Overview
The Pacific Avenue Streetscape project includes installation of right-of-way improvements in a 10 block area on Pacific Avenue from South 7th to 17th Streets. Improvements will be made to the multi-modal transportation system by enhancing pedestrian, bicyclist, public transit and vehicular use of the corridor. Complete Streets concepts and innovative stormwater design are key components. Additional improvements include new and upgraded sidewalks, new curbs and curb ramps, landscaping, art, street furnishings, lighting, historic streetlights and rain gardens. A new eurocobble intersection will be installed at 8th Street and a catenary lighting system will extend over the street from S. 7th to S. 9th. The rain gardens will treat stormwater prior to it entering the Thea Foss Waterway. Improvements to pedestrian safety will include repair of damaged structural walks, installation of bicycle lanes, and ADA ramps. The roadway will also be overlaid and re-striped.
Outreach/Public Involvement
The project began in 2010 and a significant amount of outreach/public involvement has been completed. Outreach during design is summarized below. Outreach during construction has included weekly site walks and stakeholder interaction by the project manager, coffee talks held monthly, and daily interaction with businesses and residents by the construction staff.
- Public Meetings – November 3 & December 9, 2010 – Presentation of project
- Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber – November 19, 2010 – Presentation of project
- Open House – May 9, 2011 – Solicit public comments
In March, 2011, the City selected AHBL through the City’s competitive solicitation process to complete the Pacific Avenue Streetscape Design. Comments from the previous meetings and those received by e-mail were provided to AHBL for consideration during project design.
The City Council provided 10 Guiding Principles for the project on May 17, 2011. On August 9, 2011, the City Council added four guiding principles providing clarification to the design team and allowing the design to move forward.
- Open House – October 20, 2011 – Presentation of updated design & solicit public comments.
- Open House – November 2011 – Presentation of wayfinding design & solicit public comments.
Presentations have also been made to several stakeholder groups including:
- North End Neighborhood Council
- Arts Commission
- Executive Council
- Landmarks Preservation Committee
- Tacoma Waterfront Association
The team has also met with many businesses, property owners and residents during completion of the design over the last two years and beginning of construction.
Weekly Update - June 18, 2013
S. 9th to S. 13th Streets, East Side
- Concrete Stairs/Planters: Removal of the existing planters is tentatively scheduled for this Saturday and Monday. Survey and sidewalk prep will occur prior to removal. Construction of the new planters will follow.
S. 7th to S. 11th Streets, West Side
- Sidewalks: Sidewalk construction is 95% complete between S. 7th and S. 9th St. The first strip of sidewalk has been installed adjacent to the Park Plaza North Garage (S. 9th to S. 10th St.). Additional sidewalk will be installed this week. Silva cell installation is underway.
- Bulbouts: Construction of the bulbout on the southwest corner of S. 9th and Pacific Avenue is ongoing.
- Rain Garden: Liner installation is underway at the rain gardens located at S. 7th and S. 9th Sts. Construction has started on the rain garden at S. 10th St.
- S. 8th St. Cobble Intersection: Pavement removal is tentatively scheduled to begin on the west half of this intersection late this week/early next week. Preliminary saw cutting and utility installation has already occurred in this area.
Southbound Schuster Parkway Closure
As part of the Stadium Way project, southbound Schuster Parkway is closed at S. 4th St. through July 19 from 9 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday with one southbound lane open after 9 PM. Traffic will be detoured via S. 4th Street/Dock Street/South 15th Street. Stadium Way Arterial Project detour information. The Schuster Parkway sidewalk is also closed to pedestrians for two to three weeks during the road closure.
The Contractor Will Not Be Working July 4 to July 7
The sidewalk and one southbound lane will remain open at all times during this period.
Coffee Talk - THIS WEDNESDAY
The next Coffee Talk is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, 10 AM, at The Office Bar & Grill, 813 Pacific Avenue. Representatives of the City and the contractor will be available to answer questions.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this project.
Additional Information