The Tacoma Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the Puget Sound region, is undergoing a major redevelopment project that will turn it into a ‘lifestyle village’ with more retail, restaurant, and entertainment options. The project, which started in 2018, is expected to be completed by 2024.
A new ‘village’ with nine tenant spaces
The latest phase of the redevelopment involves demolishing the existing parking lot area to the west side of the mall and creating new building pads for three retail/restaurant buildings, according to a permit filing with the city of Tacoma. The filing describes the project as the “Tacoma Mall Lifestyle Village” and lists an anticipated start date in March 2023 and an estimated cost of $1.4 million.
The plans show two buildings, one with four tenant spaces and one with five smaller tenant spaces, and a third building that could be a potential drive-thru business. The names of the tenants have not been disclosed yet, but they are expected to offer a variety of services and experiences for the mall visitors.
A ‘mini-city’ with mixed-use development
The Tacoma Mall Lifestyle Village is part of a larger vision to transform the mall into a ‘mini-city’ with mixed-use development, including residential, office, hotel, and civic uses. The mall’s owner, Simon Property Group, has been working with the city and the community to create a subarea plan that will guide the future growth and development of the area.
The subarea plan, which was adopted by the city council in 2019, aims to create a more walkable, bikeable, and transit-oriented neighborhood around the mall, with improved connectivity, public spaces, and amenities. The plan also calls for adding more greenery, stormwater management, and sustainability features to the site.
A long history of changes and challenges
The Tacoma Mall, which opened in 1965, has a long history of changes and challenges. It has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, adding new anchors, stores, and features. It has also faced competition from other malls and online shopping, as well as economic downturns and social unrest.
The mall has seen some of its major tenants close or relocate in recent years, such as Sears, Macy’s, JCPenney, Forever 21, and Nordstrom. Some of these spaces have been replaced by new tenants, such as Nordstrom Rack, Total Wine & More, Kohl’s, and Ulta Beauty. The mall currently has over 150 stores and services.
The redevelopment project is expected to revitalize the mall and attract more customers and businesses to the area. It is also expected to create more jobs and tax revenue for the city. The mall is one of the largest employers and taxpayers in Tacoma.