University Place Turns 30

It’s a year of decade milestones for University Place, home to more than 35,000 people. 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Whole Foods, the company’s only location between Seattle and Portland, the 20th anniversary of Trader Joe’s and the 30th anniversary for the City of University Place.
As the city works on plans to celebrate 30 years, the staff continue to work on their three business districts – the 27th Street Business District, the Town Center Business District and the Northeast Business District. These corridors intersect and connect, anchored by Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
According to University Place City Manager, Steve Sugg, “Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods really launched us into the specialty grocery category, which was solidified by the addition of Harbor Greens.” Sugg added, “It is important for us to communicate with our residents that our transformation efforts continue with solid plans adopted by the city council.”
With a goal of creating more walkable business corridors, University Place continues to refine their city with new developments that include multi-family housing and mixed-use projects as well as 2025 will see the beginning of the redevelopment of Grandview Plaza at 27th & Grandview Drive West.
University Place is an idyllic residential community for people to live, work, shop and play. The proximity to both the Puget Sound and the mountains, as well as the many outdoor activities available in City parks, paths and open spaces, draws people to University Place. Home to the famous Chambers Bay Golf Course, the site of the 2015 US Open, it has brought national recognition to the fantastic views of the Puget Sound.
As mentioned, University Place will turn 30 in 2025. They will be celebrating this occasion with a Birthday Bash on August 23rd starting at 11 am at Cirque Park. “Our goal is to create a memorable event,” said Sugg.
While University Place looks forward to its next decade, on Sugg’s wish list … a more varied restaurant selection.