Tacoma Untapped » Downtown

Gyros Coming to the UWT

Jake — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:37:34 +0000

“Retail spaces are empty.” “There are tons of open retail spaces along the UWT strip.” “The retail space in Phillips Hall is available, let’s fill that first then lets talk.”

Ok let’s talk!

University Gyro House is in the process of filling the vacant retail space in UWT’s Phillips Hall at 1914 Pacific Ave. Along with gyros it appears you will also be able to have a nice cold beer, as Nizar LLC has applied for a beer/wine restaurant liquor license.

So will gyros be a good fit for the UWT campus? I think so!

Major Changes To Elks Project

Jake — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:46:58 +0000

It has been confirmed by multiple sources that there will be some major changes in the Elks/McMenamins project. I have been told that McMenamins has decided a hotel in the Elks building is not feasible due to the lack of windows in the structure. They will however build the hotel part of the project in the lower floors of the adjacent mixed-use building being built by Grace Pleasants and Rick Moses. This will add a few more stories to mixed-use building and possibly force the building to be built as a steel-framed structure instead of wood-frame, if it already wasn’t going to be.

I have not heard what McMenamins plans to do with the space that was slated for the hotel in the Elks building or if the cost to construct the city-owned garage will change in the mixed-use building due to it having to support more floors.

In late February the City of Tacoma, Grace Pleasants & Rick Moses announced that GLY Construction Co. of Bellevue and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects of Seattle will be the design-build team for the mixed-use project.

TNT Article: Tacoma’s Elks Project Takes Big Step

Another Mixed-Use Project for McCarver

Jake — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:29:06 +0000

A new mixed-use building is being proposed in the McCarver Neighborhood at the southeast corner of South 19th Street & Yakima Ave. O’Connor & Associates, developer of McCarver Village & Gaslamp Terrace, purchased the property in November 2008. The property currently has a brick four-plex on it. The new mixed-use building will house 32 market-rate apartments and a private medical office. The project goes before the Tacoma City Council on Dec. 1st 2009 for its 8 year multi-family tax exemption. The building will be across the street from St. Joseph Medical Center and 2 blocks from the UWT campus boundary. The four-plex currently sits vacant which could mean construction may happen soon.

I am happy to hear that apartments have been added to this project. About a year ago I saw an ad on Craigslist from O’Connor & Associates advertising lease space in a proposed 2 story medical building at the site. This new building will be another gateway building to the growing McCarver Neighborhood.

Chelsea Heights Starts Leasing.. Finally

Jake — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:09:03 +0000

After 3 years in the construction phase, Prium’s Chelsea Heights project near Wright Park will finally see life. The once condo project is now a 78 unit apartment building and can be seen on numerous rental websites. From photos on Craigslist it does appear that some of the finishes have been downgraded from the original plans. The property management company is currently advertising a 2 bedroom unit for $1,150.

Now does anybody know what is going on with the retail space? It almost looks like it is going to be all storage units. You can see a lot of metal wall forms, very close together in the retail space when you drive by.

Last reported on The Biz Buzz in December 2007 : Second Prium Condo Project Goes Rental

Chelsea Heights Apartments

603 South J Street

Tacoma, WA 98405

253-383-3181

Haub Closes on USPS Parcels

Jake — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:25:08 +0000

The Haub Brother’s holdings in Tacoma’s Central Business District just got a bit larger. On April 28th the Haub Brother Enterprise Trust closed on two parcels owned by the United States Postal Service. The two parcels located on A Street between 13th and 14th measure 32,600 square feet and are county assessed at $2,674,900. The purchase price was not yet available.

Haub now owns the properties highlighted in red:

The two parcels are key in Haub’s plan for a large highrise development on the site and possibly a new headquarters for Russell Investsments. The City of Tacoma and Haub recently started environmental cleanup and monitoring of the Haub properties and the former Sauro drycleaner site across the street.

Russell HQ proposal:

Minoela Coming Soon

Jake — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:17:46 +0000

The details are in on the new wine bistro, Minoela, opening in the St Helens neighborhood. As previously reported on Tacoma Untapped , Minoela will be located in the Merlino Art Center building off 6th Ave. and Fawcett Ave. , next to the Grand Cinema.

Q&A with the owners after the jump:

Here is the juicy Q&A with the owners Danielle and Mike Kartes:

Q: How did you get the name Minoela? What does it mean?

A: Minoela is my variation of the word mineola. It is a type of orange! I wanted something a bit easier for people to say! This very special type of Tangelo orange is bright, juicy, and fresh. When I think of citrus it just makes me happy. It’s exactly the kind of place we aim to be. Bright, welcoming, and fresh.

Q: Has the lease been finalized?

A: Hahaha Yes!

Q: In our last correspondence you said your new establishment will be a Bistro Wine House. Will you sell wine for off-site consumption as well as on-site?

A: On-site and off-site as well. I want our patrons to be able to pick up a few fabulous bottles they have tried at our wine house and perhaps bring them to a party or stop on their way home from work to relax at home for the evening.

