University of Washington Tacoma

The campus covers roughly 46 acres in the city center and uses renovated 19th-century brick buildings for classes and administration. The site connects historic facades with contemporary learning spaces across several city blocks.

The institution opened in 1990 inside the Perkins Building and moved its main operations to the historic depot and warehouse area in 1997. The expansion reused vacant industrial buildings that had previously served as freight storage and transfer points.

The campus combines old industrial structures with university facilities, so brick walls and wooden beams remain visible inside lecture halls and libraries. This architecture shows how the city transformed its former warehouse district into a place of learning.

The buildings sit within walking distance of the city waterfront and are accessible via regular sidewalks. Visitors can use public spaces like the library during opening hours, but should note that some areas are restricted to enrolled students.

A former transformer house of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company was integrated into the library and now serves as a reading room. This conversion preserves technical elements like steel beams and switchboards as part of the interior design.

Location: Tacoma

Inception: 1990

Part of: Union Depot – Warehouse Historic District, University of Washington

Address: 1900 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA, 98402-3100

Website: http://tacoma.uw.edu

GPS coordinates: 47.24480,-122.43800

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28