Congrats to All of the New Tacoma Awards Recipients!

(left to right:) Tacoma Runners, Sue Schaeffer, Tacoma Waterfront Association, Dawn Lucien, Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation, Frost Park Chalk Off and Dorky's Bar Arcade.
Congratulations to all of the New Tacoma Awards Recipients!

Each year the Tacoma- Pierce County Chamber recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations making outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma with the New Tacoma Awards.

In coordination with sponsors AmericanWest Bank, Tags Awards & Specialties, and Blitz and Company, the Chamber honored both award nominees and recipients at the Chamber's July Luncheon last Friday.

The 2013 New Tacoma Awards recipients are:

The Ghilarducci Award recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification: Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation. The bridge celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this year after years of renovation and renewed community energy. The renovated bridge reconnects the downtown core to the tideflats and both the east and west sides of the Foss Waterway.

The Popham Award recognizing the individual that has done the most to build community spirit: Sue Schaeffer with the Tacoma Waterfront Association. During her tenure at the Tacoma Waterfront Association, Schaeffer oversaw numerous improvements to Tacoma's waterfront, such as seaplane floats, Point Ruston, and improving connections to the Foss. Schaeffer has worked diligently from the beginning to grow the organization, engage members, and improve Tacoma's waterfront to be a destination enjoyed for generations.

The Public Places Award recognizing the best activation of a public park, open space, or right-of-way: Frost Park Chalk Off. For six months of the year, Joel Larson, RR Anderson, and others with the Frost Park Chalkies have met every Friday on the corner of South 9th and Pacific Avenue for the past six years. The chalk-offs bring people to one of north downtown's pocket parks for lunch, entertainment, and community energy.

The Schoenfeld Award recognizing exemplary performance and pizazz as a retailer or restaurateur: Dorky's Bar Arcade. Dorky's fun blend of old school arcade games and laid back bar scene on the corner of 9th and Pacific make it a premiere hangout spot for locals looking to relax and have a good time. Owners Caroline and Les have also worked to bring the Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show to Tacoma from Seattle.

The Union Station Award recognizing organizations, companies, or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization: Tacoma Runners. Started in 2010, Tacoma Runners is a social running group that meets every Thursday evening at a local watering hole, bringing over 100 people. This popular group has a goal of healthily engaging the community and helping create connections between runners of all abilities.

Congratulations to all of our New Tacoma Awards recipients and nominees and thank you for all of your great contributions to making downtown Tacoma a wonderful place!

For information on all award nominees and past winners, visit the BIA blog.

7/17 Pac Ave Coffee Talk

Join the City of Tacoma on Wednesday, 7/17 from 10:00 - 11:00 am for Coffee Talk regarding the Pacific Avenue Streetscape project updates and upcoming work schedule. There will be an opportunity for input and feedback on the project. The meeting will be held at Dorky's Arcade located at 754 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402.

Be on the Lookout for New Wayfinding Signs

Be on the lookout for downtown Tacoma's new wayfinding signs!

Today, Chris Storey, the Civil Engineer of the City's Public Works Department, presented a wayfinding update to the Tacoma City Council Economic Development Committee. You may recall previous discussions on the wayfinding project, which included public outreach, two open houses, surveys, and an advisory committee.

Currently, the sign designs are complete and the foundation installation is underway. Signs will be installed in two phases. Phase 1 consists of 11 signs along Pacific Avenue. Phase 2 will include 18 signs at identified downtown gateways, ranging from the Dome District to the Stadium District. Signage installation will begin next month and be completed this December.

The signs will be hard to miss standing at 13 feet high with large, readable print designed for cars travelling at 30 miles an hour. David Schroedel, the Chamber's Metropolitan Development Director, supported Storey in developing criteria for signage content. Criteria was determined based on the proximity of the destination to the current location and public feedback collected overa  ear from online surveys and open houses. Many responses came from area visitors and individuals from the hospitality industry.

A historic image covers the backside of the sign. The signs are removable from the base with the option to be changed out at a later time.

The Committee also discussed the future expansion of wayfinding and destination signage for the City, such as signs that lead to the different neighborhood districts, as well as utilizing existing transportation infrastructure to be used toward pedestrian oriented wayfinding options, like bus shelters and transit centers.

Congratulations to the 2013 New Tacoma Award Nominees!

Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations making outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma with the New Tacoma Awards.

This year the Chamber, in coordination with sponsors AmericanWest Bank and Tags Awards & Specialties, will honor nominees and recipients at the Chamber Luncheon on July 12th at the Pacific Grill Event Center at 1530 Pacific Avenue, 98402 from 11:30 to 1PM.  For more information on the program and to register, please visit the Chamber's website.

The 2013 New Tacoma Award Nominees are:

The Ghilarducci Award recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification:

·       Foss Waterway Sea Plane Floats
·       Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation

The Popham Award recognizing the individual that has done the most to build community spirit:

·       Alex Hays, AB Hayes
·       Benjii Bittle, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
·       Patricia Lecy-Davis, Embellish Salon
·       Penny Dennewith, Lucky Penny Cafe
·       Rusty George, Rusty George Creative
·       Sue Schaeffer, Tacoma Waterfront Association

The Public Places Award recognizing the best activation of a public park, open space or right-of-way:

·       Frost Park Chalk Off
·       Spaceworks Tacoma
·       Tacoma Urban Landscaping with Love Tacoma Lane

The Schoenfeld Award recognizing exemplary performance and pizazz as a retailer or restaurateur:

·       Azarra Salon & Wine
·       Creative Forces Gifts & Sundries
·       Dorky’s Bar Arcade
·       Print NW
·       Savor Tacoma Creperie
·       The Office Bar & Grill

The Union Station Award recognizing organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization:

·       Downtown: On the Go!
·       Downtown Tacoma Business Improvement Area
·       Hillside Development Council
·       Tacoma Runners
·       Tacoma South Sound Sports
·       Venti Productions

Congratulations to all the nominees! For a list of prior winners, please see the Chamber's website. We look forward to seeing you on July 12th.