Restaurant Fire May Be Arson

TACOMA - Fire investigators suspect arson in a blaze early yesterday morning that gutted a waterfront restaurant in Point Defiance Park a month before it was to open.

Tacoma Fire Capt. Karl Reith said fire investigators had "ruled out accidental causes" in the fire that occurred shortly before 3 a.m. Damages were estimated at about $900,000.

The building, owned by the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma, is being leased to Anthony's Homeport. The chain of restaurants had planned to open a new restaurant, Anthony's at Point Defiance, there next month.

Anthony's Homeport could not be reached for comment.

The fire is the second to devastate the site of the old Point Defiance Park Boathouse, next to the Vashon ferry terminal. A historic landmark for more than 60 years, the boathouse was destroyed by flames in 1984. The marina and souvenir shop were rebuilt in 1988. The Boathouse Grill reopened in 1990, and closed last year.