Category Archives: Tacoma Places

5 Question Friday With Steve Rich, Pacific Avenue Steetscape Project Manager


2013-02-08_10-09-52_84The Pacific Avenue construction project is in full swing right now. Businesses are doing what they can to stay open and profitable during the year long project. I reached out to Project Manager, Steve Rich and asked if he could participate in 5 Question Friday and give us a bit more information about this project from the construction side of things. He was nice enough to take time out of his day to join me.

Here’s Steve:

1. What is the purpose of the Pacific Ave construction? 

The Pacific Avenue Streetscape project’s primary goal and purpose is to attract and encourage visitors and new business to downtown Tacoma by renovating the City’s main street.  The project was envisioned and designed to create an active, attractive, and economically viable main street that encourages people to be downtown. Streetscape beautification and innovative stormwater enhancements will improve the aesthetics, functionality and livability of Downtown’s core street thereby improving business opportunities.  The project’s stormwater improvements (raingardens and silva cells) are designed to improve the water quality prior to discharge through the storm system into the sensitive Thea Foss Waterway.  Raingardens will effectively filter the stormwater pollutants while adding landscaping to Pacific      Avenue’s heavily urban landscape thus creating a more walkable and inviting urban streetscape.  New sidewalks, intersection bulb-outs, crosswalks, bike sharrows and transit stops are designed to improve accessibility, multimodal transportation opportunities and pedestrian safety.

2. What is the city doing to help business affected by the Pacific Ave Construction?

Our project team is dedicated to achieving the project’s goals while minimizing impacts to the local businesses during construction. The project schedule and work plan were designed with this in mind. Our phased work plan concentrates the work in specific areas, minimizing the schedule duration for individual blocks. Two way traffic on Pacific Avenue and pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained at all times during the project . Our general contractor, Tucci and Sons, Inc. is a local contractor who is diligently communicating and working with the local businesses to efficiently complete the project while proactively looking for the best way to meet the immediate needs of the businesses during construction. In addition, the project team holds monthly “Coffee Talk” public meetings at local businesses in the current construction zone.  These meetings are held to communicate project information and generate feedback from the community on how the project is going and suggestions on how or what we could do to help improve the process.

3. What can businesses do increase their businesses during this time?

This past Thursday we invited local businesses are to a Downtown Merchant’s Group (DMG) meeting where marketing and communications consultant Kurt Jacobson led a workshop to help businesses make money during the downtown construction work.  An excellent example is The Office Bar and Grill’s sign that advertises “DETOUR DEALS, Open During Construction”.

4. What are some of your favorite spots on Pacific Avenue?

I’m a big fan of the restaurants Vinum, Pita Pit, Hal of a Sub, and Matador just to name a few.  Dorky’s Arcade and Teaching Toys are also favorites to take my kids to.  We had a pinball tournament / birthday party at Dorky’s and the kids loved it and Caroline was an awesome host.

5. What do you see for the future of Pacific Avenue businesses?

Great things.  There’s a saying in real estate about “curb appeal” and the Pacific Avenue Streetscape project is all about making the sidewalks, landscaping, crosswalks (streetscape) the very best possible for looks, feel and safety for the customers of the Pacific Avenue businesses. In addition, the new catenary lighting system  between S. 7th and S. 9th Streets and the new cobblestone intersection at S.8th Street will create a new, yet historic, look and feel which should help create Tacoma’s new hot spot to be during the summer evenings of 2014.

I’d like to thank Steve Rich for participating in 5 Question Friday and look forward to the project being completed. As always, if you or someone you know would like to participate in 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com.

Surviving Pacific: Poison Apple

Poison Apple during construction

Poison Apple during construction

The construction on Pacific Avenue continues. To their credit, the city has placed banners and signs saying that businesses are open during construction. A couple weeks ago I got to the corner of South 10th and Pacific. A construction worker asked me where I was heading. I told her I wanted to go to Poison Apple. She radioed someone and instructed me to walk down a pathway in the street made by barriers. Once I got to the front of Poison Apple, another construction worker let me walk through the area and enter the business.

