Puyallup: Cornforth-Campbell Lot Redevelopment
The City is embarking on a transformative project to redevelop the long-undeveloped Cornforth-Campbell Lot, a 1.5-acre downtown parcel at 115 2nd ST SE. This significant undertaking aims to revitalize the area, introduce quality housing, maintain essential parking, and harmonize with other planned urban improvements, particularly the Meeker Festival Street Project. E Meeker Street, adjacent to the Cornforth-Campbell site, is already a hub for public gatherings, including the annual Meeker Days Festival, and has been designated as Downtown’s primary “festival street.” The synergy between the Festival Street concept, developed in 2024, and the Cornforth-Campbell redevelopment is central to the City Council’s vision for a vibrant and healthy downtown.
The property itself boasts a rich history, reflecting Puyallup’s past. The oldest structure on the site, built in 1941, initially housed H.O. Motors, a car dealership where Evan Cornforth began his career, eventually becoming a partner. The business evolved into Wilen-Cornforth Motors and later Cornforth-Campbell Motors. Another auto dealership, Gifford Motors, occupied the north side of the property, above which the popular Puyallup Roller Rink operated until a fire in 1964. The City acquired the property in 2002, primarily utilizing it for public parking. In 2022, the City Council, working with consultants, revisited the site's potential, leading to the creation of development concepts that guided a January 2023 Request for Proposals for prospective developers.
Palindrome Communities, LLC, has been selected as the developer for this ambitious project. The City is currently considering a Development Agreement with Palindrome to bring forth a multi-story, mixed-use building. This proposed development includes approximately 115 apartments, nine townhomes, and a commercial space designated for a Food Hall and microbrewery. The project is designed to encompass the entire Cornforth-Campbell site, extending across 2nd ST SE to the covered lots. Crucially, 2nd ST SE will be vacated to create a public walking plaza, connecting the various components of the new development. Resident amenities within the apartment complex will feature a fitness area, bike storage, electric vehicle charging, and a playground.
The City's decision to sell this property is driven by a desire to stimulate economic development and invigorate downtown, aligning with the Downtown Economic Development Plan. Furthermore, the project addresses the critical need for increased housing opportunities, contributing to the approximate 7,400 new housing units required by Growth Management over the next two decades. Beyond these core objectives, the project promises numerous public benefits, including the Market Hall and Brewery, a public plaza, public parking, public restrooms, EV charging stations, and underground utilities along 2nd St SE. These improvements are anticipated to boost sales and property tax revenues, bolstering the City's capacity to deliver essential community services.
Regarding the timeline, Palindrome estimates that design, engineering, and permitting will conclude by the end of 2025, with construction commencing in 2026, though these dates are subject to change due to the project's complexity. Addressing parking concerns, the City is actively negotiating with Palindrome to ensure public parking options for daytime use are integrated into the new development. The existing "Hill Lot," with its 41 spaces, is intended to be preserved for public parking, and the City is exploring additional downtown parking solutions based on a recent Downtown Parking Study. The housing units will primarily be market-rate apartments or townhomes, aiming for affordability for middle-income families, with condominiums considered if financing can be secured. The exact number of units will vary based on the final design configuration chosen from the conceptual options.