Q: What kind of food do you plan to serve and at what price points?

A: We want to support local organic sustainable business, so we aim for fresh season appetizers and meals, and fresh breads. Not to heavy but defiantly not leaving you wanting more. Desserts are bing in my book so we will have THE best in homemade cakes, cookies and ooey gooey goodness. Our price points will be fair. In this economy we want to keep everything on the menu under 11 bucks! With a great Happy Hour!!! Happy hours drive the restaurant biz these days.

Q: Many people are familiar with layout of the former One Heart Cafe, will you make any changes to the interior layout?

A: You will just have to wait and see.. wink wink. It’s going to be just beautiful.

Q: What look are you going for in the interior of the space?

A: Vintage meets comfortable. We want a new fresh approach to the average wine bar. We want people to fee comfy and happy while in Minoela, so you won’t see any super bright colors or depressing artwork.

Q: What hours do you think you will be open?

A: Thursday through Sunday as of right now. Depending on business we will add the other three days of the week as well.

Q: Is this your first venture into the restaurant business?

A: Yes and no. I have been wrapped up in the restaurant biz for a few years and it is definitely not my first business project but it will be the first wine house/bistro.

Q: And lastly, tell me more about your husband and yourself?

A: I like the color green and I love cheese. I’m not a fan of itchy sweaters and I like the ocean. Home grown tomatos taste better than store bought. I like wood paneled jeeps though I don’t own one!

I am a makeup artist and I primarily have worked in LA and Seattle but Tacoma/Puyallup is my home and where I have lived my entire life. We decided it’s time to open this place I have been thinking about for years! My husband is a writer. We are the best of friends. We are very involved in the community and we want a place that gives back. We hope to supprot the local economy by creating jobs and getting as many of our supplies from other locals.

Well there you have it! Look for Minoela to open soon at 604 Fawcett Ave.

Lincoln Gives Tacoma Some Love

Jake — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:51:36 +0000

Is it our beautiful, diverse architecture that brings the car companies to town to film commercials? Well one car company, Lincoln, took it a bit further and features Downtown Tacoma front and center on its website for the Lincoln MKS.

Click the link to check out Tacoma… and the Lincoln MKS
(make sure you move your mouse over the arrows next to the car)

Loungin at Pacific Grill on Sunday

Jake — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:54:39 +0000

This Sunday Pacific Grill is turning into Lounge @ PG. The fine dining establishment will open its doors at 7:00pm for a social/mixer event that is to last until 11:00pm (or possibly later, I am told). They are charging a $10 cover but cover includes: 1 drink ticket, free food, raffle prizes, and a $10 gift card to Pacific Grill.

Information from the event page on Facebook:

Tacoma’s Hottest Social Event at Tacoma’s Sexiest Restaurant, Pacific Grill!

Free PG Snacks & Desserts
DJ Broam spinning the beats
$10 cover includes 1 drink ticket
$10 PG gift card (can be used on your next visit)
Great Raffle Prizes!

Lounge @ PG menu:

Salami Sandwiches
Chicken Satays
Ham & Cheese Empanadas
Charcuterie & Cheese Display
Sushi Maki Rolls
Julia Child Brownies
Rock’n Roca Blondie

What is Lounge @ PG? It is a party, a mixer, a social, a weekend wind down. Eat some great food, have some drinks, listen to the beats, and mingle with friends!

Sounds like a good time. I will see you down there.

Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402

Another Bail Bonds Joint in the Theater District

Jake — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:45:17 +0000

Word on the street is another bail bonds storefront is coming to the Theater District. I am told Scott Free Bail Bonds is moving into the former Tacoma Events Commission location at 759 Market Street. If you recall this location is in between City Hall and Aladdin Bail Bonds. I am sure my many friends who live in the neighborhood will be thrilled!

The building is owned by City of Destiny LLC who’s registered members include Pat Nagel and Carole Holder of The Hub, Harmon Brewery, and Sound & Shore Properties fame.

Previous blog post from when Aladdin moved into the neighborhood:
Victory Music Becomes…
Aladdin Bail Bonds Move in Downtown

Britney Spears at The Mix?

Jake — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:31:11 +0000

As Tacoma gets ready for the Britney Spears Circus concert tomorrow at the Tacoma Dome, someone sent me over a little tip that something was different on the Britney Spears website. I went to go check it out. I am scrolling down the tour date list: April 6th Edmonton: AB Rexall Place, April 8th Vancouver Canada: GM Place, April 9th Tacoma, WA: Mix. Mix? As in The Mix that is having a Britney Spears After Party on April 9th? I click the link and it takes me to a page that has The Mix’s address. So what does this all mean? Is Britney Spears heading to The Mix after the concert? I guess we will all have to wait to find out!

The Circus Starring Britney Spears

April 9th 8:00pm

The Tacoma Dome

Britney Spears – The After Party

April 9th 8:00pm- 2:00am

The Mix

635 St Helens Ave.

Tacoma, WA 98402