South Tacoma A New Vision

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2 South Tacoma A New Vision During the fall semester of 2008, senior architecture students from University of Idaho envisioned how eight blocks within the 56 th 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. 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. 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! Anne Marshall, RA Associate Professor Dept of Architecture + Interior Design University of Idaho

3 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 57 th Benjamin Ledford 58 th -60 th West Paul Hauer Urban Forest Daniel Lee

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