The Foss Waterway Development Authority is proud of the progress that has been made to reclaim what was once a SuperFund site.

We could not have done this alone and appreciate all the efforts put forth by our partners, both public and private.

As we continue our quest to make Tacoma's downtown waterfront a great place to live, work and play, we will update our website to reflect our newest projects. 

Until then, we welcome you to come down and visit -
 we've got a lot for you to do...

21st Street Park     
This small park is the newest installation of public park space on the waterway.  Built by the City of Tacoma and maintained by the Foss Waterway Owners Association, this park has become one of the waterway's most popular areas for early-morning tai chi groups, joggers of all ages, commuter and recreational bike riders, and families looking for a little exercise.  Old-growth timbers from the former Municipal Dock Building near the north end of the waterway were re-purposed into the arbors and the open space design is intended for active use.  While large boulders provide great climbing opportunities for small children, they also provide a convenient place for sitting and enjoying the fresh air or reading your favorite novel or newspaper.  Restrooms are available on-site and are open at varying times throughout the year.  During the summer/early fall months they will be open Mon-Fri 11:00 am-7:00 pm and on Sat-Sun 9:00 am-9:00 pm.


Museum of Glass 
This dramatic world-class museum celebrates contemporary and glass art in a 55,000 square foot facility at the south end of the waterway. Designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the Museum of Glass gives visitors a first-hand experience of the creative process in its cone-shaped hot shop auditorium and exhibition halls. To contact the Museum of Glass, please call (253) 396-1768. 
(Photo courtesy of Chuck Lysen)

Chihuly Bridge of Glass
The spectacular 500-foot pedestrian bridge links the Museum of Glass to the plaza at Union Station and frames the entrance to downtown. Conceived by Dale Chihuly, artist and native of Tacoma, and designed in collaboration with architect Arthur Anderson, it is a display of color and form soaring 70 feet into the air. The bridge showcases the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a permanent outdoor exhibit, and is the City of Tacoma's gift to its citizens and visitors.  You are welcome to take as many photos of this fabulous collection as you wish!

Albers Mill Development 
Just south of the Museum of Glass is the site of Albers Mill Lofts, a former 1904 brick cereal mill. Heritage Properties of Anchorage, Alaska originally rehabilitated the building in 2004, incorporating some new construction and preserving some old. Albers Mill houses commercial office space and 36 loft apartments.  To inquire about the availability of apartment or office space, please call (253) 627-5200.

Dock Street Marina & Delin Docks
Located at 1817 Dock Street  on the south end of the Thea Foss Waterway and situated near the Museum of Glass, Chihuly Bridge of Glass, Washington State History Museum and Tacoma Art Museum, the marina provides easy access to Downtown Tacoma and the light rail system. Dock Street Marina and Delin Docks were opened to the public in March, 2006.  Slips are designed to attract and service larger boats, with potable water, sewer connections and fiber optics available at all the slips.  Restrooms, showers and laundry facilities for Dock Street Marina are located on the upland esplanade, just steps from your boat.
Dock Street Marina was awarded 2009 Marina of the Year  by Marina Dock Age Magazine and General Manager Craig Perry was named 2009 Tourism Professional of the Year by the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Needless to say, the FWDA and Tacoma boating community are very proud of these accomplishments and we welcome sailors from far and wide to come and enjoy our world-class facility.   Dock Street Marina and Delin Docks are the perfect places to tie up for a day or a week...so set sail and join us in the City of Destiny!  For more information, please call (253) 272-4352 or e-mail your inquiry to info@dockstreetmarina.com  

Thea's Landing
Developed by Team Tacoma LLC, Thea's Landing has 188 residential apartments, 47 condominium homes and 431 parking stalls. This $35 million project abuts the northern edge of the Museum of Glass. Total square footage of Thea's Landing is about 343,600, including more than 19,000 square feet of retail/commercial space. Thea's Landing also houses two dining venues: Social on the southwest corner of the ground floor (water side), and Paesan on the northeast corner (Dock Street side). Views of Mt. Rainier and the waterway are complemented with a roof top garden and courtyard. Apartments may be available for rent and you can receive more information by calling (253) 572-8432.




The Esplanade
Originally developed by Thea Foss Holdings, LLC and currently owned by i-Star Financial, The Esplanade houses 162 condos, includes 19,000 square feet of retail/commercial space and provides 280 secure parking spaces.  Residents can also enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center, a business center and conference room. This $75 million project is located at the foot of the 15th Street bridge and is fronted by a newly installed, publicly owned dock that is suitable for excursion boats.  Many of these luxury condos provide stunning views of Mt. Rainier, and access to downtown Tacoma and the freeway system is convenient.  Condos of varying sizes and prices are still available and you can receive more information by calling (877) 433-3677.




Foss Harbor Marina
FW Development LLC is redeveloping Foss Harbor Marina as a mixed-use project. Market-rate condominiums and/or office space with marine-related retail are anticipated for this $50 million project. The marina itself is fully operational, and if you wish to inquire about slip availability, please call (253) 272-4404. The City of Tacoma has recently completed construction of another section of the shoreline esplanade near this marina which will, when fully completed, stretch the entire 1.5 mile length of the Waterway.  FWDA and the developer hope to have construction of additional portions of the esplanade completed within the next 2 years.




Foss Waterway Seaport 

Way back when...

This former warehouse is now home to the Foss Waterway Seaport and is being redeveloped under a public/private partnership.  With completion of the replacement wharf in 2008 and a capital campaign in full swing, phases of this $21.5 million project will include a fully restored historic building, short-term moorage, and a public esplanade.  In addition to having some of the best maritime displays and educational activities in the state, the Foss Waterway Seaport is a great venue for events of all types - from small weddings to large-scale festivals. 

The Seaport also manages the public docks at the mouth of the waterway, which are reserved for smaller boats and are dedicated to short-term use.  To find out more about the Seaport or to inquire about event & moorage possibilities, please call (253) 272-2750.

just a few years ago...

On the far north end of the waterway, right next to Thea's Park, is a brand new motorized barge that is in use as a seaplane float. This project was made possible thanks to our private and public partners, including:  Marine Floats Corp., Seldens Home Furnishings, Kenmore Air, The Haub Family, US Oil & Refining Co., Carl & Jan Fisher, The Shanaman Family, The Tacoma Waterfront Association and the Port of Tacoma. Since the barge was installed in May, 2013 we have had numerous groups using it for arrivals and departures, not to mention when Evening Magazine came down to film a segment on the Foss Waterway Seaport.  When the float is not in use by the seaplanes, it and the rest of our docks located south of the barge are very popular with those folks who like to fish, no matter what the weather!

Visit the following websites for more information about what's happening in and around the Thea Foss Waterway:

Foss Waterway Seaport