Perkins Building

The Perkins Building is an eight-story office building featuring a rigid frame structure and brick facade in the Chicago School style at 1101 South A Street. It has been converted into residential condominiums, offices, and retail spaces following an extensive renovation in 2004.

The building was constructed in 1907 and initially served as a printing plant for the Tacoma Ledger and Daily News newspapers. After those publications ceased operations in 1937, the structure transitioned to different uses and eventually underwent major renovation.

The building served as a temporary home for University of Washington Tacoma in the 1990s while their permanent campus was being constructed. It provided essential space for the growing university during a critical expansion period.

The building is easy to locate on South A Street in downtown Tacoma and features distinct red brick architecture that stands out. It is accessible for walking visitors and contains shops and offices within the same structure.

The structure was the tallest reinforced concrete building in the Northwest when built and housed the first basement parking garage on the West Coast. These features made it a pioneering example of early 1900s engineering innovation.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 47.25330,-122.43700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00