Puyallup Tribe of Indians Entertainment District
Administration Building, Tenant Improvements, Parking Garage, Mini Clinic, and Site Development
- Owner: Puyallup Tribe of Indians
- Owner's Rep: Wright Runstad & Company
- Architect: Freiheit Architecture
- Structural Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers
- Civil Engineer: JMJ
- Size: Admin Building: 95,000 SF | Garage: 195,000 SF | Site: 17.6 Acres
This redevelopment project transforms a once-vacant area into a vibrant hub of activity, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and community development in Tacoma. The construction of the four-story, 95,000-square-foot administration building marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the former Emerald Queen Casino site in Tacoma. This ambitious project revitalizes the 17.6-acre area, bringing new energy to the surrounding community. The administration building serves as the centerpiece of the redevelopment, providing a modern and functional space for various administrative needs.
In addition to the administration building, the project includes a 195,000-square-foot, four-story parking garage, accommodating the growing needs of employees and visitors by ensuring ample parking and convenient access. With these initial phases completed, plans for future development on the site are already unfolding, promising further enhancements and amenities for the community.
"JTM has been a phenomenal partner on a complex $100M+ project. It was apparent from the beginning of our project that JTM truly values the customer relationship and is willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. I highly recommend JTM to my colleagues and look forward to a future project with them." -Kyle Eley, COO, Puyallup Tribal Enterprise Group
Tribal art work
A unique but fun aspect of the PTOI Project was helping coordinate, fabricate, and install multiple Indigenous art pieces that held significant cultural and historic meaning to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The JTM team collaborated with Cindy Edens at Wright Runstad Company and local tribal artists to understand their vision and the art's story, ensuring smooth coordination with fabricators to bring it to life.
PTOI Boat Artwork
The PTOI hand-carved canoe, located in the ADMIN pavilion, is modeled after a traditional river canoe but enlarged for use in larger bodies of water. It features an extended bow and stern, designed to prevent it from running aground before reaching shore. From a distance, its shape and form resemble those of a coastal sailing canoe.
The painted design on the canoe reflects the coastal tribes’ connection to the octopus, a significant trade commodity between the Yakama and coastal tribes. Historically, Yakama delegations traded with coastal tribes for octopus, and this canoe was intentionally sized up to support octopus fishing.
Native artist Micah carved the canoe using traditional methods, employing steel tools such as adzes and chisels. However, traditional burning techniques, which were often used for shaping and curing wood efficiently, were not incorporated in this build. Micah refers to this canoe as the "SUV of river canoes", or the "expedition model", highlighting its robust and versatile design.
Tribal Art Work Components
- River canoe at lobby ceiling – Hand adze and chisel method
- "Life Cycle of the Salmon" at the parking garage for security fencing – CNC plasma cut
- Cedar doors at the Tribal Council Chamber. Each of the three doors represents a different story. The Frog Door represents the change of the tide as it goes in and out. The Thunderbird Door is an ode to the Tribe's honorable ancestors. The River Door represents the life of their people and why they are here. – Engraved CNC and epoxy
- Etched Tribal Artwork at Elevator Entrances. The eagle and the seven feathers represent the tribal council members.
- Puyallup Tribe Salmon exterior light poles throughout the campus – CNC plasma cut
- Basket-weaved wall graphics at the upper lantern walls.
- Puyallup Tribe Salmon Storm Lids – Cast molded
- Salmon carpet inlay at the Council Chambers
- Etched glass at the L2 handrail. This story represents how the Puget Sound was created.
- Exterior Rain Chains. The rain chains tell the story of the sparrow and washing his face, causing it to rain and flood the region.
- L1 Lobby Wall Graphics. This story explains how the mountain was created and how the river feeds the Puyallup people. Killer whales are believed to have once lived in a lake in the mountains. Seeking to return home to the Sound, they carved out the Puyallup River.
- Building signs throughout the campus represent tribal art and native language.
Self Perform Concrete
JTM Construction leveraged our self-perform concrete capabilities to deliver both the administration building and parking garage with exceptional efficiency. By taking direct control of the concrete scope, we ensured a tightly managed schedule, reducing dependencies on outside subcontractors and streamlining workflow.
This proactive approach not only enhanced project coordination but also led to significant cost savings for the owner. With greater control over sequencing, labor, and material procurement, JTM minimized delays and maximized quality—demonstrating the value of self-performance in complex construction environments.
Augmented Reality / VDC
At the PTOI project, JTM Construction leveraged Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration. AR lenses allowed crews to quickly verify footing locations, install formwork with precision, and ensure accurate placement of embeds, anchor bolts, and curtain wall assemblies, improving spatial planning and visualization.