Top of the Ocean

Top of the Ocean. . Facing south: , The site of Tacoma’s Top of the Ocean, This monument is a gift to the Tacoma Historical Society and the City of Tacoma from hundreds of caring citizens., Dedicated October 28, 2007 to those with fond memories of a unique gathering place., Paul R. Michaels, sculptor . Griselda “Babe” Lehrer, chair/fundraising . Marie Hayden, treasurer, Thanks to: City of Tacoma . Tacoma Public Library . Tacoma Athletic Commission . Sheila Findlay and Shari Grant . Louie and David Grenier . J.N. Newheim . and Buzz Grant / Ticor Tile Co. for research assistance . Jack Pinkard, PCS Structural Solutions, engineering . David Michaels, graphics, Facing north: , The Top of the Ocean was designed to resemble an ocean liner. The first floor was the public restaurant which became a premier dancing and dining attraction for the region. Patrons arriving by water moored their boats at a floating dock alongside the restaurant. One ad stated: “From the large view windows can be seen a panorama of typical Northwest islands, mountains, and saltwater. At night, underwater floodlights illuminate the nearby submarine scene.” The facilities could be rented for banquets, club meetings, reunions, and many other celebrations. The Brunch Smorgasbord was a popular family favorite. Serving tables were set up on the dance floor., Succeeding owners and/or managers of the Top of the Ocean included: The Tacoma Athletic Commission, Gerry Waechter, Roger W. Peck, Lenny Moline, Ted Betz, Benni Andersen, E.P. Rose, Ted Verhaaren, Mark and David Mitchell., In its last year, the main floor was converted to a disco., Fire destroyed the Top on April 3rd, 1977. The arsonist was immediately apprehended and convicted. He was unable to name the parties that had hired him., Insets: , At age 37, Tacoma restaurateur Bert Sundgren designed the restaurant and named it Top of the Ocean. It was built with partners Allen Rau, Paul, and Mende Riggs., Sheila, Bert’s 10-year-old daughter, christened the Top of the Ocean on December 15, 1940. TAC President Gerry Waechter is shown here assisting Sheila., The Louie Grenier Orchestra first played at the Top of the Ocean in 1948 and returned as the house band playing Tuesday through Saturday for the next 23 years. KTNJ radio occasionally broadcast Grenier’s music live from “The Top” on Friday and Saturday nights. The band traditionally ended each evening’s performance with their song “Moonlight Serenade.” Many guest vocalists sang with Louie through the years. Pictured here are Irene Martin, Don Wallen, Murry Kenton, Bob Lund, Louie, and Bob Columbini., The Top featured a sunken dance floor which was illuminated around the perimeter. Music and dancing commenced at nine in the evening. In later years, the exterior deck area was enclosed to add more interior seating, expanding the capacity of the building to fifteen hundred., Facing west: , Tacoma Athletic Commission , “Dedicated to Sports and Civic Betterment” , Established December 30, 1942, The second floor was designed as headquarters and private clubhouse for the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Like the main floor it featured a dance floor as well as a lounge and dining rooms. In 1948 the TAC purchased the building. Occasionally the Tacoma Athletic Commission would host an event that required the use of the entire facility including the first floor restaurant. For many years the TAC sponsored the annual Tacoma 4th of July fireworks display over Commencement Bay. The decks of The Top provided an excellent platform for viewing the celebration. In 1956 the TAC moved their headquarters to 735 Commerce Street in downtown Tacoma.