Comments on: Its Time for Tacoma to Repair its Maimed Streetscape By Rebuilding the North Park Plaza Parking Garage

By: Erik B.

Erik B. — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:11:50 +0000

Whatever happens at PP North, I’d like to see the little park on the north end of the site removed, and the future building extended to fill out the entire block. That is prime real estate and would serve that area better as a corner anchor of commerce.

Yep. The “park” has a disasterous design. A green space in an urban areas with blank walls around it and no immediate monitoring. It is pretty predictable it was filled with illegal uses.

By: CA

CA — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:51:33 +0000

By: Erik Bjornson

Erik Bjornson — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:51:38 +0000

I’m all for tearing the thing down and building something that really utilizes the bus and light rail stations to their highest and best possible use. A grocery store, some small shops, and apartments would be ideal additions for that area.

Me too. I would like the design to be even better with the North ParkingPlaza than with the south one and have retail on Commerce.

By: Chris K.

Chris K. — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:01 +0000

Park Plaza South is being renovated and will have an addition of a couple floors of office space. Park Plaza North is still sitting. I think the issue with that is that the parking funds from the garages were used to help pay for the convention center.

By: Erik Bjornson

Erik Bjornson — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:35 +0000

I was surprised that PP South was the city’s first target, because PP North seems even worse, and it’s in a neighborhood that has more problems (Winthrop, Olympus, Brick City) and also more history and potential (several good restaurants, Russell, Pantages, Rialto, Elks, Old City Hall, Spanish Steps, future Winthrop). What’s so interesting around PP South, anyway?

It was falling apart at a greater rate that PP North.

I am looking forward to seeing it rebuilt so retail can be restored in this section of town.

By: NSHDscott

NSHDscott — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:55:22 +0000

I agree, Park Plaza North is visually hideous, aromatically nauseating, and just a little dark and scary. I remember wandering around it as a college student and thinking all the negative thoughts about Tacoma that we really want to get rid of.

So I totally agree with the author’s position on the matter. It could be an amazing spot. Lots of potential, being right on the light rail line — hey, how ’bout that downtown grocery store?

My only concern is that there are other projects that seem equally, if not more, urgent. The transporation initiative (STREETCARS!) is the biggest that comes to mind. If Tacoma does PP North at the cost of the streetcar, I’m not sure I can support that, as much as the PP North project is needed.

By: drizell

drizell — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:58:43 +0000

In terms of establishing a viable retail corridor of any kind, Park Place North is a major obstacle. A small retail and restaurant hub is occurring at the northern end of Pacific. There is retail down toward UWT. Now, what you have to do is connect them to have a true shopping street. At the moment, there is really no such thing in downtown Tacoma with the exception of maybe a block or two of Broadway. Pacific can and should be the main retail corridor–like Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

As a pedestrian, Park Plaza North is foreboding even from across the street. I rarely seeing pedestrians along either side of Pacific between 10th and 15th outside the normal daytime business hours.

For Park Plaza South, the city rejected a bid from local developers Simon Johnson to tear down the garage and build new. They opted for the remodel because it was cheaper. I think Tacoma can a do a lot better. The Theater District desperately needs a new building that will enhance the surrounding area and help lure more legal businesses to the area.

Jake, what’s your source on the city’s intention to rebuild?

By: Jake

Jake — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:43:12 +0000

Restore and North Park Plaza just don’t mix.
Demolish North Park Plaza sounds so much better. From my understanding the city’s intention is to tear the structure down and rebuild.

By: Erik Bjornson

Erik Bjornson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:41:15 +0000

“What is the construction (fence) around the North Garage for?”

I had not seen that. I think you are thinking of the south garage.

By: Andrew Austin

Andrew Austin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:59:59 +0000

What is the construction (fence) around the North Garage for? Is there a plan in place to get things moving with construction? I like the picture. You should add a similar aligned pic. of the North Garage now. Good stuff.