Jooley Heaps, the owner of Poison Apple is an old friend. We went to high school together. Her shop is an extension of her personality. It’s unique, intriguing and always fun. It’s the sort of place that you can find over-sized retro sunglasses or a crushed velvet coat for $20. It’s the store to buy something if you like it when people ask, “Where did you get that?”

Like other Pacific Avenue businesses, Jooley’s business has been hurt by the construction. Her shop is exactly the sort of place that people walk into because they’re passing by and right now that sort of thing is nearly impossible. With no window shoppers, Poison Apple sometimes has days where there are only a handful of customers.

Luckily, Jooley is every bit as imaginative when it comes to running her business as she is at getting interesting items to sell. You’ll find Jooley setting up vending booths at various local events whenever she gets the chance. This is the way many first time customers discover her. She’s also just put up a new Poison Apple website. Now you can purchase the oddities found at Poison Apple even if you’re not local.

Poison Apple is a one of a kind store and the sort of place that makes Tacoma such a great place to live. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello to Jooley. You’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy.

You can find Poison Apple at 907 Pacific Avenue or online at http://poisonappletacoma.com

-          Jack Cameron

Surviving Pacific: Thee Barber Shop

Construction On Pacific Avenue

Businesses on Pacific Ave are not having an easy time keeping things going during construction.

Downtown Tacoma has seen better days. Walk any given block and you’ll find at least a handful of empty storefronts. This is even more apparent on Pacific Avenue. Currently there is a major construction project underway on parts of Pacific Avenue. According to the city website this project is for ‘beautification’ and to install ‘innovative stormwater improvements to improve the business opportunities and livability of Downtown’s core street.’

That’s all well and good and hopefully the project will be every bit as successful as they say it’s going to be when they complete the work at the end of this year. The question is, will any of the businesses that are there now survive until then?

I’m going to take a look at some of the businesses in this construction area over the next few months and see how they’re doing and what they’re doing to get by.

Pete Lira, owner of Thee Barber Shop is mentoring aspiring haircutters

Pete Lira, owner of Thee Barber Shop is mentoring aspiring hair cutters. He’s also offering night classes.

First up is Pete Lira, owner of the Thee Barber Shop just a couple doors from the corner of South 9th and Pacific.

I’ve written about him before. He’s been my barber for the last eight years and he’s been cutting hair forty-seven.

While the construction hasn’t stopped his regular customers from coming in, it has made business a bit more difficult. I discovered Pete because Pete was standing outside one day and talked to a friend of mine as she passed by. Later when I happened to ask if she knew a barber, she said she did. Such an encounter is near impossible with the current construction.

What is Pete doing to help his business? Something he’s done before and enjoys doing: He’s offering to mentor those getting into the hair cutting profession. With almost half a century of experience, Pete has a lot of wisdom to impart. He’s an old school barber who believes in precision and classic training.

If you’re interested in being mentored by a champion barber or if you just find yourself in need of a decent haircut, give Pete a call at 253-272-2663.

- Jack Cameron

5 Question Friday With The Blue Mouse Theatre’s Susan Evans

Just about every city has a second-run theater where you can see movies after they leave the multiplex but before they arrive on DVD. For Tacoma, that theater is the Blue Mouse. Located in the vibrant Proctor District of Tacoma, it’s not just a theater that shows old movies. It’s a place from a bygone era. Unfortunately, it’s run into a 21st Century problem. Luckily, there are 21st Century solutions. I asked Susan Evans, the manager of the Blue Mouse to join me for 5 Question Friday to talk a little about the Blue Mouse and how people can help keep a Tacoma landmark alive. She was happy to accept the invitation. Here’s Susan: 

1. What is the Blue Mouse?

The Blue Mouse Theatre is the Oldest Operating Theatre in the State Of Washington.

We opened November 13th 1923, and We are the only discount movie theatre in Tacoma.

2. What makes the Blue Mouse unique?

Because the Blue Mouse is independently owned, we have the ability to do special events, long running film festivals, and bring school events out in to the community. Although we play mainstream films we pride ourselves as a family theatre where families can drop their kids and know they are safe and well cared for.

3. What is your favorite memory of the Blue Mouse?

There are too many to List. Every day is a new memory. But I guess I would have to say, My daughter’s wedding.

