UW Opens Tech Center, Prepares for Warehouse Conversions

TACOMA, WA-Following a $3-million renovation, the 113-year-old Pinkerton Building at 1702 Broadway was dedicated this week as the new headquarters for the University of Washington’s Institute of Technology, the latest addition to its presence in Tacoma.

UW Tacoma spent $1.55 million to buy the 12,000-sf Pinkerton building in 2001 and spent another $3 million to transform into the headquarters of its Institute of Technology. A $41-million conversion of five industrial buildings is next on the university’s Tacoma agenda.

The industrial buildings include two warehouses in C Street known as the Mattress Factory and three connected warehouses on Pacific Avenue. The building will be converted for use as classroom and office space.