South Tacoma Station
A while back we showed off some of the new public art at South Tacoma Station. However, we never really talked about what the station is or could be, and we continue to get questions about it. With that in mind we’ve revisited this public investment.
South Tacoma Station is going to be a new train station for Sounder Commuter Rail trains traveling between Lakewood and Seattle. Its precise location is between South 56th Street and South 60th Street two blocks west of South Tacoma Way. The tracks for the trains are still under construction until 2011 or 2012.
So far Sound Transit has spent $15 million building up the station which is nearly complete. What was once a bleak old rail corridor is now – well still a bleak old rail corridor with a fresh new 220 vehicle parking lot, a platform for future Sounder trains and some really big horseshoes.
photo credits to flickr user DJStroky
Sound Transit and the City of Tacoma are trying hard to make this station and surrounding area successful. Tacoma has proposed to rezone the South 56th Area for mixed use development. Part of the ST2 ballot measure that passed this most recent election includes Sound Transit throwing down an additional $33-37 million into either a future 600 stall garage or other station access improvements.
Will South Tacoma Station be a catalyst to change in this neighborhood? With an additional 600+ people meandering about, will the businesses north of 56th see increased patronage? Could the whole area transform into one of University of Idaho’s modern visions? The one thing I’d bet on is that many a commuter will enjoy a post-ride beer at Station 56 once the trains start rolling by here.
Filed under: Developments, General
11 comments
T tacoma1 March 26, 2009
South Tacoma deserves this station. Kudos to the City and ST for putting in a first class facility.
I would think that house values within walking and short commutes would go up nicely. If the Dome District is an indicator, the retail (other than coffee shops and restuarants) haven’t seen much of an increase from commuters.
T Thorax O'Tool March 27, 2009
Those horseshoes look like they need a fresh coat of Krylon… that ought to make them less sterile and offensive.
Anyone wanna put on their best hood gear and join me out there? I got the best tagger name ever.
C crenshaw sepulveda March 27, 2009
Sorry, TO’T, but I think I have that name covered.
C cushmandad March 27, 2009
15,000,000 dollars for a parking lot that isn’t being used and now might be ripped up to build a 35,000,000 dollar parking garage are you kidding me, they have not even laid the tracks yet this train may never come in. and we are throwing billions into this at a time when we have no money. how about the gridlock this will create if this ever does happen nobody seems to be thinking about how long you will be sitting on 56th or 74th trying to get to or from I-5.
M Mofo from the Hood March 27, 2009
I guess that art thing is for people that can’t read signs that say “Train Station.”
C cc March 27, 2009
Some of us who live in the area aren’t interested in commuters coming through IN THEIR CARS. If it becomes inconvenient for you, use 72nd st to get onto I5 like the rest of the suburbanites. It might provide for some peace and quiet. What’s another couple miles added onto a 20 plus mile commute? I think a big diesel train wasn’t the best choice for this location, but if it gets the cars away (commuters who are driving through the neighborhood and not really patronizing it), that would be just lovely.
T Thorax "Bom Tek" O'Tool March 28, 2009
“Sorry, TO’T, but I think I have that name covered.“
Then I must challenge you to a battle for the title.
Two men; one dozen cans of Krylon; 3 caps; two horseshoe things; one winner.
Are you game?
T Thorax March 29, 2009
No takers for an all-out 90s style graff battle?
I even downloaded some Das EFX & Run D.M.C. and put it on cassette for my ghettoblaster!
M Mofo from the Hood March 29, 2009
Why was that art thing forced on a working class neighborhood?
That is arrogant politics in your face.
T Thorax O'Tool March 30, 2009
It’s because Our Fearless Leaders know what’s best for us… even if half of them couldn’t even find Tacoma on a map.
I mean, it’s not like they’d bork up public transit or get the state into a $9,000,000,000 hole or anything.
A Andre March 31, 2009
So that is what they are… I drive by every day and was wondering what that was.