Puyallup Tribe Announced Riverbend Social Venue
The tribe will renovate a former Tacoma event space into a new 22,000-square-foot community center.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Puyallup Tribe has revealed plans to transform the former ALMA venue in downtown Tacoma into a mixed-use community center called Riverbend Social. The project follows the tribe's July 2025 acquisition of the 22,000-square-foot property.
Why it matters
The tribe launched this initiative to address a local deficit of quality mid-sized venues in the downtown Tacoma market. Riverbend Social aims to serve as a hub for cultural events, musical performances, and themed parties.
The property at 1322 Fawcett Ave spans 22,000 square feet and carries a valuation of $3.28 million. The ALMA venue previously occupied this site for 6 years before closing in 2023.
The players
Puyallup Tribe
This federally recognized tribe is based in the Pacific Northwest and holds significant influence over land and business development in the Tacoma area.
Sheila Dillon
She serves as the general manager overseeing the development and operations of the new Riverbend Social facility.
Tahoma Construction Services
This firm is leading the physical renovation and construction efforts for the Riverbend Social project.
Ferguson Architecture
The firm provides architectural support and design services for the structural overhaul of the building.
The details
Renovations will involve a two-phase overhaul of the interior and rooftop spaces to accommodate future gatherings. The site will feature food and drink menus incorporating traditional ingredients such as salmon, huckleberries, and organic teas.
Timeline
The ALMA venue ceased operations in 2023.
The Puyallup Tribe purchased the property in July 2025.
Project plans were officially published on September 21, 2026.
The main floor is scheduled for a debut in Spring 2027.
Market Landscape
This project represents a strategic move to capitalize on the downtown Tacoma mid-sized venue supply gap. The investment mirrors a broader trend of local organizations revitalizing aging urban infrastructure to anchor community engagement in city centers.
Residents can anticipate the return of a significant downtown event space that will offer new options for live music and community gatherings. The inclusion of traditional food and drink options will also introduce new cultural dining experiences to the area.
The takeaway
The transformation of this historic site highlights a growing tribal role in urban cultural revitalization efforts. Local community members can look forward to a specialized venue that blends traditional elements with modern event capabilities.
Further reading
For more information on local business developments, visit the Tacoma Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tacoma News Tribune.
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