Puyallup to get Sounder parking garage, but coronavirus could impact time line
Sound Transit’s parking garage project in Puyallup is moving ahead but could see some setbacks with statewide halts on construction and public gatherings to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The 5-story garage will be at the corner of 3rd NW Avenue and 5th Street NW, across the street from Puyallup’s Sounder station.
The $79 million project’s timeline is uncertain.
The City Council granted the city manager the authority to enter into a contract with Sound Transit earlier this month, and the Sound Transit board approved the contract on Thursday.
The transportation agency also issued a Notice to Proceed to the design-and-build contractor in recent weeks.
Sound Transit spokesperson Scott Thompson said the agency isn’t planning any construction on the project in the near future, and it’s unclear how the project will be impacted by the spread of the coronavirus.
The design for the parking garage is yet to be finalized, but the initial layout includes a skywalk connecting the garage to the station across the street and artwork styled with a nod to the Puyallup Tribe.
In order for the garage to be built, the city has to close down part of 3rd Avenue. The public hearing to do so has been postponed due to the stay-at-home mandate by Gov. Jay Inslee.
The city and Sound Transit also are working on side projects around the garage, like upgrading crosswalks to add lights, widening a curb for school buses on 5th Street NW and West Main Avenue, adding bike lanes, replacing existing curb wheelchair ramps and adding street lamps.
As part of the agreement, the garage will be open to the public during non-commuter hours, including weekends.
Puyallup’s branch of the Fraternal Order of Eagles is leasing the building now owned by Sound Transit on the property. The lease has been extended to April 15.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
