In Tacoma, it’s hip to be square.
Hence, Pacific Avenue may get a little more hip – and a little square – in the near future.
City planners and leaders have proposed creating a public square -referred to as Pacific Square – on property crossed by the Tacoma Link light rail as it transitions from Pacific Avenue to Commerce Street.
Citizens can share their views and voice their visions about future activities and uses for the square at an open house from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Aug. 21, at the Carlton Center, 1551 Broadway.
No formal presentations will take place, so interested citizens may drop in, get answers to their questions and share their opinions at any time during the four-hour open house.
City planners and officials already have secured more than $3 million to pay for construction and street improvements around the three-acre square composed of contributions from Sound Transit, federal grants and local funding.
Engineers estimate the square’s total development cost at approximately $6 million.
Located at the crossing of the Tacoma Link light rail and Burlington Northern Santa Fe lines, the property that once housed a gas station provides a unique – and beautiful – setting for a public gathering space.
The property sits among many good neighbors, including Union Station, the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, Tacoma Art Museum and University of Washington.
For more information about Pacific Square or the open house, call 253/ 573-2350.
View a map of the proposed square area by clicking on:
www.cityoftacoma.org/11news/images/ plaza.gif.