The Port of Tacoma [external link: https://www.portoftacoma.com marked a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of its new Port Maritime Center and Maritime|253 skills center on January 8, 2025. The innovative project, located on a 20-acre site along the east side of the Foss Waterway, represents a groundbreaking partnership between the Port of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Schools [external link: https://www.tacomaschools.org.
The development features two major components: a 60,000-square-foot Port business center and the Maritime|253 skills center, designed to transform maritime education in Pierce County. The business center, scheduled for completion in spring 2027, will serve as the new headquarters for Port and Northwest Seaport Alliance [external link: https://www.nwseaportalliance.com employees while providing enhanced community access to the waterfront.
Port of Tacoma President John McCarthy emphasized the project’s significance, calling it a “milestone” that will create a “new front door to the Port of Tacoma.” The Maritime|253 skills center, set to welcome students in fall 2026, will offer free career and technical education to high school juniors and seniors across Pierce County, focusing on manufacturing, skilled trades, maritime sustainability, transportation, technology, and logistics.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards highlighted the economic impact of the development, noting its potential to cultivate local talent and attract businesses to the region. The project also includes environmental remediation efforts, addressing historical contamination from the former Wheeler Osgood mill site.
The architectural design, led by TCF Architecture [external link: https://www.tcfarchitecture.com and constructed by BNBuilders [external link: https://www.bnbuilders.com, will incorporate sustainable features including solar panels and is targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification equivalent. The building’s design will complement Tacoma’s existing architectural landmarks while emphasizing maritime themes.
Maritime|253 will begin offering programs in fall 2025 at interim locations while construction continues. The curriculum, developed in collaboration with local maritime organizations and businesses, aims to prepare students for high-demand careers in the maritime industry.
State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins concluded the ceremony by emphasizing the project’s collaborative nature and its potential impact on the South Sound region’s workforce development.
This article has been adapted from an original news release published by the Port of Tacoma on January 13, 2025.