Tacoma’s Old City Hall stands like a sentinel over downtown, its red-brick clock tower piercing the Puget Sound skyline. Built in 1893, this Italian Renaissance gem once buzzed with political deals and city business. Now, it’s known for something darker: ghosts. From a prankster named Gus to shadowy figures in the bell tower, the building hums with eerie energy. Ever felt a chill in an empty room? Old City Hall might make you a believer.
Located at 625 Commerce St., the five-story structure is a Tacoma icon, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Its ornate facade and 8,000-pound bells, cast by the same foundry as the Liberty Bell, draw history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. But after dark, the mood shifts. Doors slam, elevators move on their own, and whispers echo in empty halls. Ghost tours, like those by Pretty Gritty Tours, highlight its haunted reputation, with tales of spectral pranks and tragic deaths.
Why do spirits linger here? Perhaps it’s the building’s past as a hub of drama, from political scandals to a basement jail. Or maybe it’s the tragic tale of a maintenance man crushed in an elevator shaft. Ready to explore Tacoma’s most haunted landmark? Let’s dive into its shadowy past.
Old City Hall History
Old City Hall opened its doors on April 23, 1893, during a depression era, built for $257,965 by San Francisco architects Edward Hatherton and Colin McIntosh. Designed to reflect Tacoma’s ambition as the Northern Pacific Railroad’s western terminus, the building’s Italian Renaissance style—red brick, yellow Roman brick facade, and terra cotta details—exuded grandeur. Its ten-story clock tower, adorned with four McShane Bell Foundry bells, was a gift in 1904 from Hugh Campbell Wallace in memory of his daughter. The bells, weighing 8,000 pounds, were removed in 2023 for seismic safety.
From 1893 to 1959, the building housed Tacoma’s city government, including the mayor’s office, council chambers, and a basement jail. It was a hotbed of political intrigue, with deals struck and tempers flaring. The jail, known for bleak conditions, held petty criminals and vagrants, some of whom may never have left. One chilling story involves a maintenance man, possibly named Gus, killed in the early 1900s when an elevator crushed him, his wife left uncompensated. Such tragedies, often unrecorded, add to the building’s mystique.
By 1959, the aging structure needed costly repairs, and the city moved to a modern City-County building. Old City Hall faced demolition but was saved by its 1974 historic designation. In the 1980s, it housed boutiques, offices, and the Tacoma Bar & Grill, peaking with 40 businesses. A 2008 sprinkler malfunction flooded the building, causing black mold and forcing most tenants out. Surge Tacoma’s $15 million redevelopment, started in 2019, aims to restore it with apartments, restaurants, and offices by late 2025. Yet, the ghosts remain, tied to a past of power and pain.
The Ghosts of Old City Hall
Gus, the Prankster Ghost
Gus, the building’s most famous spirit, is a mischievous presence tied to the Tacoma Bar & Grill, once on the ground floor. Believed to be a maintenance man or former inmate, Gus loves attention. He’s known for knocking bottles off shelves without breaking them, especially to startle new employees. “Talk to him, and he stops,” a former bartender told HauntedHouses.com in 2020. Gus also flicks lights and slams doors, his antics playful but unnerving.
The Bell Tower Spirit
The clock tower harbors a darker entity. Visitors on ghost tours, like one in 2020, report seeing a man falling or jumping from the tower’s open-air bell area, netted with chicken wire. “It was disturbing,” a tour-goer posted on WAHauntedHouses.com. The bell sometimes rings at odd hours—night or early morning—when the building is empty. No historical record confirms a suicide or accident here, but the consistent sightings suggest a restless soul.
Shadowy Figures and Former Officials
Security guards and tenants describe shadowy figures near the former council chambers. In 1978, a guard called police twice in one night after hearing coughing and seeing movement, only to find no one. Officer Ortiz noted the elevator moving between floors despite being locked, lending credence to the claims. Some believe these are ghosts of government officials, still pacing the halls over unfinished business. Their fleeting shadows add to the building’s eerie vibe.
These spirits, from Gus’s pranks to the tower’s tragic figure, make Old City Hall a paranormal hotspot. Skeptics might blame old wiring or creaky floors, but the stories persist. What keeps these ghosts here? The next section offers clues.
Ghostly Encounters People Have Had
In 2008, a group of friends exploring after midnight stumbled into the unlocked Pacific Avenue entrance. They reached the clock tower’s gear room, where one felt a “strong flash of energy” touching the brick wall. “I told my friend not to touch the walls,” they posted on WAHauntedHouses.com in 2020. The group sensed an oppressive presence, wondering if someone had died there—perhaps by suicide or execution. The adventure left them shaken but thrilled.
