Administrative Snapshot: August 2006
Names of key participants appear in brackets at the end of most items.

>> NEW THIS MONTH

Longshoremen’s Hall

In August, UW Tacoma took possession of the Longshoremen’s Hall at the corner of 17th and Market streets. This facility is being developed to provide collaborative study and recreational opportunities for UWT students. Sports court improvements, including the installation of a full-sized outdoor basketball court and other amenities, are in progress and should be completed in late September or early October. The hall also has a large social hall with a modular stage, lighting and a sound system for social gatherings. [Milt Tremblay]

Continuing Studies moves to Carlton Center

The Office of Continuing Studies, which includes the Key Bank Professional Development Center and Conference Services, has moved to the fourth floor of the Carlton Center building at 1551 Broadway on the north side of campus. The new offices, which are shared with Pierce County Careers Connection, have views of the waterfront, Mount Rainier, the Tacoma museum district and the UW Tacoma campus and are rumored to be the home of a friendly ghost. The department’s phone numbers have not changed. An open house is planned for later this fall. [Alice Dionne]

Fitness Center

UWT administrators, in collaboration with the ASUWT, have been working on the development of a fitness center next to the art gallery on the Pacific Avenue level of the West Coast Grocery Building. Painting and wall treatments are complete and floor installation is scheduled to be completed within the next few weeks. Fitness equipment has been ordered and should be in place for Autumn Quarter. [Milt Tremblay]

Student health care

Over-the-counter medications are now available from a vending machine in the Mattress Factory building. Faculty, staff and students collaborated over the past several years to make this happen. Special thanks go to Dr. Sharon Fought, the ASUWT health care committee and 2005 graduates Karen Fuyura and Stan Betts, who worked long past their own graduation to see this project to its conclusion. The vending units, located outside MAT 107, were funded with Services and Activities fees. [Derek Levy, S. Jo Enscoe]

UWT working to improve pedestrian safety

UWT Facilities has been working collaboratively with the Hillside Development Council, the New Tacoma Council and the City of Tacoma to help create a more pedestrian-friendly environment in downtown Tacoma. The groups are awaiting approval of a grant request to the New Tacoma Council for funding for area improvements, including the painting of numerous crosswalks in the UWT area. The most notable of these are at C and 21st streets and several intersections along 19th and 17th streets from Jefferson to Tacoma avenues. The request also includes a crosswalk with flashing lights on Market Street across from the Longshoremen’s Hall. [Milt Tremblay]

Assembly Hall

Design professionals at Thomas Hacker Architects, working collaboratively with students, staff, and faculty, have come up with a creative and exciting design for the new Assembly Hall. Everyone is encouraged to stop by Mattress Factory 354 to review the latest plans and provide additional input. The hall's 500-seat capacity and flexible format will provide a forum for a wide variety of academic functions, job fairs, lectures and banquets as well as collaborative meeting areas and informal gathering spaces. The project continues to be on schedule for a fall/winter 2008 occupancy. [Milt Tremblay]

Campus growth

Mirai Transportation Planning and Engineering has completed traffic counts and is beginning data analysis as part of its review of the impact of closing Market Street and possible mitigation scenarios. The group will also analyze the economic development impact on the downtown core on either side of the campus. Community leaders and representatives from the City of Tacoma are serving on a small steering committee. The larger advisory group, comprised of community, city, UW Seattle and UW Tacoma representatives, continues to meet. [Steve Smith, Milt Tremblay]

Court 17

The Court 17 parking garage is open for business. Students, staff and faculty can purchase quarterly passes from the UW Tacoma Cashier for $150. Hourly and daily parking is also available to the public; rates are $3 for 0 to 3 hours and $6 for 3 to 10 hours. The parking fee machine accepts credit/debit cards and cash. Progress continues on the 128-unit apartment complex that is being constructed by a private developer over the University’s parking garage. The apartments should be available for occupancy in December. Brochures on these market-rate apartments are available in Enrollment Services. A priority waiting list has been established by the developer for UWT students, faculty, and staff wishing to apply for these units. Interested parties can contact Lorig Development at (253) 274-9000 for additional information. [Milt Tremblay]