Elks Building - Focus Groups on Downtown Tacoma
The historic Elks Building will be restored in the near future and a new building will appear to its north parking lot. The scope of that new building has changed over time. It’s gotten a bit taller. There will be apartments, parking, and some retail. The apartments are … well, the exact plans for the apartments are still up in the air the developers want your input. Specifically, they want to know more about you, what you look for in a home and what you look for when living in downtown Tacoma.
With that in mind, there are two focus groups planned. Do you want to help shape the project? Who’s invited:
- You are a current renter.
- You are between the ages of 28 – 45
- You are interested in living in downtown Tacoma.
DETAILS
What: Focus Group :: Downtown Tacoma – How do you live?
When: June 3rd, 2010 or June 9th, 2010 (Pick one!) from 6pm to 8pm
Where: 505 Broadway Sky Lounge
Why: Help us craft what’s next for downtown Tacoma!
Space is limited. All participants will receive a $50 Visa gift card!
RSVP and find additional information via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119515628086216
Filed under: General
23 comments
N Nick May 27, 2010
Wait what? An apartment builder actually performing some market research before building? What, are they interested in learning what would actually sell? That just makes too much sense!
Judging from what was built during the condo boom, you’d think Tacoma was entirely made up of 58 year old retirees with huge wine collections and a strong preference for stucco and corrugated aluminum.
But seriously, smart move! I’d wager there’s more demand than is apparrent right now. One just has to know what will sell.
A Altered Chords May 27, 2010
I see that I do not fit the qulifications of the focus group due to my age.
That is ageist!!!!! Ageism I cry, ageism!!!!
I demand that Arizona draft a resolution condeming ageism on the part of apartment developers in Tacoma!!!!
M MrsS May 27, 2010
I’m too young for the group too. Bummer, I feel that some of us in our early-mid twenties could have alot to add to the discussion. Oh well. Glad they are doing some research and are open to input from those that actually live around here!
E Erik B. May 27, 2010
I’m too young for the group too. Bummer
I don’t think that’s quite what Altered Chords meant MrsS. But it still has the same ageism effect of exclusion!
T Tim Smith May 27, 2010
Big balconies, a roof top park, a center stairwell conservatory, an observatory and an old world roman bath.
H Heidi May 27, 2010
Yeah. What he said.
I’m mostly hoping the developer will skillfully blend new construction in with the historic… inside and out.
Though we’re not all invited to the forum and may not ever live there, all residents have some vested interest in what happens to our historic downtown structures.
C Christine May 27, 2010
If there’s an old-world Roman bath, I’ll move there, at least part-time.
B Bryan May 27, 2010
McMenamins Keg-Fridges in every unit.
I inacomaintacoma May 28, 2010
or a big ass center for the homeless with three meals a day and free medical care on the top floor. or a roman bath with a full wet bar.
T Thorax O'Tool May 28, 2010
Height limit in that ‘hood is 35 stories.
Build it up that high, and I’ll gladly move to the top floor for a year before I buy a duplex.
M Mortey May 29, 2010
Clever marketing. I like the face book link and sign in, good way to qualify potential renters.
T tressie May 31, 2010
oh come on! “they” are putting on a show..pretending to care about those of us who have retailed dt for a long time, who have shopped dt for a long time (30 years), and those who have lived dt.
Let me cut to the chase for you. If you are rich and old and boring, you are welcome to move downtown. Middle class and less $ income, bug off.
I am 55 and I wanted to live dt.
No more! So thanks for ignoring me.
Want to spend money drinking? dining? Come on down! But walk in or bus, or hobo train it. Bringing your car will get you a parking ticket. Period. The City gives parking tickets just for Parking, regardless of the time limits….That’s why it’s called a “Parking Ticket”.
It’s the Future!
Y You're Welcome May 31, 2010
T-Town is packed to the brim with low-rents. Having a vibrant downtown full of people who make and spend $$$ can’t be all that bad.
And The Link is freakin’ sweet.
C crenshaw sepulveda May 31, 2010
Why do they need focus groups? All they have to do is to see what has already failed and not do it. I’d like to see less talk and more renovation of the Elks and work started on the parking lot to the north.
T Thorax O'Tool June 1, 2010
Too bad I work that night. I’d give them an earful of fabulous ideas.
Spoiler: number one item on my list
1) MAKE IT LOOK GOOD. Appearance means a lot for everyone in town who has to see it.
Seems obvious, no?
J Jesse June 1, 2010
Tressie: If someone were on the corner giving out $1000 bills you’d find a way to complain about it.
C crenshaw sepulveda June 1, 2010
I think you’d be wrong about that, Jesse.
J Jesse June 4, 2010
I say put the hotel in the Old City Hall building. It’s going bankrupt I hear and the AIDS foundation, the guys holding up the sale of the property a few years ago, moved out.
All apartments above the grocery store and hotel in Old City Hall. It’d be like Tacoma’s version of Edgefield…
A Altered Chords June 4, 2010
Old City Hall building is one of the coolest bldgs in Tacoma. What a bizarre saga.
They have 3 tenants that I know of. Maybe more will move in and they’ll be able to make their payments?
C crenshaw sepulveda June 4, 2010
I’m pretty sure Exit133 is accustomed to be “used” by the real estate industry. I suspect it is pretty well broken in at this point. Buy Now!! or Invest!!
J Jesse June 5, 2010
I’m surprisd there aren’t more suggestions here. Go go go guys!!! Let’s hear more comments and suggestions!
T tressie June 5, 2010
jesse ! someone(s) has to speak truth to power …and money. I’m one of those people that can see stupid people…which isn’t really a big talent of mine…there are a lot of stupid people. I praise the smartness when I see it…There’s just so little of that going on right now here in Tacoma. Tacoma (those in power/with money) is/are doing everything backasswards…So…that tells me that the object isn’t to “regenerate” Tacoma for the benefit of the citizens…But the real intent of Condos, Parking Tickets, Obsession with Eating and Drinking, TacomaDomeMonsterTrucks, and a CAR Museum… is to enrich a small moneyed class….
On the other hand, the…
Union Station, Hobo Train, Saving the Elks Club dt, Finally fixing the Spanish Steps, Glass Art Obsession, Chalk Offs, ArtGarages,ArtBus, the coming community gardens, and things like that, are Wonderful!
Tacoma has a history of providing middle and working class activities…parks, libraries, art and history museums, waterfront views for all…things that everyone can enjoy.
A AJ87 June 7, 2010
They need to go with a classic look that will age well. Think classic Tacoma architecture like the Elks Building itself.
I just hope they don’t do a modern look that will look cool now but look dated in 20 years.