The Sound Transit Board unanimously approved a plan that would build a new Tacoma Dome Link light rail station where the historic Freighthouse Square currently sits. The choice to move forward with the “Close to Sounder” option is an important next step in connecting Tacoma to Seattle and other cities along the Link.
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, who is one of the vice presidents of the Sound Transit Board, told The News Tribune on Monday that option is the best route for commuters as it’s close to the Amtrak, T Line and bus stations. The plan approved by Sound Transit was also the option recommended by the Tacoma City Council in May.
The design stage won’t be up for final approval until 2027, with construction expected to be completed in 2035. Forty-three local businesses are expected to be displaced by the new Dome station, according to a Sound Transit presentation June 26. Additionally, Freighthouse Square, which was built in 1909 and has served as an indoor marketplace for more than 100 years, could be fully demolished. It is at 2501 E. D. St., next to the Tacoma Dome Station and Tacoma’s Amtrak Station.
The assessed taxable value of the Freighthouse Square building (which is made up of three parcels) is $2,866,500, according to the Assessor-Treasurer office. A parking lot across the street, also owned by Time in Space LLC, has an assessed value of $933,000…