February 2014 News
Thanks to a Seattle Foundation GiveBIG partnership in May 2013, our feasibility work with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma, Washington has begun in earnest. Honoring 47 cultures of the Asia Pacific region, the proposed 176,000 square foot Center in newly developing Point Ruston will include housing, classrooms, a theater, grocery store, food court, training kitchens, display rooms showcasing each unique Asia Pacific culture and a beautiful array of courtyard and garden spaces. Environmental Works is working with APCC to bring their vision to life through a concept study that brings a varied set of ideas and images into a workable and organized plan. Now a month into the study, what seemed like a puzzle with disparate pieces is morphing into a more succinct and concentrated vision for the board and staff; by presenting potential plans, materials and forms, Environmental Works encapsulated APCC’s desired imagery and is making it distinct, offering something concrete to respond to and against which to evaluate their vision.
For the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, the opportunity to work with Environmental Works on their new building is a relationship years in the making. From her previous role at the Korean Women’s Association (KWA), APCC Executive Director Lua Pritchard knew that Environmental Works would be an excellent partner to give APCC’s vision life; as Executive Director at KWA she led the effort to build International Place and Senior City low income senior housing projects, both with Environmental Works. When the opportunity to partner with Environmental Works on a matching funds campaign through GiveBIG came up in May, Lua knew this was a good fit. With GiveBIG donations underwriting the cost of the feasibility study, APCC will benefit from a concise study that clearly states their vision and requirements that they will use in working with the City of Ruston – and that they can use to show potential donors how their dream of bringing together 47 cultures will come to life. The project as it is envisioned today will provide an anchor for the developing Point Ruston area, drawing people to learn about and explore cultures from our Asia Pacific neighbors.
To learn more about the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, visit their website at www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org.