Historically a working industrial maritime waterfront, the Thea Foss Waterway was designated a Superfund clean-up site by the EPA in 1983. Recent economic reinvigoration and renewed residential and commercial development interest in downtown Tacoma have highlighted the Foss Waterway as an area rich with potential to preserve local history while providing opportunities for recreation, education, and continued economic development.
SHKS, in association with Site Workshop, worked with Metro Parks Tacoma and the Foss Waterway Development Authority to understand operational program needs and propose plans to support local recreational groups and events at Waterway Park. Adapting the existing Berg Scaffolding warehouse and adding a second building will serve primarily to store human powered watercraft while providing support spaces to the community: a workshop, restrooms, and covered outdoor space for repair work. The orientation of the buildings integrate with the site to provide direct connections with the existing boat launch ramp to the north.
The renovation of the Berg Scaffolding warehouse and the design of a new boat storage building each maintain the character of maritime utilitarian structures – durable materials, clear functional expression, and minimal adornment – while emphasizing flexibility in use over time. Creating a visually recognizable structure that attracts users will help distinguish the Waterway Park as a destination. A high degree of transparency in the building façades – in the form of glass and woven steel mesh – provides a lively experience to those traversing the site.
The renovation of the Berg Scaffolding warehouse and the design of a new boat storage building each maintain the character of maritime utilitarian structures – durable materials, clear functional expression, and minimal adornment – while emphasizing flexibility in use over time. Creating a visually recognizable structure that attracts users will help distinguish the Waterway Park as a destination. A high degree of transparency in the building façades – in the form of glass and woven steel mesh – provides a lively experience to those traversing the site.
