Building History

Planning for the Tacoma Community College began in 1961,with a 40-acre site selected in 11/1962. Plans were produced for the first building in 1963, and its construction occurred during 1964-1965. Classes began in the first unit in 09/1965. In 08/1966, plans were announced for 8 new buildings, including Wanamaker Library, dedicated in 12/1966. An arts building was completed by 02/1968, and plans for 3 more buildings were disclosed to the public on 08/29/1969. The next month voters in Tacoma voted down a bond issue to fund TCC, putting expansion plans in limbo. A science and maintenance building were completed in 1971 and students lobbied for the construction of a student center during the mid-1970s. This was not dedicated until 1988 with an addition in 2002. A TCC bookstore opened in late 12/1995.

Construction expanded again after 2000 as major gifts were given to the college. Between 2000-2005, several new buildings the Art Gallery, Information Technology Center, Class Room and Administration Bldg (2004), a new science building (2005), and the Annette Weyerhaeuser Early Learing Center (2008). Other large gifts came in after the 2008 Recession, including a large donation by H.C. Harned to build the Harned Center for Health Careers on which work began in 09/2012 and finished in 09/2014.

PCAD id: 19989