Tacoma Community Cancer Center Permit Filed

Developers have submitted plans for a new $50 million medical facility in Tacoma.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Cancer

Tacoma Community Cancer Center Permit Filed

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Do you support repurposing residential land for new medical infrastructure in your community?

Permit applications were submitted on October 8 to construct the Tacoma Community Cancer Center at 602 N. Orchard St. The 125,000 square-foot facility is designed to improve access to clinical trials for patients across the region.

Why it matters

The South Sound CARE Foundation seeks to expand medical resources by providing regional patients with specialized care and trial access. This project requires a conditional use permit to rezone the current church and shelter site for hospital use.

The proposed 6.6-acre development includes a 125,000 square-foot building supported by 440 parking stalls. Construction is currently projected to begin in early 2028.

The players

South Sound CARE Foundation

This organization focuses on enhancing regional cancer care and improving access to clinical research opportunities for local patients.

Rush Development

This firm specializes in managing complex property development projects and is overseeing the construction planning for the new cancer center.

The details

The medical building will be organized across three levels themed as forest elements to support a healing environment. Meanwhile, the emergency micro-shelter currently operating on the property will relocate to 3860 S. 69th St. by mid-November to make way for the project.

October 8, 2026: Permit applications for the cancer center were submitted.
October 29, 2026: A community meeting is scheduled at the STAR Center.
Mid-November 2026: The emergency shelter relocation is set for completion.
Early 2028: Construction is estimated to begin on the new facility.

The Big Picture

The project must comply with the City of Tacoma conditional use permit zoning requirements to convert the existing property into a hospital zone. This follows the standard municipal procedure for transitioning land use in urban areas to accommodate expanding medical infrastructure.

Local patients may gain significantly improved access to clinical trials and advanced oncology services once the facility opens in 2030. Residents currently utilizing the North Orchard Street emergency shelter will transition to the new facility at 3860 S. 69th St. as relocation concludes next month.

The takeaway

The center represents a major investment in regional healthcare capacity and specialized clinical research infrastructure. Community members can participate in upcoming planning discussions to address how these facility changes affect the local neighborhood.