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Wed. May 17, 2006, 09:30pm PDT
Photos ~ Former site of Tacoma's beautiful Mattson Mansion
Plenty of shock and surprise rippling around Tacoma and the local webosphere about the sudden and complete destruction of a beautful, historic mansion overlooking the Puget Sound. I stopped by tonight to grab some pics of the aftermath. I never got a good look at the place in-person but know it was an historic anchor in a beautiful part of town. Nothing except some cement basement walls is standing. The new owner had taken out rows of hedge, a stunning old greenhouse, and even a huge tree. For what -- a clean slate/lot and a view?! Money can certainly buy a lot but it cannot buy history. Much like the lessons left un-learned by some of the wealthy who currently run this nation, these arrogant inheritants know nothing of a hard days work and value little that which their money brings them.
Here are the depressing images I took of the lot where I presume a huge, new McMansion will tower guarded by some brand of cold, spear-topped walls.
More...
Exit133 - Entry one and two
thrice all american - Entry one and two
TNT Real Estate Blog - here
Comments (8) | To Top
5/19/2006 @ 11:09am
I think I remember driving by that quite often on my way from places I lived in north-ish Tacoma. That f*ckr! (I don't usually resort to swear words in writing, but it hurts to see a beautiful historic place destroyed.)
Made the paper today, too: http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/5750473p-5144405c.html
by Elaine
5/20/2006 @ 9:38am
It just goes to show that money like the Russell’s will buy you anything. I suppose it’s the way of the world but it still doesn’t make it right. The one fact that eludes me is why that house wasn’t on the city’s historic register. Mr. Russell says he will allow missionaries to stay there from time to time to time BIG DEAL! I don’t care if the Pope himself stays there its still wrong. Shame on you Mr. Russell you have done a bad thing. And for the residences of the neighborhood my sympathy goes out to you.
by Steve
5/21/2006 @ 10:13pm
I actually spent the night at this house once in my youth. Dena Paris was a friend from elementary school who had a slumber party for her birthday. I remember when my mom was dropping me off that at first we couldn't find the house because, although the address matched, my mom couldn't believe that this was someones home. It was so beautiful we thought it was a community center/gardens for the neighborhood. And when it was for sale last year, Steve and I pulled a flyer and dreamed of what it would be like to own such a home. I cannot believe that someone could lack respect for such beauty and history. Or would not consider salvage of interior elements or the returning of the greenhouse to Thornewood. Mr. Russell should be ashamed.
by Angela
5/22/2006 @ 6:56pm
I have no respect for someone who could destroy a beautiful house. What a waste and shame!
by valerie
5/22/2006 @ 10:14pm
It really is a waste but, hey, Karma.
by KevinFreitas
3/16/2007 @ 7:31pm
I am so saddened by this. I lived just six houses up from this home in the 70's. It was such a sight. Very Hollywoodish. I live in Texas now and pine for Tacoma. I was there 2 years ago and cannot believe how much it is growing on the waterfront. my fahter used to work on the docks of a lumber yard there. I don't know the Russell's. I suppose they were doing what they thought was best for them. They apparently do not understand history.
by Lea Ann
3/18/2007 @ 12:21am
hey- have you checked out what's going up? It's pretty crazy... WAY out of place for the neighborhood.
by morgan
3/18/2007 @ 8:53am
Great -- I've been almost afraid to drive by.
by KevinFreitas