Tenants for the UWT Joy Building?
Now that UWT’s expansion along Pacific into the new Joy Building is more or less complete, the University has some space to fill, and it’s looking like we can expect more food options.
While business owners in the area might prefer more retail – existing retailers looking for a cluster of retail, and restaurants feeling like they’ve got enough competition – the demand is for restaurant space, not retail. Although UWT’s plan has been to put more specialty retail in its vacant spaces, the market seems to be dictating otherwise, and the University is listening. They’re investing in the kind of infrastructure upgrades needed to transform the spaces into restaurants.
UWT has brought a lot of change to downtown, and they’re not done yet. The University continues to expand both its footprint and its enrollment numbers. Those students have to eat somewhere. And there is such a thing as a cluster of restaurants…
What would you like to see in the Pacific Avenue facing Joy Building spaces?
Filed under: Downtown Tacoma, Tacoma Business, Neighborhoods, UWT, Colleges & Universities
5 comments
E Erik B. November 1, 2012
Kudos to UWT fpr working to keep retail on Pacific Avenue and smartly responding to greater demand for restaurants.
Like Pike Place, more stores and restaurants will create a bigger opportunity for everyone and the area could be through of as a destination.
Once the Matador came into the north part of Pacific Ave, a much larger number of people started frequenting the area.
D Donovan Wilson November 4, 2012
I would prefer a nice mix. I think restaurants and retail are complimentary.
D Dan November 4, 2012
I second the Meconis suggestion. Amazing sandwiches.
J Jesse November 5, 2012
I always thought a Fat Burger would be a good fit for Tacoma by the UWT.
T talus November 6, 2012
Ethiopian restaurant, please!