Major investments driving economic growth in Tacoma

Recent investments in Tacoma illustrate a transformative period of urban development. In the realm of housing, the city's multifamily housing tax exemptions have played a role in converting market-rate units into affordable housing. Meanwhile, large-scale infrastructure investments, such as the $80 million Sound Transit upgrades, are set to improve connectivity and accessibility.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Pierce Transit bus stops along South Pine Street would become “floating bus stops” like this example in from Seattle, according to Sound Transit. Bike lanes are build between sidewalks and the bus stops, creating more protection for bicyclists and pedestrians. By Adam L. Coppola

NO. 1: $80M IN IMPROVEMENTS HEADED TO TACOMA, LAKEWOOD SOUNDER STATIONS, NEARBY NEIGHBORHOODS

Construction should start in 2025 and finish in 2030. | Published January 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

Representatives from area nonprofits received grants presented by the store and the Walmart Foundation during its Supercenter celebration Friday in Tacoma.

NO. 2: WALMART CELEBRATES REMODEL OF TACOMA STORE, ENTERING DIGITAL AGE. HERE’S WHAT’S CHANGED

New mural and expanded departments are just a few of the new offerings. | Published January 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

MultiCare’s 124 Tacoma Ave. building, shown Nov. 17, 2020. The building recently sold to an LLC affiliated with The Rush Cos. for $3.12 million. By Tony Overman

NO. 3: BUILDING NEAR WRIGHT PARK HAS SOLD TO A COMPANY KNOWN RECENTLY FOR DEVELOPING APARTMENTS

What’s to become of the former MultiCare-owned building on Tacoma Avenue South? | Published January 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

The former Learning Sprout Toys at 809 Pacific Ave. will be the site of the Flatstick Pub, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: FLATSTICK PUB, MINI GOLF AND WA BEER HAVEN, IS DEFINITELY OPENING IN TACOMA. REALLY!

The Seattle-area “eater-tainment” company had initially committed to Tacoma back in 2019. Here’s what to know about its future. | Published March 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

A rendering on Jabooda Homes’ website shows its plans for new apartments with ground-level commercial space at the corner of South 38th and G streets in Tacoma’s Lincoln International District.

NO. 5: LATEST TACOMA APARTMENT PROPOSALS SEEKING TAX BREAKS INCLUDE LINCOLN DISTRICT PROJECT

The other site is in the Tacoma Mall mixed-use area. | Published March 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

This rendering shows plans for Arbutus House apartments, 109 S. 25th St., Tacoma.

NO. 6: DEVELOPER PLANS 300 APARTMENTS IN DOME DISTRICT. INDOOR CLIMBING BUSINESS TO MAKE WAY

The eight-story building will include 147 parking stalls and more than 3,000 square feet of retail, plans show. | Published March 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

A mixed-use multiacre-housing project is coming to the area of 1926 Meridian Ave. E. in Edgewood. By Angelica Relente

NO. 7: HUNDREDS OF APARTMENTS PLANNED IN THIS PIERCE COUNTY CITY. SOME PEOPLE AREN’T PLEASED

The project calls for two five-story buildings, one three-story building, eight four-story buildings and a clubhouse with pool. | Published April 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

A rendering shared at the May 6 University Place City Council meeting shows plans for the 27th Street Apartments.

NO. 8: ‘RENTING DOWN.’ ONE LOCAL CITY IS PURSUING MARKET-RATE APARTMENTS TO EASE HOUSING CRUNCH

Meanwhile, its neighbor Tacoma is dangling tax breaks to developers for rent-restricted units. | Published May 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

The Shops at Harbor Hill will soon be the home to a new BECU branch at 4784 Borgen Blvd. Suite A.

NO. 9: HERE’S AN UPDATE ON BECU’S PLANS TO OPEN TWO NEW PIERCE COUNTY BRANCHES

The credit union is working toward opening locations on both sides of The Narrows this year and next. | Published May 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

Gage on Sixth is a newly built apartment complex on the corner of 6th Avenue and South Shirley Street, as seen on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Tacoma, WA. By Amber Ritson

NO. 10: FORMER KMART SITE ON 6TH AVE. IN TACOMA SEEING RISE OF HUNDREDS OF NEW APARTMENTS

Gage on Sixth opened its first phase to renters in May. | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

Tacoma is poised to get new behavioral health sites. Public comments were due at the close of business Sept. 17, 2024, on a variance application related to extended-care housing at 3701 Pacific Ave.

NO. 11: THIS TACOMA BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE CAMPUS IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO OPENING ITS DOORS

The public had until Sept. 17 to comment on a proposal for an extended-care facility coming to Pacific Avenue. | Published September 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

WoodSpring Suites Tacoma-Lakewood, 11329 Pacific Hwy SW, in Lakewood, was constructed in 2020. Another WoodSpring Suites is planned behind the Tacoma Central shopping center near state Route 16.

NO. 12: EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL CHAIN HAS SUBMITTED PLANS FOR NEW TACOMA LOCATION. HERE ARE DETAILS

The brand has recently been developing sites in Western Washington and already has a location in Lakewood. | Published December 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.