| The downtown dealership structures were largely abandoned by the new car dealers by 1960, but many of the buildings have been preserved in some fashion and found new tenants. This historical Packard dealership structure stands on St. Helens Ave., between 6th and 7th. It is indeed a beautiful building.
Tacoma's historical society and a local architect have recruited some of the "car people" in the area to assist with the walking tour, which is intended to raise awareness of the area. The new interest in preserving the historic dealership structures has come about, in part, because of the threat of demolition of the 1948-era "streamline moderne" Mueller-Harkins Buick building.
Among the great dealerships of Tacoma's historic auto row was Herb Satterlee Motors, which was a Packard dealership housed in a truly spectacular structure. The building lives on as an antique store, but is as magnificent as one would expect for a vintage Packard dealership. Unfortunately, I have no exterior shots, but a search of the Tacoma Public Library website turned up a few images: |
