Center for Urban Waters
The Center for Urban Waters (CUW) is a 51,000-square-foot facility that houses the City of Tacoma Environmental Services labs and offices, University of Washington Tacoma researcher labs, and the Maritime Blue – Tacoma Maritime Innovation Incubator. This collaborative hub brings together scientists, engineers, and policymakers to advance research and solutions for protecting and restoring Puget Sound.
Key Details
- Location: The CUW is located on the east side of the Thea Foss Waterway and features a public esplanade, interpretive signage on LEED® features, and a 75-foot dock to accommodate water-monitoring vessels.
- Sustainable Design: The LEED® Platinum-certified building highlights Tacoma’s commitment to environmental sustainability, energy conservation, and urban water quality.
- Project Background: Completed in 2010 after nearly a decade of planning, the CUW was developed through a unique public-private partnership. The building is occupied by the City under a lease-to-own agreement and showcases innovative approaches to public works projects.
Future Vision
The Center aims to attract additional environmental research and related enterprises, fostering a growing community of world-class scientists dedicated to solving urban environmental challenges. Its adaptable lab spaces support a broad range of studies as new opportunities arise. Beyond research, the center drives community growth by fostering industry development. Solutions developed here can help expand businesses, attract new industries, and support entrepreneurship, contributing to job creation and a more diverse local economy.
Learn More About CUW
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LEED® Platinum Certified:
The Center has achieved LEED® Platinum certification, the highest rating by the U.S. Green Building Council, showcasing sustainable design and operations.Water Efficiency:
- Uses 46% less water than conventional facilities
- Features a 12,000 square foot green roof to absorb rain and filter pollutants
- Stormwater collection system with 36,000-gallon tanks for irrigation and toilet flushing
Energy Savings:
- Consumes 34% less energy than standard buildings
- Equipped with a ground-source heat pump using geothermal wells
- Motorized exterior shades on the west side adjust to daylight levels
Materials:
- Recycled timbers from the Tacoma Municipal Dock used in the lobby
- Granite curbs from street projects repurposed into benches
- Over 99% of construction waste was recycled
Habitat:
- Native and adaptive plants reduce water use and support local wildlife
- Cedar and Douglas fir snags along the waterfront offer nesting and feeding habitats for birds and small animals
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- The City’s Environmental Services Division executive leadership, laboratories, engineering offices, and environmental policy offices.
- University of Washington Tacoma labs for research led by Dr. Joel Baker, the Port of Tacoma Chair in Environmental Science and Professor, UWT science director, Center for Urban Waters
- Offices for Maritime Blue Innovation Incubator, which supports entrepreneurship and community in the South Sound blue economy.
Sustainability
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The Center for Urban Waters was established to serve as the home for the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services analytical laboratories and the Science and Engineering Division. Prior to the construction of this facility, these units operated in inadequate, temporary trailer setups. The new building facilitates improved efficiency and communication among staff members, enhancing their ability to collaborate on environmental research and services.
The Center also leases space to support environmental research conducted by the Port of Tacoma Chair and associated research staff. Dr. Joel Baker, the inaugural Port of Tacoma Chair, serves as the scientific adviser for the Urban Waters Environmental Research Center.
For more information about the development of the Urban Waters Environmental Research Center and the establishment of the Port of Tacoma Chair, refer to the Urban Waters Board’s fact sheet.
Project Development
The Center for Urban Waters was developed using the “63-20” project delivery method, a unique alternative to traditional public works projects. This method, named after the relevant section of the Internal Revenue Code, allows for the creation of a single-purpose nonprofit corporation to sell tax-exempt bonds to finance the design and construction of public facilities.
Key Steps in the 63-20 Process:
- The City selected the National Development Council (NDC) as the nonprofit facilitator.
- NDC established a single-purpose nonprofit corporation, Tacoma Environmental Services (TES) Properties.
- TES Properties sold tax-exempt bonds to fund the project.
- TES Properties contracted with Lorig Associates L.L.C. for the design and construction of the facility.
- The City leases the facility from TES Properties.
- TES Properties manages facility maintenance during the lease period.
- At the end of the lease, ownership of the facility transfers to the City at no cost.
The Tacoma City Council approved the use of the 63-20 project delivery method on June 12, 2007. The contractor was required to pay prevailing wages and meet the goals of the City’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program, now known as the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program, and the Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP).
Project Team Members
- Nonprofit Facilitator: National Development Council (NDC)
NDC was chosen as the nonprofit facilitator and was responsible for establishing the nonprofit corporation, TES Properties. - Nonprofit Corporation: Tacoma Environmental Services (TES) Properties
TES Properties issued tax-exempt bonds to finance the project. The City leases the facility from TES Properties and will gain ownership at the end of the lease period. - Developer: Lorig Associates, L.L.C.
Lorig Associates was selected as the developer to manage the design and construction of the facility. - Architect: Perkins + Will
Selected through a competitive process by Lorig Associates, Perkins + Will designed the facility. - Contractor: Turner Construction Company
Turner Construction Company was chosen as the general contractor for the facility through a competitive selection process.