Tukwila is a suburban city of about 19,100 people in King County, Washington. The northern edge of Tukwila borders the city of Seattle.
Tukwila could be considered a community of communities: residents of many diverse origins make Tukwila their home, a large commercial center draws workers and consumers to the city daily, and industry thrives with the confluence of rivers, freeways, railroads, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Now, the city is moving forward to redevelop a stretch of Tukwila International Boulevard, long plagued by the presence of several sleazy or otherwise run-down motels.
The city is considering multiple options for just under two acres of land where those motels were demolished last year.
“The city had wanted to revitalize the area and saw it as a place that could become a great community neighborhood,” said Derek Speck, Tukwila Economic Development Administrator.
Tukwila is working on a deal to sell the properties to HealthPoint. The health provider wants to build a new $25 million health and wellness center. An alternative plan is looking at the creation of a new justice center on the site.
Either proposal would bring more–and better–activity into the area, thus helping to revitalize it.
Photo of Duwamish River flowing through Tukwila by Joe Mabel via Wikipedia.