Former multipurpose arts venue near downtown Tacoma now under Tribal stewardship
PUYALLUP RESERVATION, Tacoma, Wash.—In a powerful act of solidarity and reconciliation, Alma, LLC has gifted its 22,000-square-foot 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, the elected governing body of the Tribe. “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 has assigned its staff to explore future uses for the space, aligning it with the Tribe’s values and community priorities.
The Alma’s concert space is shown from June 2025.
The transition was facilitated by Anpo, an Indigenous-led nonprofit, 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.”
About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 6,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its members and community with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Since 2012, it has donated more than $24 million to local nonprofit organizations through its Charity Trust Board, with Tribal Council donating millions more from its own funding. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe.
About the Puyallup Tribal Council
The Puyallup Tribal Council is the elected governing body of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The council consists of Chairman Bill Sterud, Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller, and Councilmembers Annette Bryan, James Rideout, Anna Bean, Monica Miller and Fred Dillon. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribal Council.
About Alma, LLC
Alma, LLC was the owner and operator of Alma Mater, later known as Alma, a dynamic arts and community hub located in downtown Tacoma. Opened in 2018, it transformed a former Carpenters Union Hall into a 22,000-square-foot space featuring a café, restaurant, recording studio, art gallery, and a 500-capacity performance venue. Alma served as a creative incubator, hosting diverse events from concerts and art exhibitions to educational workshops, and was instrumental in fostering collaboration among local artists, students, and residents.
About Anpo
Anpo is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing field-building, land rematriation, and policy efforts that restore and protect the generational ties of Indigenous Peoples to their lands, languages, and cultures. Guided by an Indigenous worldview, Anpo fosters meaningful and mutually empowering relationships with the Nations, communities, organizations, and leaders it serves. The organization remains grounded in its mission by aligning with partners who respect its identity, origins, and purpose and those of other Indigenous communities.
