Washingtoner - South Tacoma Historic Property Walking Tour on July 18

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~ TACOMA, Wash. - On July 18, community members are invited to join the City's Historic Preservation Program staff on a walking tour of the South Tacoma Way Mixed-Use Center. The tour will showcase the history of the area and include a presentation of the results from the historic property survey conducted for the center.

The walking tour will begin at 5 PM at the former community center building at South Park (4851 S. Tacoma Way) and is expected to conclude by 6:30 PM. The event is free and open to all, with no RSVP required.

According to Mayor Victoria Woodards, this walking tour is not just about exploring the streets, but also about honoring the legacy of those who came before and preserving their memory for future generations. She invites everyone to join in appreciating the unique history of South Tacoma.

Council Member Joe Bushnell expressed his excitement for seeing the results of the historic property survey findings for the South Tacoma Way Mixed-Use Center. He believes that as Tacoma plans for future growth, it is crucial to consider and preserve its historic buildings. This survey is just the first step in achieving a level of historic preservation that celebrates South Tacoma's culture and legacy.

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Council Member Jamika Scott also shared her enthusiasm for learning more about South Tacoma's roots through this walking tour. She hopes that people from across Tacoma will join in and discover how their past has shaped the features of South Tacoma's Mixed-Use Center today.

The historic property survey recorded approximately 200 buildings within the South Tacoma Mixed-Use Center area that are over 50 years old. Out of these, 10 properties were selected for more intensive documentation based on input from residents and business owners during the South Tacoma Neighborhood planning process in January 2024.

Through digital photography and field observations, this survey documented construction, materials, function, and architectural features of these properties from public right-of-way access. Initial historical research also addressed the neighborhood's development patterns.

The City's Planning and Development Services Department hopes that this survey will improve publicly available information on historic resources in the South Tacoma Mixed-Use Center and inform future planning, research, economic investment, and development in the area. The survey was made possible by a Certified Local Government grant from the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

For more information on the walking tour and the historic property survey, community members can visit the City of Tacoma's website or email landmarks@cityoftacoma.org. Those with questions or requests for alternate formats can contact Historic Preservation Coordinator Susan Johnson at sjohnson7@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 281-7445.

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