A 1978 security guard, quoted on HauntedHouses.com, had a harrowing night. He heard coughing and footsteps, prompting two police calls. Officer Ortiz, responding, noticed the elevator shifting floors despite being locked. “He believed me,” the guard said, “because he saw it too.” No intruder was found, deepening the mystery. The guard’s mother, who ran a hoagie shop in the building, also reported objects moving inexplicably.
In 2020, Pretty Gritty Tours guide Chris Staudinger shared a tale about Gus, the prankster ghost. During the Tacoma Bar & Grill’s opening, the stove mysteriously stopped working, only to restart flawlessly after. New employees faced Gus’s initiation: liquor bottles knocked off shelves, one by one, without breaking. “He stops when you acknowledge him,” Staudinger said, noting Gus’s need for attention.
A 2019 ghost tour participant, cited on SeattleTerrors.com, felt uneasy in the basement jail cells. “It was like being watched,” they said, describing a heavy, cold atmosphere. A spirit box session picked up a faint, “Get out,” startling the group. Conversely, a skeptic named John, posting on Reddit in 2020, called the hauntings “overblown,” though he admitted the tower’s netting gave him “bad vibes.”
These encounters, from physical sensations to unexplained sounds, keep Old City Hall’s legend alive. Have you felt something strange in a historic place? Share your story at Reports@ParaRational.com!
Learn More About Haunted Locations
Tacoma’s Old City Hall Map
At 625 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402 (47.2567, -122.4393), Old City Hall is a hauntingly grand 1893 landmark. Known for prankster ghost Gus and eerie bell tower spirits, this Italian Renaissance building beckons ghost hunters and history buffs alike.
Tips for Visiting Old City Hall
Planning a visit to Tacoma’s haunted Old City Hall? Here’s how to explore this paranormal landmark safely and fully.
Join a Guided Tour: Ghost tours, like those by Pretty Gritty Tours or Tacoma Terrors, offer the best access. Priced around $25–$35, they cover the building’s history and hauntings. Book via tacomaghosts.com or seattleterrors.com, especially for Halloween season walks.
What to Bring: A flashlight is key for dim hallways, and a digital recorder might catch EVPs. Cameras are fine, but check tour rules for tripods. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven floors and a jacket—the building feels colder than expected.
Best Times to Visit: Evening tours in October or November, during Tacoma’s spooky season, maximize eerie vibes. Daytime visits may be limited due to ongoing renovations, so check schedules. The annual Tacoma Ghost Conference (fall) is a great time to dive in.
Safety Tips: The building is under redevelopment, so stick to guided tours to avoid construction zones. Don’t trespass—security is tight, and the basement jail cells are off-limits without permission. Respect the spirits, especially Gus, who responds to acknowledgment.
Old City Hall is private property, with public access restricted to tours or events. Surge Tacoma’s website (oldcityhalltacoma.com) has updates on openings. Want to hunt ghosts? Contact tour operators for special investigation sessions.
FAQ Section
Is Old City Hall really haunted?
Reports of shadowy figures, EVPs, and Gus’s pranks date back decades. Skeptics cite old building quirks, but security guards and tour-goers swear by the evidence. Take a tour to decide for yourself.
Can I visit Old City Hall now?
Public access is limited due to renovations, but ghost tours offer entry. Phase 1 reopening is set for February 2026. Check oldcityhalltacoma.com for updates.
How do I book a ghost tour?
Visit tacomaghosts.com or seattleterrors.com to reserve spots, typically $25–$35. Tours require pre-booking and are 16+ for investigations.
When’s the best time for paranormal activity?
Evening tours in fall, especially near Halloween, report the most activity. The basement and tower are key hotspots.
Is it safe to visit?
The building is structurally sound but under construction. Stick to guided tours, watch for uneven floors, and avoid restricted areas like the basement.
Can I investigate with my own team?
Private investigations need permission from Surge Tacoma or tourapplication/xAI tour operators. Email info@oldcityhalltacoma.com to inquire.
Conclusion
Tacoma’s Old City Hall is more than a historic landmark—it’s a gateway to the paranormal. From Gus’s playful antics to the bell tower’s tragic figure, its ghosts weave a chilling tapestry of Tacoma’s past. Whether you’re a skeptic or a thrill-seeker, a visit promises intrigue. Ready for a spooky adventure? Book a tour at tacomaghosts.com or share your eerie tale at Reports@ParaRational.com. Subscribe to ParaRational’s newsletter for more haunted stories.
What’s lurking in those halls? Step inside to find out.
