Architecture Photo of James Center North Transit Oriented Development

© Adobe InDesign 15.0 (Windows)

Architecture Photo of James Center North Transit Oriented Development

© Adobe InDesign 15.0 (Windows)

 

James Center North Transit Oriented Development

Creating Place Out of No Place

This is the story of designing for dignity, equity, and diversity—a vision for a vibrant West Tacoma neighborhood with housing for everyone. It’s about creating the essential social and biophilic connections that unite people of all ages, health, and income in a community that thrives. Our collaboration with the Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) began with a master plan for affordable, student, and market-rate housing centered around mass transit. The goal: to design a mixed-use, mixed-income, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood that will transform West Tacoma. As part of Tacoma’s 25-year growth plan, certain areas, including the underutilized James Center North, will become compact, walkable centers with easy access to transit, services, and shopping. THA’s mission is to provide high-quality, affordable housing, and they plan to redevelop James Center North, a 6.92-acre site along South Mildred Street, into a mixed-use community. The site currently includes retail and commercial buildings but lacks a cohesive sense of place. Our design reflects THA’s vision to create a connected, equitable community with housing options for all. Working closely with stakeholders, we studied the area’s transit lines and surrounding districts to create a plan that not only meets the demand for affordable and market-rate housing, but also offers a destination. Our master plan connects the site to the surrounding neighborhoods, with streets designed for people, not just cars. It includes areas for bikes, buses, and pedestrians, as well as spaces for community gardens, food trucks, and social gatherings. The development will offer around 450 market-rate units, 150 affordable units, and commercial spaces. The design honors West Tacoma’s character while giving it a fresh, unique identity. Flexible spaces for public art, custom signage, and gathering places will encourage residents to make the community their own. This is a neighborhood where people of all backgrounds and needs can live, grow, and connect. We hope James Center North becomes a destination for its beauty, vibrancy, and social equity—setting a model for future communities that are inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered.

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Tacoma, Washington
  • 150 units
  • Mid-rise: Projected stories
  • 6.92 acres sq. ft.
  • Completed in 2019
PROJECT CONTACT

community@ankrommoisan.com

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