“Who We Are”
The goal of the South Tacoma Business District Association is to encourage our members to work together to address common concerns and affect positive change for a safer, cleaner shopping environment and an economically vibrant business district.
“We’ve been working on the Rail Road”
In 1891 the northern Pacific Railroad moved their train maintenance shops from the Union Station in downtown Tacoma to 56th Street, just behind what is now South Tacoma Way. The area that had been dotted with dairy farms began developing as a residential district. Bankers and entrepreneurs heard the call to service the needs of the growing community and the building boom began moving forward like a steam train down the track. Not only did South Tacoma become the place to go for entertainment, it was also a destination for families to purchase everyday goods and services.
Most of the houses were built between 1919 and the late 1920’s by the railroad and railroad employees occupied four out of five homes. The rest were owned by the businesses on what was Union Avenue. Many of the remaining businesses started in the early 1900’s are still family owned by third and fourth generations of their founders.
“We’re still working on the Rail Road”
With a foundation firmly committed to progress and service, the community of South Tacoma is alive and still growing today. Proud of our history and enthusiastic about the future both the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council and the South Tacoma Business District Association share many common goals. Our work maintains this area as a great place to live, work and shop. The beginning of the second century for South Tacoma offers as much reason for enthusiasm as the first.
“Hard work still pays off”
Construction is anticipated to begin on South Tacoma’s new Sound Transit Commuter Rail Platform as early as fall of 2008. Because this new commuter rail platform will create an easy route to Lakewood, Seattle, and eventually to Everett, the call to service is building steam once again. There’s still plenty of room for new services if you happen to be a hard working entrepreneur looking for a prime opportunity. There are multiple retail and office spaces available of various sizes in this centrally located long-standing community.