Landmark on the Sound

Pros

• They love driving by this historic place.
• They love old buildings.
• They like the expanse of the building.
• They see it as a beautiful piece of history.
• They note the building still has a lot of life left.
• They appreciate the building's sunny overlook of Puget Sound in Des Moines.

Cons

• They want to tear this place down.
• It is described as abandoned weird mason stuff.
• It is really sad that it is going to be torn down.
• It is a shame to lose a beautiful piece of history.
• It is slated to be torn down for prime real estate, with no personality and a high rent rate.
• No one has thought to renovate it.
• It is in a very sad state now.
• The property is fenced off/private property.

Review

The collection of voices around this Historic Place feels like a chorus from neighboring streets and distant memories. For some, the building is a magnet - a beacon that draws the eye as you drive by on Marine View Drive, a reminder of a time when architecture and history seemed to stand proudly side by side with the Puget Sound. Others arrive with a more intimate angle, noting its abandoned, almost mysterious air and even calling out "weird mason stuff" that hints at hidden narratives within the walls. There's a sense of place that travels far beyond locals; one person even mentions being from Las Vegas and still noticing the building's pull, a reminder that historic character can travel with people as they move through different landscapes.

Many reviewers speak plainly about their affection for old structures. They love the expanse of the building, the way it dominates the skyline, and the way it invites photographers to pause and frame the moment. A few describe how the site has become a quiet touchstone for neighbors - the kind of vista you return to because it feels like a piece of the area's identity rather than just another parcel of land. Even as some passersby see charm in its decay, others simply marvel at the space it occupies and the stories it could tell if walls could speak.

Yet there is a heavy undertone in these reflections: a dawning sadness that the place is slated to be torn down. The sentiment runs from mournful to incredulous, with lines like "what a beautiful piece of history" and "Is nothing sacred?" echoing through the remarks. The sense is that the building still has life in it, a vitality that deserves consideration. The practical tension is laid bare - a belief that the property's prime real estate potential is driving demolition, in favor of a large, high-rent development that may lack personality. In this view, the historical fabric of the site feels endangered by market pressures and redevelopment plans that prioritize scale over storytelling.

In the midst of the lament, several voices propose constructive paths forward. There's a desire to see the building reborn - not erased. Suggestions include renovating the structure and repurposing it to serve the community: affordable housing that respects the site's character, a childcare center that could double as a community hub, or some combination that preserves the historical essence while delivering tangible benefits for local residents. The writers ask simply for thoughtful solutions that balance preservation with contemporary needs, particularly in a place that already overlooks the Puget Sound and sits within a city known for its scenic value.

Personal memories thread through the conversations, giving the building a human dimension beyond architectural significance. One commenter longs to buy the property if wealth allowed, describing it as closed and inaccessible in the current moment. Another fragment of history is shared in a story about David and his grandfather, who was a grandmaster and had an apartment on the south side of the building. The tale of a motor home occupying Grandpa's parking spot and the Christmas 1978 invitation to a road trip to Alaska adds color and warmth to the place's aura, reminding readers that historic spaces often cradle intimate family chapters as much as public narratives.

Connections to life events also surface in a poignant note: the author recalls being married at the site ten years ago, a memory now complicated by the structure's "sad state" today. The sentiment underscores the personal stakes involved when a beloved place that once framed life's milestones begins to fade or deteriorate. The final threads in the tapestry come from practical barriers - fenced-in, private property boundaries that signal the end of open access and further complicate any attempt to engage with the site in a participatory way.

Taken together, these remarks present a nuanced portrait of a place at a crossroads. On one side stands respect for history and the aesthetic and emotional value embedded in its walls and views. On the other, the undeniable pull of development and the pressures of modern real estate. The recurring appeal is for a path that honors the past while attending to present community needs, a bridge between preservation and progress that might turn a potential loss into a lasting, beneficial use. As conversations continue, the hope remains that a solution can emerge - one that preserves the stories etched into this Historic Place, allows the public to engage with it meaningfully, and perhaps even transforms it into something affordable, welcoming, and alive for future generations.

This part of Des Moines, Washington offers a variety of amenities for senior living. There are several parks nearby, such as Saltwater State Park and Steel Lake Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are multiple restaurants within a few miles radius offering a diverse selection of dining options. Pharmacies and healthcare facilities, including physicians' offices and hospitals, are easily accessible in the area. Public transportation options are available with several stations within close proximity. Overall, this neighborhood provides a convenient and well-rounded community for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful and vibrant environment.

Parks

• Saltwater State Park (0.8 miles)
• Johnson Pit #30, Earthworks Park (2.2 miles)
• Steel Lake Park (4.6 miles)
• French Lake Off-Leash Dog Park (4.7 miles)
• Dash Point State Park (6.2 miles)
• Ed Munro Seahurst Park (6.6 miles)
• Green View Park (7 miles)

Restaurants

• Auntie Irene's Coffee Shop (0.9 miles)
• Denny's (3.6 miles)
• Sharps Roasthouse (3.6 miles)
• 13 Coins (3.9 miles)
• Seattle Taproom (3.9 miles)
• Wendy's (4.3 miles)
• Traditional Korean Beef Soup (4.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Bartell Drugs (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• A&H Pharmaceutical Service (3.8 miles)
• Angel Pharmacy (4.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Angle Lake Station (2.7 miles)
• South Satellite (3.7 miles)
• International Arrivals Facility (3.7 miles)
• Club at SEA (3.7 miles)
• Concourse A (3.8 miles)
• Concourse B (3.9 miles)
• Delta SkyClub A-B (3.9 miles)

Cafes

• Floret (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• Auburn Way Big Foot Java (7.2 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (7.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Spirit Parish (4 miles)
• St Theresa's Church (6.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Kent Station 14 (4 miles)
• Regal Auburn (7.1 miles)

Physicians

• Federal Way Dental (4.9 miles)
• Three Tree Women's Clinic (4.9 miles)
• Lateef J Harper MD | Kaiser Permanente (5.1 miles)
• Kosnoski Eye Care (5.3 miles)
• Wyman Carl MD (6 miles)
• Digestive Health Specialists (6.2 miles)
• Northwest Foot And Ankle Center, PS (6.3 miles)

Hospitals

• St Francis Sleep Disorders Clinic (6.5 miles)
• St. Francis Hospital (6.5 miles)
• St Francis Hospital (6.6 miles)
• Federal Way Community Dialysis (6.7 miles)