If you drive along 705 in Tacoma, you may have noticed a construction project taking shape on the east side of the Thea Foss Waterway. The 21-acre construction site, a joint project between Tacoma Public Schools and the Port of Tacoma, includes a maritime skills center (Maritime|253) and new business offices for the Port.

The BNBuilders team has been busy over the summer, erecting the Maritime|253 structure. The building is framed out with both exterior and interior walls in place. Walking through the site, visitors can start to see the vision coming to life. Completion of the school is slated for Fall 2026.

On the other side of the site, the concrete pad for the future Port offices has been poured, and steel framing will begin soon. The Port building will be complete in Spring 2027.

In addition to the building structures, many changes have taken place throughout the site. Pilings and other debris have been removed from the waterway. The area leading down to the water has been regraded in preparation for future landscaping and to ensure water access. Currently, crews are installing water and electrical infrastructure around the buildings.

About Maritime|253:

Maritime|253, will be a state-of-the-art Maritime Skills Center designed to prepare students for the real-world demands of the maritime industry. Located within the Port of Tacoma, it will offer hands-on, career-driven training at no cost to students from multiple school districts.