SPECIAL TO THE TIMES/NEWS
The selection of a developer for the Tukwila Village project is one step closer after discussion by the Tukwila City Council on Aug. 25 of the proposals set forth by Tarragon and Legacy Partners.
Tukwila Village is an idea to liven up the city of Tukwila by giving its citizens and neighbors a place to come together and just hang out. The project will be located on either side of South 144th Street, on the east part of Tukwila International Boulevard. The project will be done in two phases, starting on the north side of 144th.
Both developers' proposals provide space for a general gathering area that could be used for public events such as concerts or other shows. A new King County Library would also be included along with a new police resource center.
Each proposal provides residential space as well. Tarragon's plan allows for 257 residential units and Legacy has planned for 9,500 square feet of residential space for phase one of the project.
City of Tukwila Economic Development Administrator Derek Speck told the Tukwila City Council the significant items to consider during Monday's meeting were the experience of both developers, the use of space, and the amount of money that will be paid to the city.
Legacy estimates paying the city $5.4 million for the land, which is $3 million more than estimated by Tarragon. However, Tarragon has said they would pay the appraised value of the land, which could be higher than $2.4 million.
"Legacy has significantly more experience with the residential component of mixed-use developments," said Speck in a typed statement to the council. "Tarragon has significantly more experience with retail in the Seattle-area market."
Legacy is responsible for the development of Riverpark in Redmond, and Tarragon was the developer of Kent Station in Kent.
The next meeting regarding the Tukwila Village project will be Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at Tukwila City Hall. At that meeting, the Tukwila lawmakers could decide which developer will win the bid for the project.
