UW Grad Students Tapped To Review Downtown Gig Harbor Structures

Gig Harbor's Downtown Waterfront Alliance is partnering with the University of Washington to review and ultimately recommend improvements to the city's downtown structures this summer.

Ten graduate students and seniors in the architecture, planning and landscape architecture program will spend their summer reviewing downtown buildings, properties and open spaces. They will get input from an advisory group of citizens and will develop ideas to improve the downtown structures.

The program is scheduled from June 27 to Aug. 22, when a report and book of recommendations will be presented.

This UW “Storefront Studio” program has previously reviewed 18 other small communities over the last decade. Last year Vashon Island was reviewed and they are just completing Fall City. Reports on previous projects can be reviewed at the program's website.

The program is intended to offer creative ideas to improve downtown for business, boaters and residents, according to Downtown Waterfront Alliance President Gary Glein. 

The program sponsor is Helix Design Group of Tacoma, which will help in funding the project.

A steering committee has been selected.  It includes project manager, Brett Marlo DeSantis, Brett Marlo Designs, Inc.; Jim Castino, Architect; Al Abbott, CarrotStick Marketing; Lita Dawn Stanton, City of Gig Harbor; Peter Stanley, Tides Tavern; Blake Merwin, Gig Harbor Fly Shop; Missy Hill, Helix Design Group; Gary Glein, Downtown Waterfront Alliance; Nick Tarabochia, property owner; David Fisher, Architect; and Mary DesMarais, Downtown Waterfront Alliance.