Despite many modifications to the building over the years, it lacks the appropriate spaces for many programs and events. For example, the new building will feature a teaching kitchen enabling APCC to provide in-person culinary arts classes. A new auditorium that will be able to accommodate between 400-500 guests – increasing the number of guests who can take part in performing arts events and cultural celebrations by approximately 25%.

No. When engaging the neighboring community in discussions about the cultural center’s vision, APCC took to heart concerns that they heard about providing housing services within the park. They substantially scaled back from their original $38 million vision which would have included a housing component, to an estimated $9.8 million project focused solely on the replacement of the outdated building. While housing remains a need and something APCC would like to locate near the center, they are exploring alternative non-park properties to identify opportunities where that need can be addressed in the future.

The current building would be demolished to clear the existing footprint for the construction of the new cultural center.

Administrative offices will be moved to the second floor as part of the new design freeing up space on the main floor. This allows for larger key features like the auditorium and kitchen to expand, increasing the array of programs APCC and enhancing visitor experiences.

None. APCC and their consultants have taken great care to ensure no Garry Oaks or ANY mature trees will be removed. They have reconfigured the design plan to fit within the existing center footprint.

Parks Tacoma’s Arborist routinely inspects and documents our urban tree plantings within our park properties. During an inspection in early 2021 of the trees at South Park, over three-quarter of the tree canopy (branches) on one of the park’s Garry Oaks was dead.  This inspection also identified one mature cherry tree that was dead and a pine tree that was in decline. During a follow up inspection in October the entire tree canopy of the Garry Oak was dead. The areas surrounding the trees were littered with dead branches. Due to the public safety risks the dead trees posed, Parks Tacoma contracted for their removal.

Garry Oaks are rare trees which Parks Tacoma stewards with the utmost attention for tree protection. This is the first Garry Oak in our system that has died and required removal during the time since our arborist arrived in 2014.  Several Garry Oaks were planted at South Park in 2020 adjacent to the repave project near the playground.  The remaining Garry Oaks that are located near the one that died appear to be in good shape and we are hopeful that the recent removal was an isolated case.

No, the property will remain as public park land. In 2020, Parks Tacoma entered into a 20-year lease with APCC for the cultural center to operate at South Park. Parks Tacoma is drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining amendments that would be made to the existing lease agreement at the point the project is ready to undergo construction.

Classes, events, activities and celebrations are open to anyone in the community who would like to participate and several events and celebrations throughout the year are free to attend.

Asia Pacific Cultural Center is the lead agency on the project design and construction plans for the new cultural center building. if you have questions about the building, please email APCC.

If you have questions about South Park, please email Parks Tacoma Communications Manager Nancy Johnson.