Cleaning Up an Old Mess

I remember growing up and watching the world whiz by while I sat in the back seat of my Mom and Dad’s cars. Once we began approaching Lakewood and Tacoma, you could see the ratty, run-down motels lining up along South Tacoma Way and parts of I-5. And now in 2007 it appears that some of those nasty old motels are going away. Honestly, I can’t say that I’m terribly upset to see some of those old motels get the old heave-ho. Actually, I’m relieved and happy. Attached is an article from the Tacoma News Tribune discussing this very issue. That’s not to say that everyone in those motels is a criminal or not deserving of something better, that’s not the case at all. It appears that some of those residents living in some of those motels just felt like they had no other option available to them. Hopefully there will be better housing options presented to them that will better serve their needs. But regardless, those motels were rife with crime, drugs, and sanitation issues. Hopefully the redevelopment of those areas does justice to the residents who have been roughing it nearby for all of those years. But besides all of the other side issues involving affordable housing, I’m just glad to see some of those old hellholes go away.

The Tacoma News Tribune

Growing Pains in Tacoma

As more people discuss how Tacoma is changing, more is being said about unwanted changes happening here as well. I can certainly understand that some things will possibly get worse. I’m guessing traffic, street noise, street parking and some other minor issues. But really, do we want to revert back to the past (especially Tacoma’s)? And as for 6th Ave., it’s a major thoroughfare for that area. C’mon folks, at least recognize that busier streets are prime locations for businesses and yes, more nightlife and attractions. Again, I don’t think that this is the end of Tacoma, but it is a sign of more to come.

Stop by Capers

I went to Capers in downtown Tacoma recently. If you haven't been there, it's by Meconi's and close to The Matador. I was quite impressed by the simple layout and decor. Besides the decor, the food was quite good. You could tell that the staff takes their work seriously. The ingredients were all top notch and the meals were great. If you're looking for something a little different and nice, but still affordable, it's definitely worth a try.

The Mandolin Cafe Revisited

I went to The Mandolin Cafe today for some time with a book and coffee. I still really like the place. You can get some pretty decent food, good coffee, cold beer, and listen to some live music depending on the time that you go. The place seems to always be fairly busy when I'm there, but there's usually space to set up a laptop and get some work done if necessary. Plus, they have a good size deck to use if the weather permits (the wi-fi works out there too). There aren't a whole lot of coffee shops in Tacoma to really relax and kick back in that match the atmosphere of the Mandolin. If you ever get chance, check it out, it's a good time.

The Mandolin Cafe

Construction Slowdown in Tacoma

Attached is a good follow up article from The Tacoma News Tribune on different construction projects throughout Tacoma. Unfortunately, it appears some of the previously proposed construction plans and projects are feeling some heat due to the housing slowdown. I had a worry that something like this could happen, especially in regards to the condominium projects. It really felt like there were an awful lot of new condo projects being built without much consideration for saturation or overbuilding. I guess if you’re currently in the market for a condo, you should be courted with enthusiasm from those looking to sell. Despite some projects hitting bumps, I do think Tacoma is still moving in the right direction (albeit a little more slowly now).

The Tacoma News Tribune

Great News for Downtown Tacoma!

Attached is a link to an article, “Businesses Clear Out for South Park Plaza Development” from the Tacoma Daily Index. This is encouraging news for those of us who frequently go downtown. In case you don’t know, this parking garage is a huge eyesore and it isn’t the best addition to a reinvigorated downtown. Some good businesses have unfortunately been affected by the change. But overall, a greater good will come about if the redevelopment of this property goes well. What I’m personally hoping for is something that is much more attractive and pedestrian friendly. We’re well on our way Tacoma!

Tacoma Daily Index

Weekend Events

This weekend should prove eventful. The Taste of Tacoma is going on and that’s always a good time. Also, the Mariners are making things interesting enough to continue to follow them during the baseball season. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, everyone should go to a game at Safeco Field at least once. The bar area in left/center field is one of the funnest places to hang out in Seattle. You won’t be bored, trust me. Speaking of summer sports, I’m playing some softball and man, my body aches. Workouts can’t quite prep you for the actual practices and games. Needless to say, my defense needs some work. I need to get to a batting cage as well. I hear there’s a good one in Puyallup that’s pretty cheap. Also, it sounds like Capers in downtown Tacoma is a pretty good new restaurant. I may have to stop by. Do they allow cleats I wonder?

Burn, Baby! Burn!

Attached is a link o' good news. The motel mentioned has been a persistent issue for residents in Tacoma and Fife. Sorry if you have to look further for your crack. Read on!

Tacoma Daily Index

What’s Up? Sports, Tacoma, Etc.

Well, things have been pretty quiet recently. With summer, there’s not a lot going on in sports other than the Mariners. And unfortunately, it looks like our division is pretty tough this year. Anaheim and Oakland are looking pretty good. It’ll be a tough race all year long. In Hilltopia, not much else happening other than it appears that construction is still full steam ahead. On Yakima and Tacoma Avenues, the condos and townhouses are popping up almost instantaneously it seems. If you’re looking for a new home in an urban area, it may be worthwhile checking out what’s available in our end of town. With the previously vacant blocks filling up with new construction, I can’t imagine if it will be much more than another year or two before major commercial construction begins to pop up in our former ghetto. So, don’t say I didn’t tell you so, but take a look around Hilltop on Yakima and Tacoma Avenues. Things are going to be drastically different fairly soon.

