma Ave. So. In April of 1959, Macdonald Building Co. had finally finished construction on the building that almost did not get built. In November of 1952, after a previous bond issue defeat, voters approved 6 million dollars to finance a joint county and city building. Over 20 sites were proposed, each with its own adamant supporters. The County Commissioners overrode all, including their own advisory committee that recommended the area bounded by So. 13th, 15th, Market and Tacoma Ave, to choose its present site. A Gordon Lumm was the controversial selection as architect. In midstream, 1953, Tacoma changed its form of government and the new council wanted the city to have its own wing, a demand that Lumm could not accomodate. In 1956, things went from bad to worse, as construction bids came in at 3 1/2 million over available funds. Voters voted in another bond issue to cover the shortfall. The council agreed on a lease agreement, after stormy negotiations, whereby the city would pay the county $80,000 a year for 20 years. The building was finally completed and dedicated on April 10, 1959, after much political blood letting. (TNT 4/7/1959, pg B1+) TPL-8169

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

ca. 1959. A rare view of the modern fifties architecture of the County City Building (dedicated April of 1959) and the Romanesque building that it was replacing, the Pierce County Courthouse. The County Courthouse was built in 1892 and although beautiful, by the fifties it had deteriorated, had sagging floors and was a fire hazard. The building was demolished the summer of 1959 and the area used as additional parking for the County-City Building. With this added parking area, the County-City Building would have available parking for 604 cars. The increased need for parking reflected the increase in personal automobile ownership in the fifties. TPL-9929

County-City Building (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

ca. 1959. The gothic spires of the old Pierce County Courthouse overlook the new glass and aluminum County-City building in this photograph from April or May of 1959. The old Courthouse was scheduled to be demolished as soon as all offices were relocated to the the new building. Of special interest was the movement of thousands of paper records, required by law for the county to store. Four trucking firms were hired to move 5,000 beer cartons of public records to the new building. Approximately 9 additional truck loads of records that were over 10 years old were ordered destroyed. Demolition of the Old Courthouse began in June, 1959. It was replaced with a parking lot.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

ca. 1959. One story rambler designed and built by Oscar Hokold. The home has an attached two car garage with living space above it. This home was being used as the display home for Hokold's new addition in the Wapato Lake area. These homes were priced from $23,500- $33,000 and featured built in appliances, a family room with fireplace and large lots. Hokold had sold over 100 new homes in the Wapato Lake area and had plans to built over 100 more at the north end of the lake and 300 at the south end of the lake, to be sold at a variety of prices. Hokold at this time actually resided in this house with his wife Olivann and children Harry (18), Jean (16) and Jack (14). At 44 years of age, Hokold had been in construction since 1939; he formed Hokold Construction in 1947. He was a Tacoma native, born in the southend and a graduate of Lincoln High School. He developed large sections of Tacoma in the fifties and even operated his own millwork and cabinet firm, Viking Millwork. He later developed the Northwest King Oscar chain of motels. (TNT 6/7/1959, pg. B-12)

Houses--1950-1960; Hokold, Oscar--Homes & haunts;