Tacoma City Council placed the Cushman and Adams Substations on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places in 2017. The designation includes the
exteriors of both building and the sites
surrounding them. In 2018, a City Council resolution directed the City of Tacoma’s General Government and Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) to work collaboratively and engage the community on the future redevelopment of these historic
properties. The outreach efforts and the Cushman and Adams study
were paused in 2020 due to impacts resulting from the pandemic.
In mid-2024, staff will restart the project and resume community engagement to collect input on possible redevelopment options. Tacoma Public Utilities is still actively using the building and has plans to vacate and surplus the building by 2027, following construction of a replacement facility. Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) continues to utilize and maintain the structures and site.
2023: General Government and TPU update the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and timeline. Tacoma Power works with TCF Architecture to complete scoping and programming for the new facilities.
Mid 2024-2025: Restart project and community engagement, led by consulting firm Otak, Inc.; generate and analyze different use scenarios for the site.
2025-2026: Permitting and construction of the replacement facility.
2027-Beyond: Tacoma Power vacates the Cushman Substation; implementation of recommended steps.
Required steps to be scheduled:
- Surplus process of properties, including first right of refusal to local Tribes.
- Environmental Clean-Up of site.
- Request for proposal for developers of the selected project.
*A more detailed timeline will be posted once the Memorandum of Understanding is updated to reflect the restart.
How to Stay Informed
During the reuse study, we will collect community feedback and study different opportunities and constraints for the site.
Don't miss the opportunity to participate! Contact neighborhoodplanning@cityoftacoma.org if you would like to receive project updates.
Background
Located at the intersection of N. 21st St. and N. Adams St., the Cushman and Adams Substations were built in the mid-1920s to bring electricity from Cushman Dam to Tacoma. For many years, the substations served as active parts of the electric system. The substations are distinctive features in the neighborhood and notable assets to the City as a whole. Learn more about the Cushman Hydro Project here.
What Does the Future Hold for Cushman & Adams Substations?
The reuse study will be the community’s opportunity to participate in the
City Council and TPU Board’s decisions regarding future use of the Cushman and
Adams Substations. City Council directed the City of
Tacoma’s General Government and Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) to work
collaboratively and engage the community on future redevelopment of the
properties.
During the next few years, TPU will continue its work to
identify alternatives for the equipment repair and storage currently taking
place at Cushman Substation. TPU has also been working to identify
environmental clean-up needs. The facility replacement and clean-up initiatives
are ongoing and will be executed according to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding and informed
by any future redevelopment plan(s) for the properties approved by the TPU
Board and Tacoma City Council.
Email project staff if you would like to receive to updates and engagement opportunities.