Throughout Tacoma's rich, storied history, the Stadium District has retained its remarkable architectural style and environmental beauty. Old money mansions (most of which remain single-family dwellings) and well-maintained classic apartment buildings line streets near Yakima and Tacoma Avenue, keeping watch over Commencement Bay, Brown's Point and Vashon Island's southern tip.

Did we neglect to mention Garfield Park, the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, the Karpeles Manuscript Library? And the Parkway Tavern, the Harvester Restaurant & Lounge? Yes, we did, but most residents don't mind the lack of recognition. "As the old saying goes, popularity breeds contempt," a Stadium District resident might say. "Most of us like the neighborhood just the way it is, surly Stadium Video employees included."