How Tall for the Thea Foss?

The City Council will take public comments tomorrow about the proposed changes to the height restrictions on the Foss Waterway – specifically Site 10, Site 11, and the municipal dock site north of the Murray Morgan bridge.

The recommended code amendments would allow for buildings up to 180 ft tall. The developers are considering “tower/podium” style buildings to create view corridors from Pacific Ave and downtown. The City would also require large pedestrian-friendly walkways in between the buildings and an esplanade that would connect to the rest of the Thea Foss waterfront.

The report to the Council last week included some nifty computer generated images of the view and view loss. Fireman’s Park would become much less picturesque, but several iconic views would be maintained.

Of course, this is just the “building envelope” in which a developer could build and it doesn’t necessarily mean the entire space would be filled … but it might be.

Councilmembers raised questions about the area’s connectivity to downtown. There is no requirement for a pedestrian walkway or any other sort direct access to downtown from any new project.

We’ve been through public comment on this before and we’re looking forward to hearing the public comment on this issue again. Do you have any new thoughts? 

A lot more information is available at:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=2219

When & Where
About 5:30pm, During the City Council Meeting
Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market Street, Council Chambers