Tacoma Misc.

Just when you think you’re up on things in Tacoma, poof!, another condo project appears before your very eyes. It really is beginning to look like Stadium is about to see some new, large additions to its landscape. I like Stadium, I just hope the new developments add something worthy to the scene. Also, The Swiss continues to be a fun time. I was there last Saturday and it seems like I have a blast every time I go there (which isn’t very often). If you haven’t been to The Swiss in a while, you should go back; it’s as fun as you remember it. Rock on!

Could a “Central Park” Work for Tacoma?

As I drive through downtown Tacoma, it occurs to me, could a central park work? I mean, could a city block or two of greenery, jogging paths, sitting areas and a fountain make a difference around here? I think it could. Because of all of the still lingering urban decay, a central park would help soften the landscape and provide a much more appealing and interesting place to be and linger. A park would also allow residents to gather and meet. This could especially be helpful and useful during the warm, dry months where meeting outside is actually desirable. Also, it gives the public another community meeting and gathering space for events. I think this is especially important in a city where everyone is seemingly trying to get more people to live and entertain themselves downtown. If the city is concerned about costs, maybe a building could be added and rented out for weddings, events, banquets, etc. If this park is anywhere near UW Tacoma, students would certainly make use of it during sunny days and times in between classes. I also think this park would spur more business development. Businesses seeking to fill a need for park patrons would begin to set up shop around the perimeter of the park. If a small amphitheater or stage is set up, the events can showcase artists, speakers, and musicians here in Tacoma. This doesn’t have to be large, but interesting and welcoming. This park would also give visitors and hotel occupants something else to see and visit while in town. In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s not a lot for hotel occupants to do on a Sunday night when everything in a ten mile radius is closed. Who knows, maybe even a smaller version of a sculpture park could work. Nonetheless, as I make my trek through downtown everyday, it appears that there just isn’t enough greenery and nature to balance out the look of the city. You can only take so much of the bombed building look before you decide that something else better can be done.

Tacoma-Starting to Perk Up?

Last Friday I went for a pretty long walk downtown along Pacific Avenue. It was encouraging to see UW Tacoma students and downtown workers outside and working on their various tasks, projects, etc. It was also nice to see downtown with some more life. Usually my walks take place after business hours when downtown feels eerie and deserted. But, on that sunny day, life was there. Something else that I found encouraging is the area down by Meconi’s is starting feel more populated and alive. With the new various businesses there, it’s beginning to feel like that end of Pacific Ave. isn’t lost or forgotten. I still wish something would happen with the old Drake nightclub. Maybe a live music venue? I also think more can be done with outdoor vendors downtown. During my walk, it just felt like you had to go into a building for everything and couldn’t just shop or get food/drinks/etc. while meandering downtown. I have no idea if there is some sort of permitting/legal process for this, but it sure would make the whole downtown experience feel more vibrant if there were more reasons to stop and look around.

Eat at Le-Le

I went to dinner at Le-Le Restaurant last night. If you’ve never been there, it’s a Vietnamese restaurant on MLK (close to Tempest and People’s Park). The food has been good every time I’ve gone there. It’s a Vietnamese restaurant, but there are some Thai and Korean dishes as well. And apparently, it’s a pseudo-hangout spot. They have free wi-fi and even while we were there, people were reading, hanging out, and one guy was listening to his iPod while he was doing his own thing. The vibe was very relaxed and the staff just seems to be happy that people are eating and spending time there. If you’re in the neighborhood, check it out. MLK doesn’t have any coffee shops that I know of, so I guess Le-Le is there to fill in on double duty. And what’s better than that? Good food, cheap prices, relaxed atmosphere and free wi-fi? And if that’s not enough, you could walk to Tempest for a drink (or three) afterwards.

Got Cash, Looking for a Home?

Well, it appears as if housing in Pierce County has really come up on some slower times. Price appreciation isn’t as strong as in neighboring counties. With more inventory and slower sales, does this begin to put Pierce County in a more precarious position economically? Certainly the local economy will be affected in some way. But with so many residents commuting elsewhere to work does this really matter? If the only real hit is in price appreciation, would the only people truly hurt by this movement be those with ARM mortgages coming up on rate adjustments? I’m not so sure that I’m the one to figure this out, but it does seem like now is a ripe time to buy a new home if you’re in the market for one. With more housing inventory and slower sales, a cash rich buyer would be sitting in a very enviable position right now.

Could/Would Tacoma Support a Big Box Retailer Downtown?

