South Tacoma Community Center
The South Tacoma Community Center will be a new building for the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma.
The primary activity spaces are enclosed in a series of nesting boxes arrayed in an arc, and will offer dramatic views of Mount Rainier. The major siding system uses an innovative shingling technique that creates a
dramatic effect similar to scales or feathers. The large concert hall can divide to different sizes for various
uses. Also included is a fitness room, a dance studio, multi-purpose room, a community teaching/catering kitchen, childwatch/rentable party
room, indoor and outdoor play areas, and administration and support spaces. All activity spaces are organized along a large lobby, which is
designed to serve as a community living room with local art display spaces. The center is designed to be LEED Silver, with sustainable strategies including natural storm drainage, ground source heat pumps, natural ventilation and natural daylighting, as well as recycled, rapidly renewable, and low-emitting materials. Large detention ponds to the south of the building provide natural storm drainage and will include an interpretive nature path around the building and site. The building is the first phase of a larger South End Recreation Area master plan which will eventually include ball fields, a community lawn, ropes courses, a "spray ground," and bike and walking paths. The building is ideally located for resource-sharing with an existing Boys & Girls Club, middle school and existing parking on the site.