A stunning hilltop mansion owned by an ex-NFL star has sparked uproar for its sleepy lakeside community, as the property is allegedly being used as a raucous ‘party house’ with up to four events per week.
The sprawling home, known as The Sunset Estate, is located in the West End neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, and boasts breathtaking views over the Tacoma Narrows.
But the luxurious property, which was purchased for $835,000 in 2017 by a company linked to ex-Atlanta Falcons player Desmond Trufant, has turned into 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 steady stream of weddings, office parties and other functions that bring noise, traffic and parking chaos to the area.
‘We have anxiety sometimes when we’re on our way home,’ local resident Alisa Wilson told The News Tribune. ‘What are we going to come home to? What are we going to have to deal with?’
A stunning hilltop mansion owned by an ex-NFL star has sparked uproar for its sleepy lakeside community, as the property is allegedly being used as a raucous ‘party house’ with up to four events per week
But the luxurious property, which was purchased for $835,000 in 2017 by a company linked to ex-Atlanta Falcons player Desmond Trufant, has turned into 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 home.
Another neighbor Rich Burns recalled being excited when the home was under construction.
‘Boy, were we all excited. Nice new house, nice new family,’ he told the Tribune.
But the excitement quickly faded when parties started in 2022, bringing loud music well into the night – and they haven’t stopped since.
‘We don’t need to be subjected to someone else’s choice of music on a Sunday afternoon,’ he added.
‘If (a down-slope neighbor) is out in the backyard barbecuing with his wife and there’s an event, there’s 60 people looking at you right there,’ Burns said. ‘Now, who’s gonna be OK with that?’
The Sunset Estate’s Instagram page advertises event rentals, including a $1,800 Super Bowl party package.
Nearby residents say the constant flow of events is ‘dramatically incompatible’ with the residential character of the neighborhood.
Trufant, however, insists he is operating the property within city regulations, which does not require permits for private events held in residential homes.
The city has claimed Trufant is in compliance with city codes, according to Interim planning manager Shirley Schultz.
The Sunset Estate’s Instagram page advertises event rentals, including a $1,800 Super Bowl party package
Trufant, however, insists he is operating the property within city regulations, which does 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 such events on private residential property.’
In April, the city’s permit compliance supervisor Mindee Weber said she contacted Trufant regarding the numerous complaints from local residents.
‘They have been informed and have acknowledged that property can only be advertised and utilized for short-term rentals, with event mentions permitted only if the event is organized by the individual renting the property for an overnight stay,’ she said.
‘Additionally, (the Trufants) are allowed to advertise events hosted by their nonprofit organization, provided they are present for these events, or if they are sponsoring events and will be onsite hosting them.’
Neighbors say the home is being marketed and used as an events 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 events 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 relayed to neighbors in this community that the homeowner in this particular neighborhood is operating within existing regulations for short-term home rentals,’ Hines said to The News Tribune.
‘I also relay to all my constituents that we live in a growing and rapidly evolving city, and the City Council is constantly assessing our current code to ensure that our regulations align with our broader vision for all neighborhoods across the city.’