4. How can people help keep the Blue Mouse operating?

The Blue Mouse Has Kicked off a online fundraiser on Kickstarter.

This is a all or nothing campaign, If we DO NOT reach our goal we get NOTHING

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1355844229/help-save-the-blue-mouse-theatre

Not only do you get great rewards for your contribution, but you receive a tax deduction and you get to tell your friends and family that you helped save a local icon.

5. What do you see for the future of the Blue Mouse?

I see the Blue Mouse reaching and exceeding our goal allowing us to purchase a Digital Projector being able to do additional upgrades and staying open for generations to come.

I’d like to thank Susan for joining me on 5 Question Friday and as we get into the holiday season, I’d like to you consider giving to their Kickstarter campaign. Be a part of preserving Tacoma history. 

You can find out more about the Blue Mouse Theatre at http://www.bluemousetheatre.com/ or you can check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Mouse-Theatre/ 

As always, if you think you or someone you know would be interested in participating in 5 Question Friday, send me an email at jackcameronis@gmail.com.

- Jack Cameron

5 Question Friday With Jennifer Giles From Tacoma’s MASH!

If you’re a beer lover, the Northwest is like Heaven. Some of the best beers in the world are brewed here. And some of the best beer stores are here. So it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that if you want to make your own beer, Tacoma has a place to help get you set up. I contacted Jennifer Giles at MASH to join us for 5 Question Friday and tell us all about homebrewing Tacoma-style.

 

1. What is MASH?

MASH is the manifestation of a dream for a small, local boutique-style homebrew shop in our town that creates a close-knit community where brewers can come to learn about beer making at the beginner and all-grain level and where they can exchange ideas and love of homebrew.

2. How did MASH get started?

After many years in the corporate world, I encouraged Jason to step away and figure out what he loves to do most and to find something that works best for our family.  We decided to live on a shoestring budget and reprioritize our lives.  In doing so, we got 3 chickens, planted gardens, cooked more, and Jason began to brew more often.  One thing led to another and we decided that a homebrew shop in our neighborhood, where we could teach the brewing process and share our passion with our community, was a perfect fit.  We also wanted to create a space that was warm, friendly, and unintimidating for both men and women. We waited for the right time and place, and last January our location on N. 21st opened up and we started the process!  We had incredible support from our friends who helped make it all happen!

3. What are the biggest misconceptions when it comes to home brewing?

The biggest misconception around  homebrewing is that it must be hard to make beer.  Jason’s phrase that he uses to describe homebrewing to people is this: “It’s not rocket science.  It’s just beer”.  Beer-making is very similar to making a large batch of tea; only you add yeast at the end.  Part of the vision of MASH was to create an environment that reflected that simplicity so when new brewers come to see us, they think, “That’s it?  That’s all I need to make my own beer?”  Yes, it is that simple.

4. What is your advice for someone who wants to get started in home brewing?

The advice we give people who want to start homebrewing is to start small.  Like any hobby, you can invest as much or as little as you want.  We don’t want people to feel that they have to refinance their house to be able to pursue homebrewing.  It can be done with a simple pot on a stove and a carboy.  That’s how we started after all.

5. What are your plans for the future of MASH?

In the future, we see ourselves hosting brewing clubs and potentially doing a brew co-op.  When we host brew clubs, we will then be able to have our homebrewers share their beers at our store with other brewers and exchange ideas and methods.  It looks as if in a few months, the group H.O.P.S. (Homebrewers of Puget Sound) will be gathering on Friday nights at MASH to do just that! We are super excited to have them!  We are so greatful to be where we are in all of this and we couldn’t do it without the amazing support from the town we love!

Thanks to Jennifer Giles for joining me. You can visit MASH at 2714 North 21st Street or stop by their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MASHTacoma.

