Exit133.com: More on the Mattson House Demolition

More on the Mattson House Demolition (18. May 2006, 20:45 by Derek Young) ~ It's a Shame

Barbara Clements at the News Tribune has done some more digging on the Mattson House demolition and pretty much summarizes my view of the whole mess. Somebody buys a house for $1.5 million and claims it’s too much of a mess so tears it down. Where there’s a will, anything’s possible. In this case, the owners obviously wanted something new, but wanted the grand position on the cliff overlooking the water. So the house goes away. What kills me is that, in what appears to be the greatest indignity, the owners had a paintball war in the house the week before it met its finish.

I think that we as a community will watch what the Russell’s plan on putting up in place of this grand home. We’ll document the before and after on Exit133 and elsewhere I’m sure.

I’m sentimental.

Update – Also picked up by the Associated Press

Link to The News Tribune and here

Previously on Exit133 here and here

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A 10,000 foot craftsman with space for “missionaries.”

Ugh, I wish that the previous owner would have taken Russell seriously and worked to get it historically preserved.

But it’s too late now. Bring on the eyesores.

1 | Posted by Chris | May 19, 08:48 AM

Wow.

I really do not know what to say. This whole thing is bizzarre. I have to question Eric Russell’s sanity.

I guess when money is no object, why not spend $1.5 million on a teardown just to spend that much again to build a McMansion in its place…

2 | Posted by morgan | May 19, 11:55 AM

sad, sad, sad.

3 | Posted by Patrick | May 19, 09:30 PM

The mansion was one of the finest homes in Tacoma.

Part of Tacoma’s history was destroyed forever.

The historical society should seek out houses like this and get them protected.

I understand they did get a demo permit.

Some buildings like the Elks were saved.

4 | Posted by James | May 19, 10:18 PM

Not sure the Elks is saved yet, but things seem more promising than a few years ago. Popular support for the formation of an organization like Historic Seattle is necessary…a public development authority with a mission to preserve through purchasing historic buildings…Think “Historic Tacoma”.

5 | Posted by Wildono | May 20, 02:56 PM

Elks is “saved” in that the owners have exhausted all their legal options to tear it down. The city moved toward binding arbitration, but my understanding is that with the death of Mr. Zimmerman the city hopes to reopen negotiations with the family.

6 | Posted by Patrick | May 20, 08:44 PM

I spoke with the son, Zimmerman Jr, who on the surface did seem pleasant enough and willing to work with towards accepting offers, etc.

But when push came to shove and he indicated he would not be listing the property for sale, the truth came out that he has no real control and was acting on behalf of his mother’s wish…
which was to continue his father’s legacy of dragging out the sale for as long as possible.

Meanwhile, the City is playing the political game of delaying the trial date for fear of not wanting to offend property owners.

When will City leaders get some balls and tell the City lawyers to shut up and do what needs to be done?!