With so much talk about the possibility or need for more shopping downtown, what are the chances of real success for a large retail business? Would you make it a point to shop in Downtown Tacoma just to prove that it could work? What if the store were something like a Wal-Mart? Would you refuse to shop there because of any previous beliefs about the business or would you shop there because they took a chance when it’s obvious that other big retailers are reluctant to move into downtown currently? I think these are valid questions. The residential density downtown isn’t very high for an urban area. But, could the local residents make up for that by showing a little more loyalty in spending their dollars in a place that has shown a willingness to take a chance? And what if the first retailer failed? Would that be the signal of doom to other prospective retailers thinking about coming into Downtown Tacoma? What do you think?

Blogosphere in Tacoma

For those of you that live in the Tacoma area, I’m noticing a pretty cool trend. It appears that more blogs are proliferating in the area. I’m pretty happy with the development and I’ve learned a lot just by getting online and checking out some other peoples’ work. What I truly appreciate is the involvement and cooperation that everyone has put forward while collectively trying to help rehab this city. If you live in the area, check out www.feedtacoma.com for starters. You can begin to see the great work that people are putting out there for everyone to witness in cyberspace. This motley group (without Nikki Sixx) of do-gooders is out, about, and publishing some cool stuff that’s informative, entertaining and up-to-date. Check it out.

Tacoma Needs More Coffee

This past week I went to the Firehouse Coffee Company on 6th Ave. A pretty cool place and the coffee was good. It’s a wi-fi spot so you get online if you bring a laptop. Overall, the vibe was pretty cool. There’s plenty of space and it’s quite nice and comfy inside. I like all of the big windows and the décor (a nice change from Starbucks green). If you’re a people watcher, it’s a really good corner to drink coffee and hang out. The building itself is a nice, new addition to 6th Ave. But again, I was apprehended by the early closing time for a coffee shop (9pm). Not that I’m a night owl, I just don’t like having to leave when I’m not ready. Besides Bertolino’s on Union Ave., there is a severe lack of late night coffee shops in Tacoma. And because Bertolino’s is consistently full, it’s not always a great option, especially if you can’t get a table. So why am I going on about this? Because Tacoma needs a late night coffee shop in a really bad way. How can the late night artists, students and professionals all congregate if the only option is one small coffee shop that’s already packed? And besides, options and variety are good. It’s not that there aren’t coffee shops or drive-thrus in Tacoma. There are, they just close really early as compared to any other larger cities’ coffee shops. Heck, by the time I get home, a few of the coffee shops on Pacific Ave. are already closed (we’re talking 6pm folks). So if you want to open a coffee shop, please come to Tacoma and stay open past 9pm. Your shop will be packed, I know from experience.

More Festivals Needed?

With Tall Ships being such a huge success for Tacoma, it begs the question of whether Tacoma should be willing to help pay for more festivals and exhibitions in the city. Tall Ships was great because it brought so much more life to the city streets. People were out and had ample opportunity to see our great waterfront and downtown areas. Being that Tall Ships was so successful, should Tacoma attempt to bring in another large event or attempt to create an event on its own? I think the answer should be a resounding yes on all fronts. An annual event during the summer months would be a huge boon to Tacoma businesses. It would also serve as a great marketing opportunity for the city. With so much housing being built, Tacoma needs to take a more proactive stance towards marketing the city to the demographic population that it needs. Giving people a chance to come here and see the changes will only help reverse the name that Tacoma has earned itself over the past few decades. With other cities in the region experiencing their own growth spurts, Tacoma needs to take a very proactive stance in marketing itself in a manner that separates itself from the rest of the region. Current residents, businesses, and the city itself all stand to gain on the new positive exposure if done correctly.

Tacoma Attracting New Talent?

Is Tacoma attracting new energetic professionals? As the city grows and undergoes massive change, I think this is a relevant question to ask. Is there more that can be done to promote business, art and entrepreneurship in our city? I think there are some things that can be done. Thankfully, as residents we can help promote these changes. As I’ve said before, I think we can do more to fight crime and make potentially dangerous people feel a little more unwanted. Changing our environment to become more open and welcoming to everyday people is a must. As the weather gets warmer, it becomes even more important to get outside and make yourself known. Crimes involving drugs and property among other things tend to dwindle when regular, everyday people get outside and reclaim their neighborhoods. I also think the residents can begin to meet and become more connected to other great people in their neighborhoods. Just meeting people on your block and neighborhood creates a greater feeling of community that can certainly come in handy if or when something does happen that needs attention. Also, people tend to pay greater attention to random strangers loitering when they know whether any of these people are welcome or invited. I also think more can be done to create a greater feeling or vibe of creativity and artistic expression. Remaining open and welcoming to artists and creative professionals can affect so much awesome change in a community. Being able to support and attend events that foster this kind of creativity only helps to bring more of the arts and entertainment to a city. I think the business, art and music scene is beginning to pick up in Tacoma but we can always do more to support efforts to showcase local talent and encourage others to become involved in the local movement. Also, there are more ways to promote these events and trends via blogs. Thankfully there are other great local blogs besides Hilltopia that promote the same causes but in their own unique, interesting ways. For a good start, check out www.feedtacoma.com and www.exit133.com. Those are definitely two of my favorites and they’re a must read for locals trying to keep up with our ever-changing scene.