Hint of growth in Frederickson, but where are the businesses

A hint of resurgence can be seen on 176^th Street near Frederickson’s eastern boundary as new town homes sprout up on the south side of the newly widened road.  With some overgrown sections of land sprinkled throughout the community, this could be a sign of exciting things to come says Angela Magill, president of the Frederickson-Clover Creek Community Council.

New town homes being built off 176th St inside Frederickson's eastern boundary.

“Seeing home construction in our community again is wonderful,” comments Magill.  “But we are worried about the fact that those dollars are being spent outside of Frederickson.  It is our goal to entice everyday consumer businesses to look at Frederickson as a place to build.  Building up the center of our community at the intersection of 176^th and Canyon is one of the council’s top priorities.”

Keeping money local in Frederickson has always been a struggle due to the lack of consumer businesses, which tends to force residents to spend in other communities like South Hill, Spanaway and Graham.  Residents will go as far away as Tacoma to shop and that has hurt the ability of the F-CCCC to get regular recognition from Pierce County and state officials.

Wood stacked in front of a new town home being built.

Yet, the population of Frederickson has nearly tripled in the last ten years spawning more home construction and the beginnings of a “city center,” which saw the completion of a shopping center dubbed Canyon Crossing Shopping Center at the southeast corner of 176th & Canyon.  The shopping center has slowly gained business occupants including a Lifestyle Safeway, Starbucks, Taco Time, Subway and Supercuts, but began faltering with the economic downturn.  Recently this year, two medical offices – Gentle Dental and Multi-Care – have moved in.

Prior to the economic crisis, an additional retail area was planned for the northwest corner of 176th & Canyon to be called Canyon Clock Center, but it now sits undeveloped with some roads and light poles covered in weeds and overgrowth behind security fences.

“We have wonderful buildings like the Pierce County Skills Center and large businesses like Boeing bringing many folks to our community,” says Magill.  “It is important that we capitalize on that with places for people to eat and purchase the everyday items they need.”

If you have thoughts of how to help develop the Frederickson “city center” or have contacts that are interested in developing this area more, you may contact Magill at president@fcccc.us.