Healthcare Giant Buys Out Neighboring Church

At the heart of the debate is the method the healthcare giant used in order to bypass the historic review and public comment process. In what could be a national precedent, title to the property was given back to the congregation after the sale to proceed with the demolition permit.

Earlier this month, the City of Tacoma issued a final environmental review, ruling that because of the "free exercise of religion" guaranteed by federal and state constitutions, the city can’t stop or restrict First Methodist from tearing down its church. Any appeal of that ruling had to be filed by Tuesday.

The church will become the most significant historic building to be torn down in Tacoma in 20 years.