Tacoma Water Operations Building
Design is underway for a new 60,000-square-foot warehouse and shop facility at Tacoma Water’s property at 3506 South 35th St., just south of the existing building. The new facility will house warehousing, hydrant, meter, and pipe shops, along with administrative and support spaces for our operations staff.
Tacoma Water identified the need for the new facility after a 2016 seismic assessment of the existing c.1939 building. Because this site supports essential, 24/7 operations, the utility developed a 20-year master plan for the site between 2018 and 2023. This project is the first phase of that plan. Project goals include building a seismically resilient facility, improving operational effectiveness, and planning for growth.
The utility will deliver the project using the Progressive Design-Build method. Following approval from Washington State Capital Projects Advisory Review Board, Tacoma Water selected Absher Construction and DLR Group architects as the Design-Build team, with Parametrix serving as the owner’s advisor.
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The design of the new building is nearing completion and the request for a building permit has been submitted. Pending permit approvals, the Design-Builder expects to mobilize to the site by the end of May 2026. A groundbreaking celebration is being planned for June. Initial construction work will include site utilities and the removal of the current loading dock and canopy. The existing building is staying intact, and Tacoma Water operations will continue to perform work from this location during the construction of the new building.
Also of note, the new access road (South Burlington Way) at the south edge of Tacoma Water’s property will start construction soon. This is a separate project and is not part of the TPU project.
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The design of the new building is nearly 60% complete with a goal of reaching 100% completion by February 2026. Many factors are being considered including interior layout, design features, LEED goals, onsite and offsite improvements, etc. Site logistics during construction are also under discussion. Tacoma Water operations will continue to perform work from the existing building during the construction of the new building.
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The Design-Build team has completed schematic design and is proceeding with design development which is expected to reach 60 percent by January 2026. The image below is an early conceptual rendering of the new building provided by DLR Group.
Process for design and construction:
- Validation (verification of requirements)
- Schematic design to 30%
- Design development to 60%
- Negotiate the Guaranteed Maximum Price to construct the project
- Finalize design to 100% and receive permits
- Mobilize to the site and prepare for construction
- Install and relocate utilities
- Demolish the existing loading dock
- Construct the building
- Complete site work and required offsite improvements
- Commission the facility
Project Manager: Carol Powers, PE
Need Help?
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- For information about water quality, call 253-502-8207.
- To report water leaks, meter issues, outages, and emergency turn on/off, call 253-502-8384.
Outside of regular business hours:
- If you have a water concern or emergency, call 253-502-8344.