A stair is worn: Why this century-old staircase in Tacoma will soon be closed to the public
A staircase that offers pedestrian access between East L Street and East McKinley Road will be closed off to the public beginning Monday, the city of Tacoma said in a recent advisory.
Following an inspection from the city’s Public Works Department, the century-old stairs near Rodgers Park and Dometop Community Garden were found to be rundown and in need of some attention, according to the city.
“These stairs were constructed in 1908 as part of a private development by the Tacoma Land Company and have surpassed their useful life,” the city’s advisory said.
But officials say all is not lost: The Public Works Department is expected to review budget requests during the 2025-26 biennial budget process for funding to design and reconstruct the stairs.
Tacoma’s steps aren’t the only ones to be deemed to be worn out lately. In late August, the city of Gig Harbor closed Finholm View Climb, overlooking the harbor and offering views of Mount Rainier, for anticipated repairs because part of the 100-stair landmark — built in the late 1990s — was rotting through.
