What has really fueled the Downtown Tacoma Renascence has been the ability to see uses for existing buildings that were beyond their original conception (or even possible imagination at the time of their construction). For instance, could the designers of Union Station envision it someday becoming a new Federal Courthouse (replete with art glass no less). Or the warehouses across Pacific Avenue becoming a university campus (with an old switchgear shed becoming a the center piece library). So while the Elks Building is still in-waiting, imagine a few more opportunities of re-use for your consideration …

(Continued)

by David Boe

18. September 2009, 11:03 ~ 34 Comments

Given the ongoing concern over the current design of the Sounder Extension through the Dome District (i.e. Berm or Post/Beam), just imagine what the design at Pacific Avenue might have looked like if the City Council did not require Sound Transit to make a separated crossing:

Tacoma Trestle Arch:
With an ‘at grade’ crossing at Pacific Avenue, a large Trestle Arch could be constructed that incorporates all of the required safety features (crossing arms, signage, flashing lights, bells and whistles) and maybe some kinetic artwork that is propelled by the passing of the train within – think a very rail trestle take on the old Mousetrap Game. Watching a train cross Pacific Avenue may become one of the ‘things to do’ when showing around out-of-towners (like taking a photo in front of a Larry Anderson Sculpture).

(Continued)

by David Boe

24. August 2009, 12:12 ~ 20 Comments

With word that the old escalade at the South 12th Street Hill-climb is soon to be demolished and with recent experience of the steepness of pedestrian routes at the core of downtown (East to West that is) along with the continued lament about the L-O-N-G super blocks along Pacific Avenue (no even numbered street going West if you haven’t noticed), imagine some additional connections to create a continuous walking route from the City/County Building down to the Thea Foss Waterway:

(Continued)

by David Boe

22. July 2009, 10:04 ~ 12 Comments

Further to the Tacoma Light-Rail/Street Car Meeting last week, and having recently admired the ‘heights’ of the Sound Transit light-rail structures and stations at SeaTac Airport, imagine an extension of the bLINK up Stadium Way that has multiple urban design consequences:

Old City Hall Station
Relocate the ‘Theatre District’ Station further down the line so disembarking is at the foot of Old City Hall (see Clocks, Gateway, and Suburban Waters) and to lessen the disruption to South 9th Street – which will be important given the next item.

(Continued)

by David Boe

29. June 2009, 10:54 ~ 19 Comments

With the recent ‘re-installation’ of Howard Ben Tre’s Water Forest and Martin Blank’s new installation of his Fluent Steps at the MoG, and combine this with TAM’s Plaza ReDesign Competition, imagine the delineation of a Public Art walking loop from the Union Station/UWT bLINK Station:

(Continued)

by David Boe

11. June 2009, 14:07 ~ 7 Comments

When mulling over a few of the recent news items – the ground-breaking for the Urban Waters Project on the East Side of the Thea Foss, the Old City Hall owners looking for tenants for the signature (albeit neglected) structure, the City of Tacoma hiring a Director of Sustainability, and recent passing of architect emeritus Alan Liddle (who as a dedicated modernist AND a champion of historical preservation) – I imagined locating Urban Waters within Old City Hall:

(Continued)

by David Boe

22. May 2009, 13:47 ~ 3 Comments

After enjoying a wonderful May Day evening with the Puget Sound Revels at Tollefson Plaza last week, it was noticeable how ‘hard’ this community space is to really enjoy a downtown Tacoma experience (with the final insult of the pink concrete sitting steps leaving a pink chalk residue on everyone backsides – “Ack, I’ve been Baboon Butted”). So imagine a few minor, and a couple major, modifications to Fireman’s Park to make it more conducive and hospitable to such happenings in the future:

(Continued)

by David Boe

7. May 2009, 13:40 ~ 12 Comments

Further to the my former feeble foray into Fountain reFlections, imagine restoring the historic Fawcett Fountain to working order along with providing some design enhancements to the surrounding Fireman’s Park Courtyard:

Level the Lawn:
Bring the lawn down to the sidewalk within the courtyard and provide good drainage so that the grass is sit-able (and usable for other possibilities beyond dog walking, etc…).

(Continued)

by David Boe

23. April 2009, 10:42 ~ 2 Comments

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