PROJECT PARTNER(S)
Foss Waterway Development Authority, various builders.

LOCATION
Tacoma, WA

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Sidewalk, Street Tree, Urban Plaza, Pedestrian Street (walkway along the waterfront), Waterfront, Residential Density

DESCRIPTION
The Thea Foss Waterway is built on an abandoned site. It is a special-purpose district developed in the 1990s, called the Foss Waterway Development Authority. The authority was charged with creating and implementing a plan for the 1.5 mile stretch of waterfront. As a result of the master plan, several hundred million dollars in development have occurred, and a pedestrian-oriented waterfront has been created. Key projects include the Museum of Glass (and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass) and several large apartment and condo projects. Some retail and commercial space has also been developed.

The Foss Waterway Seaport is the next project planned. It is conceived as a regional maritime education and activity center. Funding for this project, as well as the repairs, are ongoing. Additionally, Foss Harbor Living is being planned, and may include mixed-use towers up to 180 feet tall with public open space and view corridors. The buildings would be located near Foss Harbor Marina, which offers full boat services.

There will also be a 1.5 mile ‘esplanade’ on the western side of the THea Foss Waterway to connect the downtown business district and the Union Station Historical District to the Waterfront. The first phase of the project seems to be underway.

PHOTOS AND DRAWINGS



LESSONS LEARNED
Located on the site of a former brownfield, the Thea Foss waterway project has successfully re-invigorated an abandoned waterfront.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
http://fosswaterwayseaport.org/index.php?p=ProjectOverview
http://www.fossharbormarina.com/
http://www.theafoss.com/projects.html
http://www.djc.com/news/co/11204963.html
http://www.djc.com/news/co/11204966.html
http://www.djc.com/news/co/11204965.html