Exit133

November 23, 2009 · Derek

Envisioning the MLK Mixed Use Center

The senior architecture students from the University of Idaho are back again this year. Last year they drew a concept for South Tacoma Way. The year before that they looked at the Brewery District. This year, they have spent their fall semester envisioning how social and ecologically sustainable development might occur in Hilltop. On Monday, November 30th, the team will be presenting their conceptual urban and architectural designs for the area.

Come on out and see a concept for a future Tacoma.

Details
When: Monday, November 30, 2009 – 5:30-7:30 PM
Where: SureHouse Open Bible Church at 901 S 10th St
Cost: FREE

Previously on Exit133: Concept for a Future Tacoma – South Tacoma Way

9 comments

  • Erik B. November 23, 2009

    This year, they have spent their fall semester envisioning how social and ecologically sustainable development might occur in Hilltop. On Monday, November 30th, the team will be presenting their conceptual urban and architectural designs for the area.

    At least now with the Mixed Use Center revisions, their ideas will be legal to implement.

    When will MLK pass a LID?

  • Morgan November 23, 2009

    Tacoma is so lucky to have the University of Idaho doing this work!

    At the transportation summit a week or so ago, the City Manager seemed to indicate that a Hilltop LID is a done deal and that streetcars will be part of it. He didn’t get into details, so I’m looking forward to learning more.

    One thing I and many Hilltop neighbors would love to see is the city put the Browne’s Star Grill properties back into use. They have been sitting – and decaying – for FAR too long now! I hope the city doesn’t pull another Luzon on us.

  • Patricia November 23, 2009

    As far as I know, the MLK LID was pretty well drawn up before I left Traffic Engineering in 2008. Didn’t have the streetcar line at that time, but that wouldn’t be that hard to add. I think this covers S 9th to S 25th.

  • captiveyak November 24, 2009

    Sounds very cool indeed. This would be good work for planning and engineering students to be involved in, as well. The streetcar line concept presents so many interesting design possibilities — not just for transportation, but for drainage and utility lines as well. A lot could be accomplished with such a use of right of way (if it is included). I’d like to see a well-executed LID there.

    I’m still skeptical about the Ruston LID. Anybody else have thoughts on that one?

  • Jesse November 24, 2009

    The new zoning allows taller buildings on Hilltop, the streetcar and LID are coming for sure, and the area sits right between apartment-ville downtown and a house filled neighborhood with more potential than any in town. So when is the new Safeway re-do coming??? Has anyone talked to those folks lately? Wheren’t they waiting for something like this to build a new mixed use center with a Safeway at the bottom? Anyone know anything?

  • Jesse November 24, 2009

    Oh, and a LID on Tacoma Ave should be next in my idealized world – make it a complete “green” street. Include 21st and some of 19th too. What is the next LID being formed after MLK anyways?

    Any mock-up drawings/pictures for the MLK project anywhere online?

  • Jesse November 24, 2009

    It’s funny how the world works. I just read this in the TNT after asking questions here:

    “Sims also spoke with neighborhood and business district leaders on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Those leaders, including Tacoma City Council member Lauren Walker, are seeking HUD’s help funding redevelopment in the business district.

    The leaders are talking with Safeway about building a new store in the neighborhood to replace the existing store, now more than 40 years old.”

  • Altered Chords November 24, 2009

    I’d like to see a LID in the International block of the Lincoln district. Those buildings are very cool and just need a facelift.

  • dolly varden November 24, 2009

    It would be nice if Ron Sims used his influence at HUD to help fund the revitalization of Hilltop and other Tacoma neighborhoods. Might even make up for the fact that he helped kill full funding for extending Central Link light rail to Tacoma.