Tacoma News Tribune

After decades of pressure from a neighboring multi-billion dollar healthcare agency, a dwindling congregation cashes in $8 million offer, while a new parking garage and emergency room will replace the historic church.

For less than the cost of a recent school levy, Tacoma, Washington, could have a brand new old-style streetcar system.

As congregations dwindle and development pressures increase, more "grand old churches" are contemplating selling their property to make way for hospitals, condos, and apartments.

MultiCare Health System wants to buy the property for $6 million -- twice the appraised value -- while a small group of preservationists object.

Are yesteryear's electric streetcars still a cost-effective transit solution today?

Built in 1925, the Winthrop Hotel was the place to stay when visiting Tacoma - then hard times fell in 1972 and the building was converted over to low-income (Section 8) housing.

Since 1990, over $1 billion in investment has transformed Tacoma's downtown into a lively hub of education, arts, and urban living.