As always if you or someone you know wants to participate in a future 5 Question Friday, contact me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

-          Jack Cameron

5 Question Friday With Mark Thomason From Broadway Center For Performing Arts

Everyone has a passion. For those who are smart or lucky, they are able to turn that passion into a career. I’ve known Mark Thomason for years and his passion for theater is one of the constants in his life. He is now the Production Stage Manager at downtown Tacoma’s Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Tomorrow begins a free event that the Broadway Center is putting on called the Fall Free For All. Mark was nice enough to take time out of his incredibly busy schedule to join us for 5 Question Friday. Here’s Mark: 

1.      What is Broadway Center for the Performing Arts?

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts is hard to define, actually. Ostensibly we’re a non-profit organization which presents live entertainment and manages the city-owned facilities including the Pantages, Rialto, and Theatre on the Square venues, plus three rehearsal halls as well as several interconnected spaces.

But much more than that, BCPA is a community-centered organization which partners with literally dozens of other non-profit organizations to support education, anti-poverty initiatives, economic development, and so much more. I could go into all the various initiatives and projects BCPA is involved in here in Tacoma and Pierce County, but it would take me all day to list them.

2.      How did you get started there?

I’ve spent my career in the performing arts industry, graduating with degrees in theatre production and communications/photography. I worked as a freelance stagehand when I first moved back to the area after college, and eventually took a full time job at the Admiral Theatre in Bremerton. I was there for ten years; during most of that time I lived in Tacoma and commuted. I continued to freelance as a lighting designer in the area, a capacity in which I met David Fischer, Executive Director for the Broadway Center, when I worked with him on My Name is Asher Lev last year. Last January, they came to me and asked me to join their staff as Production Stage Manager. I loved the Admiral, but BCPA is such an important part of Tacoma, and I was happy to be given the chance to be a part of an organization that is really making a difference in our town. Plus the five-minute commute doesn’t hurt!

3.      What can people interested in Broadway Center for the Performing Arts do if they want to get involved?

The simplest thing is to go to the website at www.broadwaycenter.org and volunteer. We have a large volunteer corps whose primary duties are acting as our ushers but they also help out in so many other ways. Of course, as a large performing arts center with a community service mandate, we absorb the costs of presenting shows by lowering ticket prices and giving away tickets to underprivileged groups, so there are numerous sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals interested in donating, either financially, or in-kind.

4.      What is the Free For All event this weekend?

Fall Free For All is probably the most publicly visible of our initiatives to promote and support downtown Tacoma. A completely free event open to the public and sponsored in part by the city, we’ll be closing down Broadway between 9th and 11th to put on a festival of arts and music encompassing the street and the entire theatre complex on Broadway. We’ll have 7 total stages on Saturday, with music, live arts installations, family-friendly performances, bouncy houses for the kids, even a live iron-casting art presentation. The fun begins at noon and lasts into the evening, with Vicci Martinez headlining on Saturday night at the Pantages. We continue the party on Sunday with a much smaller festival, with a mix of shows in Theatre on the Square and Studio 3, a live-cooking show in Studio 1, and a historical fashion show, a mix of Tacoma History and a men’s clothing fashion show in Studio 2.

Anyone interested in attending, visit the website and submit your email address to be registered to receive wristbands for you and your family for access to the whole weekend.

5. What’s coming up for Broadway Center for the Performing Arts?

At this point, I’m so focused on Fall Free For All, that’s everything I’m thinking about. That said, let’s look at my calendar… We’ve got ongoing classes for kids and adults both here and at various locations around town, we’ve got all our local arts partners gearing up for their season such as the Northwest Sinfonietta’s performance of Beethoven’s 9th in the beginning of October and Tacoma Opera’s Cosi Fan Tutte later on… we’re kicking off our own presenting season with Wayne Brady on the 11th at the Pantages, and we’re helping to mount the new broadway tour of A Chorus Line, opening on the 26th and 27thhere before they head out on tour all over the country. Did I mention the Korean Consulate’s bringing in Gong Myoung to the Rialto, and we’ve got our performance of the Voices Of the City, an outreach program representing many of the different communities and cultures living in Tacoma, where normal Tacoma citizens develop a way to present their own stories to share… We’ve got Video Games Live in early November, we’re showing an Alfred Hitchcock Film & Lecture series… so much coming up I’m getting exhausted just thinking about it.

