STEVE DUNKELBERGER: A BABY GROWS UP>>>

Parents get a sense of accomplishment after their children graduate from school and find success after going out to seek their fortune in the world. That's the way I feel after received news today that 10 years after being a founding member of the Lakewood Historical Society, the group has sent its sights on a massive project that will be the envy of the area.

The group wants to create a permanent museum in the historic Mueller-Harkins Hangar on the Clover Park Technical College campus.

Museum Society President Becky Huber revealed the society’s board of directors reviewed a number of potential sites and decided the former airport hangar would suit its needs best. Built in 1929, the hangar was part of what was then the Tacoma Airport. Tacoma architectural planning firm BCRA has studied eight potential sites and recommended the hangar as the best. The building features enough space to display Lakewood history as well as host Society and community activities. Its a location that has easy access for visitors and a favorable long term lease can be negotiated. Additionally, the site offers the unique advantage of partnering with the college.

CPTC President Dr. John Walstrum  and Tony Robinson,  college vice president for operations and facilities, and the college’s board of trustees subsequently approved the concept. Planning for developing this major new facility will now get underway, as will fundraising projects, according to the society leader.

{Shameless plug alert: If you don't know the history of Lakewood in general or of the Mueller-Harkins in particular, read my book.}