Tacoma Water Operations Building
Build a new Tacoma Water Operations Building
Tacoma Water is constructing a 60,000-square-foot warehouse and shop facility at 3506 South 35th St., south of the existing building. The new facility is for warehousing, hydrant, meter, and pipe shops, along with administrative and support spaces for our operations staff.
Why is Tacoma Water doing this now?
We learned we needed an updated facility after we received a 2016 seismic assessment of the existing 1939 building. The analysis found that the building would not be usable right after a major earthquake. Because this building is essential for our 24/7 water service operations, this project will help make sure we can continue supporting the community and restore services after a seismic event
The utility developed a 20-year master plan for the site between 2018 and 2023. Project goals include building a seismically resilient facility, making our operation’s site more efficient, improving how we use the facility and property space, and planning well for water service growth.
Who is involved?
The utility will deliver the project using the Progressive Design-Build method (this method encourages the utility to collaborate early with the contractor to make the design and construction more efficient) The Washington State Capital Projects Advisory Review Board approved the project. Tacoma Water selected Absher Construction and DLR Group architects as the Design-Build team, with Parametrix serving as the owner’s advisor. Tacoma Water staff offered feedback and input during this process.
Read our most recent updates
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Over the past few weeks, crews removed the loading dock and canopy during to make room for the new building just south of the current Operations Building. They also separated and recycled demolition materials. In August, crews installed the sanitary sewer that will serve the new building.In September, crews will continue relocating utilities and begin pouring the building’s footings.
Employees will continue using the current Operations Building while crews build the new facility.
Work also continues on South Burlington Way, a new access road along the south edge of our property. A separate project includes the roadway; the Operations Building construction project doesn’t include that work.
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Construction continues on the new warehouse and shops building. Tacoma Water crews recently installed a new water service connection from the existing water main on South 35th Street to bring water to the new building site.
The project contractor will install the utilities on the property, including rerouting the sanitary sewer.
The new building will be constructed where the existing loading dock is located. During August, contractors will remove the loading dock and canopy. To support fleet operations during construction, temporary EV chargers have been installed elsewhere in the yard.
The current building will remain fully operational throughout construction, and Tacoma Water employees will continue working from the site.
Work also continues on South Burlington Way, a new access road along the south edge of Tacoma Water’s property. This roadway is part of a separate project and is not included in the Tacoma Public Utilities construction project.