South Tacoma – A New Vision

South Tacoma – A New Vision
During the fall semester of 2008, senior architecture students from
University of Idaho envisioned how eight blocks within the 56th and
South Tacoma Way Mixed-Use Center might develop into a vibrant,
livable, walkable neighborhood with increased housing options and
business opportunities. Objectives include preserving the character of
the neighborhood, maintaining and adaptively reusing historic
buildings, maintaining existing single family housing and viable
businesses, providing services for existing and new residents,
enhancing public transportation and encouraging walking, providing a
variety of new housing choices, and stimulating business development
by enhancing the urban environment.
Many organizations and people in Tacoma contributed to the
education of students and success of these projects. Jeremy Doty,
intern architect at BCRA and member of the Tacoma Planning
Commission, was instrumental in choreographing both a meeting and a
final presentation at the South Park Community Center. Jeremy also
traveled to Moscow, Idaho, to review students’ in-progress work. Many
others at BCRA contributed too: Maria Devore provided lunch for the
meeting and fed students that evening; Bob Katica, Scott Shaw,
Heather Hocklander, Cassie Hodge, and others spoke to students at
BCRA; and Gareth Roe and Christine Phillips gave a presentation on
urban design at the community meeting.
Students examined the neighborhood to gain an understanding of the
character and integrity of the existing architecture and businesses.
They observed transportation patterns and learned about plans for the
Sound Transit commuter rail that will connect South Tacoma to
Seattle. They met with representatives from the City of Tacoma and
Metro Parks, neighborhood groups, and practicing architects and
planners to gain an understanding of the issues related to the
development of South Tacoma. In December, students returned to
Tacoma to present their design proposals.
City of Tacoma Planner Peter Huffman gave a presentation on mixeduse centers. Historic Preservation Officer Reuben McKnight spoke
about historic structures and gave an impromptu walking tour. Dave
Griffiths, Metro Parks, allowed us to use his facility and spoke about
the Water Ditch Trail and South Tacoma Community Center
Masterplan. Mary Beth Riggs, Tilinda Grote, Donna Buck, and Andy
Mordhorst of the Edison Action Team treated me to lunch and
informed me about issues in South Tacoma. They spoke with students
at the public meeting along with Loretta Cool; John Miles and others
from the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council; and James Rich, Gloria
Egan, Helen Moore and others from the South Tacoma Business District
Association. Thank you everyone for your help!
Working within guidelines for Mixed-Use Centers developed by the
City of Tacoma, students envisioned what the streetscape of South
Tacoma Way might look like with enhancements such as street trees,
alternate paving materials, and a streetcar line. Given the length of
the blocks in the neighborhood, students proposed that an east-west
pedestrian path bisect each block to enhance pedestrian connections
and help knit the neighborhood together. These mid-block paths
expanded to become mid-block pedestrian plazas. Students proposed
a variety of new buildings in the neighborhood including a grocery, car
museum, library, recreation center, cinema, and a rail station. They
also proposed a variety of housing types. Although projects emphasize
public transportion and walking, they accommodate cars by providing
parking alternatives too.
Anne Marshall, RA
Associate Professor
Dept of Architecture + Interior Design
University of Idaho
South Tacoma – A New Vision
56th and STW Mixed-Use Center
Introduction
Anne Marshall
Daniel Clift
Verde Height
Daniel Clift
Gateway at 52nd
Serena Jones
South Town Revival
Jens Carlson
Neighbors in Time
Mahsa Emamjomeh
STW Speed Block
Jesse Marble
East 57th
Benjamin Ledford
58th-60th West
Paul Hauer
Urban Forest
Daniel Lee