A stunning hilltop mansion owned by a former NFL star has caused a stir in its quiet lakeside community as the property is allegedly used as a raucous “party house” with up to four events a week.
The sprawling home, known as The Sunset Estate, is located in the West End neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, and features stunning views of the Tacoma Narrows.
But the lavish property, which was purchased for $835,000 in 2017 by a company linked to former Atlanta Falcons player Desmond Trufant, has become a major source of frustration for local residents.
Neighbors are furious, claiming the home is being marketed and used as an events center, hosting a constant stream of weddings, office parties and other functions that bring noise, traffic and parking chaos to the area.
“Sometimes we feel anxious on the way home,” said local resident Alisa Wilson. The News Tribune newspaper. “What are we going to find when we get home? What are we going to have to deal with?”
A stunning hilltop mansion owned by a former NFL star has caused a stir in his quiet lakeside community as the property is allegedly used as a raucous “party house” with up to four events a week.
But the lavish property, which was purchased for $835,000 in 2017 by a company linked to former Atlanta Falcons player Desmond Trufant, has become a major source of frustration for local residents.
It has become such a nuisance that she and her husband are now even considering selling their house.
Another neighbor, Rich Burns, recalled being excited when the house was under construction.
“We were all very excited. A very nice new house and a very nice family,” she told the Tribune.
But the excitement quickly faded when the parties began in 2022, with loud music playing well into the night, and they haven’t stopped since.
“We don’t need to be subject to someone else’s musical choice on a Sunday afternoon,” he added.
“If (a down-town neighbor) is in the backyard having a barbecue with his wife and there’s an event, there’s 60 people watching right there,” Burns said. “Now, who’s going to accept that?”
Sunset Estate’s Instagram page advertises event rentals, including a $1,800 Super Bowl party package.
Nearby residents say the constant stream of events is “dramatically incompatible” with the neighborhood’s residential character.
Trufant, however, insists he is operating the property within city regulations, which do not require permits for private events held in residential homes.
The city has asserted that Trufant complies with city codes, according to interim planning manager Shirley Schultz.
Sunset Estate’s Instagram page advertises event rentals, including an $1,800 Super Bowl party package
Trufant, however, insists he is operating the property within city regulations, which do not require permits for private events held in residential homes.
“In Tacoma, private residential properties are allowed to host personal events, whether for themselves or others,” she wrote to a neighbor who complained in June.
‘The City does not require permits for these types of events on private residential property.’
In April, city permit compliance supervisor Mindee Weber said she reached out to Trufant regarding numerous complaints from local residents.
“They have been informed and have acknowledged that the property can only be advertised and used for short-term rentals, and that mentions of events are only permitted if the event is hosted by the person renting the property for the night,” he said.
‘Additionally, (Trufants) may advertise events hosted by their nonprofit, provided they are present at such events or if they sponsor events and will be on-site at the event.’
Neighbors say the home is being marketed and used as an event center, hosting a steady stream of weddings, office parties and other functions that bring noise, traffic and parking chaos to the area.
Neighbors say the home is being marketed and used as an event center, hosting a steady stream of weddings, office parties and other functions that bring noise, traffic and parking chaos to the area.
Tacoma Deputy Mayor John Hines also defended The Sunset Estate business.
“I have made it known to the residents of this community that the owner of this particular property is acting within the existing regulations for short-term rentals,” Hines told The News Tribune.
‘I also want to convey to all of my constituents that we live in a growing and rapidly evolving city, and that City Hall is constantly evaluating our current code to ensure our regulations align with our broader vision for all neighborhoods in the city.’
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