By far one of the more interesting uses of Tacoma taxpayer dollars has to be the 1961 installation of moving sidewalks or escalades leading from Pacific Avenue up to Commerce and Broadway, a move seen to generate more retail sales for downtown businesses and "save on heart attacks" according to a News Tribune article dated February 27th, 1961.

The escalades, were modified escalators designed to run flat, instead of in the stair mode, placed in a covered tunnel, operating 24/7. A total of 4 were installed, with the speed set at 250 PPH (people per hour) staggered between Pacific, Commerce, and Broadway. Over the years they were targeted by vandals and plagued with frequent equipment breakdowns; by 1984 they were entombed by the city or converted to other uses.

As with most public projects in those days little public comment was gathered, nor studies done to validate worthiness of such idea's, funds were allocated through a $800,000 bond passed in 1958. Project engineers and planners envisioned shoppers and other users parking along Pacific Avenue and using the escalades to whisk shoppers and downtown workers up hill, but how many thousands of cars could Pacific Ave accommodate?

Downtown retailers whom the city hoped the moving sidewalks might benefit, relocated from downtown by the mid 70's to the Tacoma Mall or went bankrupt creating a "dead zone" in blocks closest to the escalades. Those that used them when they ran, seemed to enjoy the quick ride up a block including letter carriers, shoppers, and downtown workers all had very positive experiences.

But, from the beginning the city, lacking foresight and a plan to maintain them, had a difficult time policing and maintaining the little gems. Within 10 days of the opening in 1961, they were shut down for repairs and fine tuning, a continuing saga. Finally,they were shut down in 1984 in favor of a winding staircase between Pacific and Commerce at 12th Street, that has drawn even more criticism and crime over it's hidden corners, and out of view spaces, not to mention, the possible lack of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.

Should Tacoma bring back the moving sidewalks? Some in this town think it would be a great idea and maybe provide police with a clear view from the street, increase accessibility from the Commerce Street transit center with buses and the LINK, that are already ADA compliant, and maybe even return some nostalgia.

Having been away from the TNT blog for a bit I'm unable to post photos with this story. But, if you like go to this link to see them at www.tacomathenandnow.org