For more information on the Free For All event beginning tomorrow, September 22nd, go to click here .  I’d like to thank Mark for joining me this week. As always, if you or someone you know is interested in participating in 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

5 Question Friday With Pacific Grill’s Gordon Naccarato

Seven years ago if you wanted to go to a really nice restaurant in downtown Tacoma, your choices were few. That when Gordon Naccarato opened Pacific Grill. Gordon agreed to join me for 5 Question Friday and tell us a bit about his restaurant and some other things. Here’s Gordon:

1) For those who don’t know, what is Pacific Grill?
PG is my restaurant in the gorgeous Waddell building in downtown Tacoma. We serve contemporary American cuisine, and a great all-day Happy Hr.

2) Why is Tacoma a good place for a restaurant?
When we opened PG 7 years ago I think Tacoma was under-served in terms of quality restaurants, and certainly in chef-owned, non-corporate chain restaurants.

3) What are some of your favorite places to get a bite to eat in Tacoma?
I love the Lobster House on 38th in the International District for good Asian food and next door El Zócalo that serves amazing and delicious tortas (that are enough for 2 meals)– and has an attached bakery. Charlie McManus does a great job at Primo Grill and Crown Bar. And I do love the great breakfasts they are serving at DOA. But I love driving to Seattle or Portland to learn something new and see what is going on. And I just got back from Los Angeles where I went out to eat day & night (and one day had 3 lunches with my daughter cause I had to try so many new places!)

4) What food is highly underrated?
Ramen. I love ramen, pho and Saimin (in Hawaii). But if I could have only one it would be ramen. Although I appreciate how unstructured Saimin can be– in Hawaii it as if Pho & Ramen had a wild child named Saimin that can be quite untraditional and really delicious. Even the cheap-ass ramen is delicious (especially if you add some Vietnamese Curry powder to the base, some fresh grated ginger, cilantro, mint and basil– and even a tablespoon of chunky peanut butter too!)

5) What are your plans for the future of Pacific Grill?
I am working on several new projects. It is hard to say which may come to fruition first. But I am considering shaking things up a bit on the PG menu in the near future.

I want to thank Gordon for taking the time to be part of 5 Question Friday. You can check out Pacific Grill for yourself at 1502 Pacific Avenue.

If you think you or someone you know would be interested in participating inf 5 Question Friday, drop me a line at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

5 Question Friday With Barry Watson From Pint Defiance

Up until now, Tacomans had to go all the way up to the awesome 99 Bottles in Federal Way (pictured here) to find specialty beers. The Watsons’ Pint Defiance promises to be just as much fun.

Beer. It’s one of the foundations of civilization. At the end of a long day there are  few things better than an ice cold beer.

Beer lovers in Tacoma know of the handful of places throughout the city that have a better than average beer selection. I’m not talking about a place with Red Hook ESB. I’m talking about a place they might carry Old Engine Oil. The bottom line is that Tacoma simply doesn’t have a specialty craft beer store. This fall that will all change when Barry Watson opens Pint Defiance.

As soon as I heard about this, I tracked down Barry Watson who is co-owner with Renee Watson and asked him if he’d like to be part of 5 Question Friday and tell us all about this new venture. Here’s Barry.

1. What is Pint Defiance?

A retail store and taproom dedicated to the love of great beer. We will stock hundreds of labels & have draft taps also. You can purchase bottles, fill growlers, enjoy a pint & attend tasting events.

2. Why do you think Tacoma is a good place for a Craft Beer Store?

I have always felt that a store solely dedicated to craft and quality beer has been something missing from Tacoma business landscape. Good beer has become such an integral part of northwest culture and lifestyle that we wanted to celebrate it.

3. What is the most underrated beer out there?

I’m not sure if they qualify as underrated, but I have really been enjoying some of the smaller Hood River breweries. Everybody’s Brewing, Country Boy IPA & Double Mountain, Vaporizer Pale are super tasty right now.

Also, Shane Johns & Sean Jackson at the Engine House #9 have really stepped up the quality and variety of beers that they offer.

4. What other projects are you involved in?

I recently sold the restaurant that I opened back in 2003. This is my main focus right now. My wife Renee and I are building this from scratch, so it takes a lot of time and effort. (Although the fine folks at the Red hot let me make a guest appearance behind the bar from time to time.)

