Puget Sound-based developer Tarragon was selected over Legacy Partners by the Tukwila City Council Sept. 22 as the developer for the Tukwila Village project.
Tukwila Village, a planned mixed-use development, has been in the works for over 12 years, and now the first major step has been completed.
Consultants from Fuller/Sears Architects and Ravenhurst Development, Inc. said both developers were qualified.
Council members Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, and Verna Griffin all initially voted for Legacy Partners, but were outvoted by Joe Duffie, Kathy Hougardy, Pamela Linder, and De'Sean Quinn.
The clincher for Tarragon was its green, aesthetically pleasing design and the continuing ownership and management it would have over the village, according to officials.
They said its design was a very close reflection of the vision the council had developed for the village.
The vision for the project was to create a place where Tukwila residents and neighbors could gather safely and comfortably in both an indoor and outdoor setting. The Village would be a mixed-use place with retail and housing spaces. It will also contain an outdoor plaza for entertainment acts and gatherings.
Tarragon will maintain ownership of Tukwila Village. The company also owns and operates Kent Station.
"The vision wasn't 'let's have a whole bunch of residential space,'" said Linder when explaining why she chose Tarragon over Legacy.
Legacy's plan afforded more residential space than retail, and had a smaller outdoor plaza space.
There were some things, however, the council liked about Legacy's plan, including the indoor space, which Tarragon has agreed to rework its design to incorporate something similar.
"I think it more closely follows the vision for Tukwila Village," Linder added.
Staffers said the next big concern is finding retailers to get on board with the project.
"This project is not today," said Kirsten Jenson from Tarragon. She noted retailers will be more willing to join once they can see a physical project in the works.
Added Derek Speck, Tukwila's economic development administrator, "The city was honored to have two great proposals.
"We are excited to work with Tarragon and hope to work with Legacy on a future project."
