TACOMA, WA – Alma, LLC has gifted its 22,000 sq. ft. former community center near downtown Tacoma to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The landmark building – once a thriving venue for arts, food, and community events – is now officially under the stewardship of the tribe.
“This is truly a blessing,” said the Puyallup Tribal Council in a statement. “We are thrilled with this generous gift. The tribe has long endured people taking land from us and having to fight at every turn. It is simply unprecedented for a gift of this size to be freely given to us. It is a blessing to the entire community that so many of us share the same values. We raise our hands to all the people who made this happen.”
From 2018 to 2023, the building operated as a vibrant gathering space for music, art, and cultural exchange. It featured a café, rooftop event area, and indoor performance hall with a capacity of 500 – hosting everything from community markets and dance nights to cultural celebrations spotlighting Native and other BIPOC creators.
The building transfer was finalized on July 28, 2025.
“This building was always intended for the people of Tacoma,” said representatives from Alma, LLC. “We could think of no better recipient than the Puyallup people, who have cared for this land since time immemorial. Their leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to cultural values and to the local community deeply inspire us.”
The building was donated with no strings attached – an uncommon gesture that reflects the growing movement to restore land and resources to Indigenous stewardship. The Puyallup Tribal Council will assign staff to explore future uses for the space, aligning it with the tribe’s values and community priorities.
The transition was facilitated by Anpo, an Indigenous-led non-profit, which supports land return, language preservation, and cultural revitalization in Native communities.
“The Puyallup people have always been stewards of the land, water, and salmon – not just for their own community, but for all who call this place home,” said Jodi Archambault, Founding President and CEO of Anpo. “This gift recognizes that deep responsibility and honors a truth that’s long been known here: when Indigenous leadership thrives, the whole region benefits. We are proud to stand alongside the tribe as they continue to shape a more just and vibrant future for Tacoma.”
