Masonic Retirement Center
d/b/a Landmark On The Sound
Landmark Event Center & Landmark Outreach Services

In 1892 the seeds were planted for the establishment of a haven for needy Masons, their wives, widows and orphans.  It was recommended Grand Lodge set aside income for this project.

It wasn't until 1900 that an actual committee was established and reported in 1901 that Lodges were favorable to the erection of a Home.


By 1909 Grand Lodge was ready to take some concrete action and directed the Finance committee to "receive tenders or offers of site with prices and terms."  In 1911 the first Masonic Home site in Puyallup, Washington was selected. The Puyallup location had the benefits of an eight room house, a four room house and two barns. The site was purchased, renovations started immediately.  In 1912 the first resident of the home was accepted.


By 1922 it was obvious that expansion was necessary. The Puyallup site was deemed inadequate and on May 19, 1924 the present Des Moines grounds were purchased for $78,624.95, a total of 82 acres.


The new building was dedicated on June 21, 1927.  The dormatory style home was 130,000 square feet and 177 rooms including common spaces.  In July 1927 all of the Puyallup home residents were transferred to Des Moines, by the end of the first year the community hosted 107 guests.


Time and expenses caused many changes over the years including the sale of 55 of the original 82 acres.  In 1959 a cold room and walk-in freezer were added to the kitchen. In 1960 a new elevator was added.  The first infirmary was added in 1965 along with a new, modern kitchen.  New wings were added to the Health Center in the 80's and portions of this building were converted to assisted living units.


To keep pace with the ever changing nature of caring for an aging population, the Masonic Home had become the Masonic Retirement Center of Washington, a continuing care retirement center (501c3) organization open to the general public.


In 2004 the community was in need of major updates and renovations.  Existing residents moved out of the building into surrounding local communities and plans for a new and improved retirement community renamed Landmark On The Sound was underway. 


In 2009 the project was placed on hold indefinitely.  The historic building is still owned by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Washington and is now open daily to the public for hosting events such as weddings, receptions, parties, meetings, retreats etc.