(Tacoma, WA) By a vote of 9-0, the Tacoma City Council voted on Tuesday to convert its Art Deco Municipal Building into apartments. Finished in 1931, the 17 story building was originally known as the Rhodes Medical Arts Tower but has been used by the City of Tacoma for government administration since the 1970s. The office to apartment conversion will yield 177 units with 50% set aside for affordable housing. “With a majority of our staff now working remotely, it makes the most sense for the city to turn over the building to a higher and better purpose,” stated Tacoma City Manager Elizabeth Pauli. At 233 feet, the Municipal Building is among the tallest in Tacoma and is visible throughout downtown. Although the building has been through many renovations over the decades, the interior still retains many original fixtures including a showpiece Art Deco chandelier, a giant spiral brass entry stairwell, and a passenger elevator. “I won’t miss riding in that thing!” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. The property is set to be transferred to the Tacoma Housing Authority which will oversee the conversion process. Permitting is expected to be complete by 2031 with move-in by 2035.