Mecca To Close (21. April 2006, 07:48 by Derek) ~ There Goes The Neighborhood
I woke up this morning and started going through my email. It seemed quiet. I checked a few websites, but didn’t see anything particularly interesting. Then, just before shutting down my computer to read the newspaper and drink my coffee, I see Voelpel’s column announcing that the Mecca Theater is closing. That’s crazy talk.
Ahh… the memories. Walking past the Mecca to eat at Ravenous. Parking in front of the Mecca to shop on Antique Row. Talking to a friend by the door into the Mecca, then realizing, this doesn’t look good… let’s move over there.
So what’s going to replace Tacoma’s most prominent porn theater? It sounds like there are a few ideas on the table. Apartments, a dinner and a movie type of theater, or a hotel. We’ll see. Whatever it is, it’ll definitely be more sterile than what’s been there for the last several decades.
We once had an acquaintance tell us that they only buy new things ‘because you don’t know what might have happened on it, or in there, before you.’ She couldn’t understand how somebody could buy something used. So she only bought new houses and new cars and new furniture. Could her imagine her horror if she discovered you lived in an an old porn theater. It’s Friday. My storytelling skills are rapidly digressing…
Several of you have mentioned the Mecca to me in comments and/or in emails. This must be big news to you too. Any thoughts?
Link to The News Tribune
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This is big news for the area. Right in the middle of the LID. The funny thing about the Mecca is that it was likely one of the more successful businesses in the theater district which shows the sad state of affairs there.
I can’t remember the patrons causing trouble outside.
Nevertheless, having it leave the area could improve the image of the area.
Newcomers to town would often look and say “ahh, look a theater” before figuring it out.
If they did convert it back into a hotel, wouldn’t you feel kind of gross staying there? Even if they did clean the sheets?
I do wonder though how much the LID figured into this. I just heard the current property owner speak out during the recent City Council open comment meeting. As a side note: She’s a lawyer- go figure – her husband runs the theater. I wonder what that says about their relationship?
I am curious to see if other property owners get “incentivized” to sell because of the LID…
2 | Posted by morgan | Apr 22, 11:12 PM
“I do wonder though how much the LID figured into this.”
I don’t think much. The guy was retiring after a long run.
I am not a marketing or branding specialist. However, I cannot help but think having the “theater” shut down will improve the image and investment interest in the area.
“wouldn’t you feel kind of gross staying there?”
The TNT reports that there are alot of small viewing booths in the Mecca. I guess they will have to remove those.
The building from the outside looks to be one of the best in the area.
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