The City of Tacoma discovered illegal residences within the Temple Theatre while investigating a recent fire, and has ordered tenants to leave with relocation assistance, city spokesperson Maria Lee told The News Tribune Friday.
The historic venue made headlines on May 12 after plumes of dark smoke billowing from the building spread across downtown Tacoma. The Tacoma Fire Department determined an electrical fire likely caused the blaze. The damage was contained to the roof.
While evaluating the site after the fire, investigators found multiple areas in the building were inhabited by residential tenants illegally renting the space, Lee said. The building is not registered for residential use, and the city had no record of any tenants at the location…