Deal Would Keep & Improve Johnny's Seafood
Changes are afoot for the west side of the Foss Waterway. We wrote yesterday about a possible new park on the Foss. That park was approved by the FWDA board this week. And now, the latest is a deal for the sale and significant remodel of the Johnny’s Seafood property, just down the road from the proposed park site.
Plans are subject to design review, so we could see changes, but we’re liking the outdoor seating and the waterfront orientation.
The property where Johnny’s sits is currently City-owned. The deal, approved this week by the FWDA and Pacific Seafood, the parent company of Johnny’s Seafood, would transfer the property to the FWDA, which would in turn sell it to Pacific. If the deal is approved by Tacoma City Council, Pacific would get the property where Johnny’s has sat since 1975, for $700,000 – about $400,000 less than the assessed value of the property.
That deal will keep Johnny’s where it is, rather than relocating to Fife, as had been considered. The deal also includes a commitment from Pacific to invest $1.3 million in a remodel of the property using Tacoma architects BCRA and Pierce County contractors. That major remodel would re-orient the building towards the water, expanding the footprint, and adding a waterfront bistro. Pacific has also agreed to complete a section of public esplanade along the Foss, and to contribute either funding or in-kind services to promoting the Waterway.
We like Johnny’s, we like to see development on the Foss… We’re thinking we like this news.
Read more from The News Tribune.
Filed under: Tacoma Business, Waterfront, Foss Waterway, Eating Local, Restaurants & Bars
7 comments
J Jesse November 30, 2012
This plus the new park there would be awesome. However, what will it do for the density in that area? Will everything else down there be enough, population wise, to sustain ground floor businesses on the Foss?
C Christine November 30, 2012
I love it! I’m not of the delusional “if they build it, they will come” mentality, but I think it can only help as the economy improves and the area becomes more populated.
S Squid December 3, 2012
I hope they will invest a few bucks in better quality product while they are at it. However, the smoked salmon dip comes with it’s own 12 step program…
J John December 3, 2012
One of the biggest problems I see with the area is parking. I enjoy going down there, but finding a parking spot can be problematic.
M Mofo from the Hood December 3, 2012
Okay, we all know that Tacoma has inspired countless science fiction illustrators (see current drawings above). But, if the noted imaginative and cooperative venture happens then a somewhat significant gap along the Foss will be filled to complement the existing contemporary architectural field of view. Two thumbs up.
S Stu December 3, 2012
Mmmmm, nuthin’ sets my appetite afire like sitting a few feet away from a smelly seafood display case.
Seating next to big windows overlooking the waterway, maybe around the corner and upwind from the cases? OK then.
F fred davie December 4, 2012
“Trickle-down economics” and “the trickle-down theory” are terms in United States politics to refer to the idea that tax breaks or other economic benefits provided by government to businesses and the wealthy will benefit poorer members of society by improving the economy as a whole.” wikipedia
“If the deal is approved by Tacoma City Council, Pacific would get the property where Johnny’s has sat since 1975, for $700,000 – about $400,000 less than the assessed value of the property. “ exit 133
“We like Johnny’s, we like to see development on the Foss… We’re thinking we like this news.” exit 133
Therefore, Exit 133 advocates trickle down economics.
Priceless