IOOF Tacoma Lodge - Washington
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 47° 15.479 W 122° 26.678
10T E 542018 N 5233982
This building was constructed in 1925 as an Odd Fellows Lodge. Currently the building is called the Merlino Arts Center. Along with housing 2 art galleries, a bakery, a cafe and a theater showing art films, above the building are artist's studios.
Waymark Code: WM298P
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 09/25/2007
Views: 46
In 1925 after years of renting space in the Old City Hall District, the Odd Fellows built their own building to house the Tacoma branch or the order. Not much information is available as to how long the building was used by the IOOF. But it was vacant for many years and the neighborhood deteriorated with it.
In the 1990's the building was restored and turned into the Merlino Arts Center. The Grand Theater is the main tenant and operates the non-profit 3 screen theater which offers lecture series on film making, art films and documentaries and the Tacoma Film Festival along with other great community events.
Other tenants include the Two Vaults Gallery, One Heart Cafe, and the Corina Bakery. Above the theater are artist's studios and galleries.
The renovation has done wonders for the neighborhood. New business have moved in and condos have been built and it's a fun, funky spot to spend an evening.
The structure can be found at the corner of 6th and S. Fawcett in downtown Tacoma.
Location Details:
See long description above
Date of construction: 1925
location website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
A unique picture, including yourself in the picture, or at least one with your GPS in the frame.