5. When you’re going out for a beer, what Tacoma bars do you like?

Both the Red Hot & the Parkway Tavern have an unmatched selection & range of beer. Not just in Tacoma, but in the region. Either bar can easily hold its own against any pub in Seattle.  Also, you can’t beat a enjoying a fresh pint in the beer garden at 7 Seas (I know it’s not Tacoma, but my palate does not discriminate geographically).

I’d like to thank Barry for taking the time to join me on 5 Question Friday. Rest assured that when Pint Defiance opens you’ll be reading more about it here. 

If you or someone you know would like to be part of 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

The Life And Death of Hell’s Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen 2002-2012

Hell’s Kitchen announced today that they would be shutting their doors for good after this weekend. Originally on Tacoma’s 6th Ave., Hell’s Kitchen moved to downtown Tacoma a few years ago to a spot on South 10th and Pacific. In both locations it was a loud, rude, and interesting bar. It’s the sort of place where you really had no idea who you might meet there. In their decade of existence, they hosted all sorts of acts from Rancid to Hank Williams as well as a steady line up of local bands.

On any given Saturday night you could hear the music blasting out of Hell’s Kitchen. The building itself is located under a parking garage and next to a tunnel of steps that homeless people sleep in on rainy nights and that leads to the 10th and Commerce Bus Station. Hell’s Kitchen is a dive bar in the best possible sense.

The demise of Hell’s Kitchen is much like the death of any other business in that it was simply no longer profitable to run it. But of course there’s more to it than that. Recently, they had to pay over $180,000 in plumbing costs thanks to ancient plumbing that failed and thanks to some tree roots. The landlord agreed to let them take the money from the rent, but that sort of expenditure made difficult to get back on top. If they hadn’t been forced to spend the money on plumbing, they could have been spending that money on getting more acts, marketing, and other things that could have improved business. Unfortunately, though they’d managed to pay everything off, things haven’t improved enough for them to continue as a business.

This isn’t the first time that this particular location has had problems. Before it was Hell’s Kitchen, it was a Southern food place called Stephanie’s which kept on trying to open but had a near constant problem with cockroaches which caused them to close down multiple times.

Before that it was a transsexual Mexican bar where they had a Thursday night striptease. And before that it was a somewhat upscale Mexican restaurant. Now that Hell’s Kitchen is leaving, it’s anybody’s guess what will fill the place next, though judging from the other empty store fronts nearby, we may have a while to wait before we find out.

-          Jack Cameron

5 Question Friday With Market On Market’s Patricia Lecy-Davis

A couple of weeks ago I met up with my friend Clay Richart who you may remember from Fingerprint Confections. He told me that his famous caramel candies were going to be sold in a new place up on Market street called Market on Market. I was immediately interested. He suggested I talk to Patricia Lecy Davis. She was only too happy to join me this week for the return of 5 Question Friday. Here’s Patricia.

1. What is Market on Market?

Market on Market is a year round local producer collective, showcasing unique goods made by people in our region. It will be open Tues-Thurs 2-7, Fri-Sat 10-7. Adam Martin will be the market concierge facilitating ongoing sales beyond what sits on our shelves for each vendor. It will be a dynamic space that changes constantly, and growing in offerings. We will be educating folks on what is local and what is not, along with why certain things may or may not be available at certain times of the year, or from this region.

2. What other projects are you a part of?

I am the Vice President and Co Founder of an organization called Go Local that supports independently owned business. We currently have around 300 members.

3. Why do you like doing business in Tacoma?

I love the connectivity between business owners and the community. We share common goals and customers as well.

4. How can people help if they’re interested in Market on Market?

Spread the word. Let folks know that they can get quality goods that will feed their body and soul, as well as support our local economy.

5. What do you think downtown Tacoma is missing?

Good public transportation, connectivity of neighborhoods and organizations, self esteem.

Market On Market is having its Grand Opening this weekend on Saturday, June 16th from 11am – 5pm. They are located at 1122 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. 

I’d like to thank Patricia for joining me for 5 Question Friday and Clay for helping me get in touch with her. If you or someone you know would like to be part of 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron