WHERE HISTORY MEETS OPPORTUNITY
STW - HUB OF INNOVATION
South Tacoma Way's Historic Business District, located in Pierce County, Washington, is a vibrant hub of history, culture, and commerce. Known once as “Edison,” its unique blend of old-world charm and innovative current day businesses, the district offers an eclectic mix of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can explore vintage architecture that dates back to the area's early 20th-century roots while enjoying a diverse array of cuisines and artisanal goods. With its lively atmosphere, community-focused events, and rich cultural heritage, STW serves as both a cherished landmark and a dynamic destination for locals and tourists alike.
OVER 100 YEARS OF HISTORY & COURAGE
The South Tacoma Way Business District traces its roots back to the late 1800s, back when it was open farmland on the southern edge of Tacoma. The neighborhood transformed dramatically in 1890 when the Northern Pacific Railway relocated its massive rail shops to South Tacoma, bringing hundreds of jobs and fueling rapid growth. Workers and their families soon settled nearby, and a bustling commercial corridor emerged along what was then called South Union Avenue, now South Tacoma Way.
BECOMING A REAL COMMUNITY
By the early 1900s, South Tacoma Way had become a vibrant working-class business district filled with hotels, cafés, theaters, banks, taverns, grocery stores, auto dealerships, and locally owned shops. The district flourished during the automobile era as Highway 99 ran directly through South Tacoma, turning the corridor into a regional destination for car sales, service stations, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Historic landmarks like the Realart Theatre, the North Pacific Bank, and Steve’s Gay 90s became neighborhood icons and gathering places for generations of residents.
THE MIDDLE YEARS & CURRENT DAY
Like many historic downtowns, the district faced challenges after Interstate 5 and the Tacoma Mall shifted traffic and commerce away from neighborhood business corridors in the 1960s and 1970s. Yet South Tacoma Way retained much of its historic character, with many original brick storefronts and early 20th-century buildings still standing today. In recent years, renewed investment, local businesses, public art, and transit improvements have helped spark a new chapter for the district — blending its rich railroad and automotive heritage with a growing arts, dining, and innovative small business community.
