This is an interesting contrast with the piece they published after the Brame event where they went on about how Tacoma was eternally doomed.

Least favorite quote:

Too bad the two cities aren’t teams talking trades: Portland’s urban designers and developers for Tacoma’s civic boosters; some Tacoma guts and cooperation for Portland quality.

Um…..so, uh, no “quality” here, huh?

Point understood, but it comes across wrong out of context…

feels good to get some compliments once in a while, too bad it never comes from those arrogant fellas up there in the 206.

I think they are getting jealous just a bit or maybe feeling a wee bit of competition.

I am going to guess that the number of Tacomans feeing forced to travel to Seattle for a night on the town has diminished greatly in the last 5 years.

Craig – is there something I’m missing? I have a real soft spot for Tacoma but have a hard time imagining myself living there today and not wanting to go up to evil Seattle (yes, I’m back in the “arrogant 206” after a few years in the South Sound) at least once a week. Tacoma’s redevelopment has been impressive but also very focused on the visual arts and the nightclub scene. The options for music (basically Hell’s Kitchen or the Sinfonietta) or live theater are rather less inspiring. I don’t want to be a hater, but without a wider range of offerings Tacoma’s going to struggle to attract residents who aren’t just looking for an affordable house on I-5 to raise kids in.

Jazzbones also has some pretty good shows as well as Shakabrah, Mandolin Cafe, and a few other coffee shops. The Swiss periodically has original live bands as well. As far as live theatre goes all I know of is Tacoma Actors Guild, The Tacoma Little Theatre(i think thats what it’s called) and whatever events may happen at the Pantages and Rialto. To stay on subject, yes you’re never going to hear me say that Tacoma has JUST AS MUCH to offer as Seattle, because that just is not true. However, what is true is that after every week/month/year that passes, Seattle has less and less to offer that Tacoma does not.

Of course Tacoma has a lot to offer, and is getting better all the time. Progress that can be measured in months, rather than decades. It’s nice reading an outsider’s opinion. Part of the success is simply because for various reasons, (some) more people willing to go out and spend money. However while we all want this and that, building it doesn’t ensure they will come. I’d love to see more Tacoma entrepreneurs and business owners posting and adding their perspective to 133. As long as there is a Seattle, there are some areas where Tacoma will always play second fiddle, and that’s O.K. I doubt Tacoma couple support a Jazz Alley, a Triple Door, a Tractor, a New Orleans….and could it really fill a four-star hotel? (I don’t know – it’s not my expertise) Sure we Tacomans can gloat about our progress, and I’m sure everyone feels good being a part of it. But a La Manchian goal surpassing Seattle would be a misguided one. Like the original post, I believe we do have a lot to learn, improve, and accept.

Great cities do not develop overnight. Paris used to be a drab, dark, artless city. Rome was all but abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire, but rebounded over the course of 2000 years. Even Seattle, like all larger cities in the US, had its dark period in the years after World War II: population loss, rising crime, and increasing blight.

In terms of the Tacoma ‘Renaissance,’ the sity still has a long way to go. The Oregonian seems to hit the nail on the head: the determination and cooperation of this city’s people has resulted in some much needed improvements, but the job is not finished. As a city planner, I have seen many proposals launched for economic development, downtown housing and tourist activities, but I have seen many of them fail due to the lack of vision and determination of that city’s people.

Tacoma is definitely heading in the right direction, but people need to realize that major change will take time. Some of the people who have the best ideas are active right here on Exit 133. If we continue to plod along and come up with good ideas for how to improve the city, eventually change will happen.

Think back to 1990. Most would have laughed in your face if you had told them Tacoma would be a destination in 2006.

Unfortunately, Tacoma has a history of shooting itself in the foot: by rejecting Olmsted’s downtown plan, proclaiming itself ‘Lumber Capital of the World,’ gaining notoriety because of a bridge and a suicidal police chief, and now, by putting the needs of selfish craftsman bungalow owners over the interests of growing this great city.

Thanks to the Oregonian for the much-needed regional praise and the advise on how to improve.

lets assume a few things….the current condo craze we’re witnessing continues for the forseeable future. Thea Foss continues on with increased developement, maybe a few mid-rise/high-rise office buildings go up downtown, complete with a few decent sized corporations. Le May auto museum, expanded UWT complete with on-campus living(which is already underway) and a few new hotels, maybe even a 4 star Winthrop. If this happens I would say that we’ve reached that saturation point where a thriving downtown would be able to support businesses like The Triple Door, or The Showbox, etc….

Re: Olmsted’s Tacoma Plan – From the Beautiful Angle poster sitting framed above my desk:

Frederick Law Olmsted and Earl Anthony met at a bar in heaven.

“Tacoma should have selected my urban design,” said Olmsted, twisting his cocktail napkin into graceful curves, “then it would be a world-class city, and not the lumberjack village it became.”

“You always were a pompous East Coast jerk,” said Earl, tapping two
fingers and one thumb on the edge of his beer glass. “World-class
cities never have enough bowling alleys.”

Here's more info on Earl Anthony - the Earl of Tacoma