Press Releases

City of Tacoma employees, family members exhibit artistic talents (Jun. 17)

Call to artists: Tacoma public artist registry (Jun. 5)

Call to Tacoma artists: Share your art with the world (Apr. 25)

City of Tacoma iconic public art pieces get a facelift (Mar. 21)

Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider historic preservation ordinance updates (Feb. 7) 

Get involved in Tacoma ’s heritage – Volunteers needed for commission (Jan. 11)

(Click here to view the Press Release Archive.)

Activities and Goings On

International Film & Food Festival - February through March, 2008

Tacoma-Pierce County Sister Cities International Film & Food Festival is an annual event at the Blue Mouse Theatre in Tacoma . 2008 is the 6th year of this cultural event that is held every Thursday during the months of February, March and the first two weeks in April. Join us for a memorable evening of award winning films, authentic international foods, and cultural programs from our Sister cities around the world.

For film selections and ticket information please visit www.tacomafilmfood.org .

University of Idaho Student Design Projects

For the past two years, senior architecture students at the University of Idaho have traveled to Tacoma to work on design projects for various districts.  Design projects have ranged from neighborhood visioning, to urban design, urban infill, and adaptive reuse projects. 

Many people have asked for copies of these projects, so below are links to electronic versions (PDF).  

2007 (Coming Soon)

In 2007, the students focused on the McKinley Hill neighborhood.  The final project document will be posted here when available.  The projects were presented at a neighborhood meeting in December.

2006

In the fall of 2006, the students worked on design projects involving the Lincoln District and Brewery District. Due to the size of the document, it has been divided into several files.

1.  Cover, Table of Contents and Introduction

2.  Brewery District Projects
     Brewery District - plan map showing project locations
     Pacific Landing - infill
     Brewery Plaza - infill
     City Stables Building - historic rehabilitation

3.  Lincoln-International District Projects
     Making Place:  Plan and Facade Renovation - planning
     Lincoln Art Center - infill
     Lincoln Science Center - infill
     Lincoln Crossing - infill
     Multifamily Housing - infill
     Lincoln Library - infill
     Tacoma Mocha Internet Cafe - infill
     Lincoln Police Substation - infill

Ordinances and Policy Updates

Historic Preservation
On February 27, 2008, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing to receive comment on proposed changes to Municipal Code Chapter 13.07.  The proposed changes are pending review by the Tacoma Planning Commission.

Download Documents
Explanation of Revisions (old)
Most current version of the draft code (6/18/08 Hearing)

Comprehensive Plan
In 2004, City Council adopted a new Culture and History Element in its annual Comprehensive Plan Update (Ordinance 27295).  

The Culture and History Element outlines the City's goals and policies for its arts, cultural and heritage programs, and provides the basis for future policy decisions.  Click here to view the document (PDF).