Ryan House
What should be the future of the Ryan House? Do you even know what the Ryan House is?
The Ryan Family gave the City of Sumner property on Main as an open public park, fully expecting the City to tear the house down at some time. Instead, it was used as the city's library until the 1970s and has since been home to the Sumner Historical Society. Nearly 100 years later, the house is the most historic piece of the property, but it’s being underused, especially given the family’s wishes for an open public space. Last year, thanks to a grant from Pierce County Lodging Tax, the City hired Architectural Resources Group to assess the building, its renovation needs and its possible reuses.
They found the building had some repairs to do but a lot of assets for future reuse. It will remain home to the Historical Society but for displays not full storage. The consultants recommended co-tenants, finding other uses along with the Sumner Historical Society to get Ryan House and its property to take a more active role on Sumner’s Main Street.
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We've heard a range of ideas from small-space rentals (think more baby showers than weddings) to teaching pie-making and calligraphy. What about a tea room? Please let us know what ideas you have.
View All Ideas6 months ago
Classes/meeting spaces
I’d love to go to/help host a knitting night, crochet night, book club, other events like that! Perhaps even a new mother’s group!
6 months ago
Air B&B/Hotel
Sure would be nice to have a reputable place for out of town guests to stay. I have a small place, but have a brother with a large family. There is no place decent & close by for them to stay when they visit.
6 months ago
Community classes would be fantastic. Canning, flower arranging, sewing, kids crafts etc. Use the space for rentals all other times.
Community classes
6 months ago
Small Event space
Allow people to rent this as a small event space. For anyone local to Pierce County, the expense would be cheaper than those outside of Pierce County. Birthday parties, tea parties, bridal showers, baby showers, charity events. Allow the use of your preferred caterers, outside caterers, or the renter can bring their own food/drinks.
