Korean Women’s Association is moving its headquarters to Lakewood in 2020
The Korean Women’s Association is moving its headquarters from Tacoma to Lakewood, the non-profit social services organization announced this week.
Currently located at 123 E. 96th St. in Tacoma, the KWA will move to 3625 Perkins Lane SW in Lakewood. It’s located near the intersection of South Tacoma Way and state Route 512.
The KWA purchased the property in October for $1.45 million, according to the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer. The three-story, 16,000-square-foot office complex is currently called the Klauser Building.
The organization plans to make the move in early 2020, spokeswoman Kelsey Horne said Thursday. It’s been at its 96th street location since 1992.
The KWA serves clients in 13 Washington counties and employs more than 1,400 people. In 2019, the KWA moved into Clark, Cowlitz and Whatcom counties. It also added a second Snohomish County location.
KWA CEO Pete Ansara said the move reflects the KWA’s progress and success.
“Even in a good economy, people need our help,” Ansara said Thursday. “We serve the most vulnerable individuals. All of our programs are expanding to help individuals stay in their home as well as in their communities.”
The KWA’s 2020 operating budget is pegged at $47 million, Ansara said.
Currently, the KWA’s 6,000-square-foot headquarters shares campus space with its senior and community centers. Those programs will benefit from the use of additional space, Horne said.
Established in 1972, the KWA runs programs for affordable housing, senior wellness, in-home care support and benefit enrollment. It also advocates for individuals seeking immigration and naturalization and escaping domestic violence.
This story was originally published December 21, 2019 at 7:00 AM.
