Down

Book excerpt: The ten-story Nellis office building is condemned, evacuated, and court-ordered for implosion. Before the city of Tacoma can hire a demolition firm, the homeless take it over. They create their own rules and governance in this thriving alternative community. With the streets suddenly cleaner, but the court order looming, the mayor and the citizens are torn. The politicians, philanthropists, homeless, media, and polarized citizens of Tacoma square off as they race toward an emotionally charged conclusion. Written with humor and hope, Down is about the reincarnation of a building and its residents, tough love and late love, conflict, and unexpected resolution.