These are a few ideas that explore the more unnoticed possibilities and potentials in 323e25thSt.
One of the interesting things about this building are the extremely high ceilings. All of the area in both the West and East Sections have drop ceilings at normal room height. Looking above the drop ceiling reveals the original ceiling intact with a height just below the building roof height. Here we visualize how little the roof has to be raised to gain room for a second story. Comparing the height to the building next door which already has a second story shows just how little extended height is needed for a potential 2 x 4,000 = 8,000 square feet. In today’s downtown market having a living suite above several rentable areas while commuting to your job is sometimes a good fit.
This Visualization demonstrates an outside view of a 2nd Story from the East side of the building. With a new 2nd story the double square footage creates a rather large space available above.
Indoor parking is a mandatory matter for a building in some places in downtown Tacoma and this visualization shows the opportunity for that happening here.
In this concept the 1,500 Square foot North Section could be visualized as a potential space to be converted into indoor parking or storage space.
It may not take as much change as one might think. There is already a driveway curb installed by the city for vehicles to use the dock. If the dock was removed and a ramp the width of the bay door was cut out and installed one can see it is possible to conceive indoor parking and storage space here.
One of the advantages of going up higher with a 2nd Story is that it increases the possibilities for a large new space with potential that is only limited by the imagination.
Have you ever seen one of those banners on the side of a building that says “If you lived here you would be home now.” With mixed use in this area the potential for living space above the rentable sections below should be considered.
With the Link Light Rail Train going right past the building from E. 25th St. all the way downtown following Pacific Ave. it makes going to work in downtown Tacoma easy. The same is true with the Sounder Train Station but it will extend the easy all the way to Seattle if you like.
