ABSTRACT
The renovation of older, formerly languishing industrial buildings is adding to the fine collection of splendid new and historic buildings in the area, including the Union Station/Court House and the adjacent State Historical Museum. The Tacoma Dome district is coming alive with the gloriously funky Freighthouse packed with odd shops and ethnic cafes. Perhaps the most remarkable change in Tacoma has taken place in the relatively tiny neighborhood business district at 26th Avenue North and Proctor. Throughout Tacoma, whole sections of the community are seeing infusions of capital, both public and private, that are bringing in new public spaces, civic amenities, and sidewalks, trails, and vastly improved local shopping districts. Tacoma, on the other hand, has been spending its energy and money actually making tangible improvements. Worse, far too many neighborhood folks place the entire burden on the private sector to shake loose some of their "excess profits." Waiting around for any of the things wastes time and wastes energy.
