Neighbors in Tacoma angry about Desmond Trufant’s “party house”
Residents of the Tacoma Narrows neighborhood are fed up with a “party house” owned by former NFL player Desmond Trufant.
TACOMA, Washington. – A luxury short-term rental property in the Tacoma Narrows neighborhood has sparked considerable controversy among longtime residents who claim the property has turned their once peaceful community into a gathering place for frequent and disruptive gatherings.
The home, known as Sunset Estate, sits on the western slope across from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Although the property offers stunning mountain and water views, neighbors claim its use as a short-term rental has led to criminal activity, excessive noise and parking problems in the area.
Paul has lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years and the view is what prompted him to settle here with his family.
“It’s a beautiful place,” Paul said. “But it’s been converted into a party house. That’s it.”
Doug, another neighbor, described even more disturbing incidents, including witnessing illegal activities.
“I was walking down the hill and saw a couple openly engaging in fornication. When I walked past earlier, I smelled fentanyl,” he said, expressing concerns about safety and increasing harassment.
Neighbors’ frustration has reached a boiling point, and some, like Kevin Johnson, are calling for the property to be closed. “He hasn’t come by the community and asked us if we want a party or event house up there. He hasn’t discussed anything with us. It’s really become a nuisance and it’s not fair to us,” Johnson said.
Since purchasing the property in 2018, former NFL player Desmond Trufant has remodeled the property after living in it for a year, turning it into what he describes as a “luxury short-term rental.” Trufant defended his use of the property, acknowledging the concerns but insisting the complaints were misplaced.
“The complaints? They’re trying to blame it on me because, you know, that’s the easiest thing to do,” Trufant said.
Trufant argued that the area has long been a popular spot for visitors because of its scenic views and proximity to landmarks such as the Narrows Bridge. “This is a busy street. This is a landmark area. So people come here to watch the sunset. They’re here for dates. They’re walking. There are kids here, older people. There’s just a lot going on here, in general,” he explained.
“I’m glad I don’t live right on that road, but I don’t like the flooding either. It’s not bad, but I can see it getting worse,” said Doug. “The fire department has said that in an emergency, if he has an event and there are cars on both sides of the road, we can’t get a fire truck there. So that’s a safety hazard too.”
Johnson says he has attended neighborhood meetings and contacted city officials about the ongoing concerns. He says since then, no-parking signs have been put up on the east side of the street and two speed bumps have been installed.
He says that when the weather is good, there are about three events per week.
“The people who are behaving disgracefully are not paying attention to parking restrictions, particularly when they are not enforced, and to slow them down,” Johnson said. “I really feel sorry for the people directly below him, and those people have to put up with loud music and lights and everything else, particularly in the winter when it gets dark earlier. But I would encourage him to stop doing that and move his parties to a place like Titlow Lodge or the Pagoda.”
Trufant stressed that he was operating within the boundaries of the law. “At the end of the day, I’m a businessman, and businessmen have these rules, these laws and these policies that they have to abide by, right? And that’s what I do,” he said.
Trufant also emphasized that the house increases the added value of the neighborhood and that its events end promptly at 10 p.m. in accordance with the noise protection regulations.
Residents have raised their concerns with the city, but so far officials have indicated that Trufant’s business activities are legal as long as he has the necessary business licenses.
The City of Tacoma told FOX 13 in a statement:
“Under current Tacoma municipal code, any owner of a home in a residential area with a business license can rent out their entire home on a short-term basis without occupying it themselves. Parking on residential streets is not restricted. The City has investigated complaints about events in rental properties from a code perspective and about related parking from a traffic, fire safety and Americans with Disabilities Act perspective. The City is not currently aware of any rental properties that are not in compliance with current codes.”
“Obviously none of these city people live next door to him,” Johnson said. “There’s no way they would tolerate it in their neighborhood, and they don’t. They don’t understand the true feeling.”
According to the property’s social media, the house hosts birthdays, weddings and parties.
Trufant says the house can accommodate anything the guest wants, as long as it’s done within the allotted time. He also uses the house to give back to the community through his nonprofit organization, Tacoma Kids, which provides scholarships for underprivileged youth.
The situation remains a point of contention and residents continue to push for a solution that will give them back the peace and quiet they once enjoyed.
While the debate over the “party house” continues, it remains to be seen whether the town’s efforts will result in changes to the use or management of the property. Trufant made it clear that he is following town rules and regulations.
“Are people having fun? Yes, but it’s all within the rules that the city gives me,” Trufant said. “I didn’t make up the rules. I’m not above the law; I’m just a businessman who invests.”
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