Tech & manufacturing pick‑up: Kowa Company, Ltd. lands at Frederickson industrial park

August in Tacoma: sun sneaking through smoke from wildfires, the scent of barbecues still going strong. My son asked if Mount Rainier was out today—I said “just a phantom, but it counts.”

TACOMA BUSINESS:

• Japanese manufacturer Kowa Company, Ltd. is leasing 300,000+ sq ft at FRED310 in Frederickson for its U.S. manufacturing facility.
  Why it matters: Global players choosing the South Sound means we’re not just a bedroom suburb; we’re a production node.
• Developers are moving forward with new buildings along the Foss Waterway (Sites 9 & 10) after decades of planning.
  Why it matters: Waterfront isn’t just views—it’s economic real‑estate momentum.
• Rumblings of rental softness continue — gives hope to first‑timers. More data next issue.

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

• Proctor Arts Fest | Aug 2 | Proctor District — Art, music, community.
• MASTERPIECE Car Show | Aug 9 | LeMay – America’s Car Museum — For car lovers and anyone who appreciates engineering with curves.
• Yemeni coffee & pastries pop‑up (see restaurant item) — perfect weekend outing.

RESTAURANT/SPOT:
Cheers Bar & Grill (future opening) — In the works downtown in a former U.S. Bank building. Why locals need to know: Old bank turned lounge meets Tacoma classic reboot. Be the one who knew it when.
Bonus: *Mosa Sandwich Makers quietly opened in August in Lakewood (2505 S. 38th St.). Good sub game is local game.

REAL ESTATE WATCH:

• South‑end inventory is showing a slight rise — first in 18 months.
• “4‑bed with yard on S 72nd sold for ~$465K” (anecdotal local deal).
• If you’re priced right, things are moving—if you’re priced high, things might wait.

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