“Seaside Opera” to inhabit Tollefson Plaza

On Monday Aug. 16 at 2p.m., A.K. Mimi Allin will introduce her site-specific performance piece created for the plaza - 10 to 15 minute performances will occur on the half-hour from 2–7p.m. each day through Aug. 21. The piece was inspired by the physical space of Tollefson Plaza, its proximity to water and Allin's passion for sailing on Puget Sound.

Audience members may watch from the steps beside the plaza’s cascading pools where an array of wind-up water toys, miniature sampans, water guns and fishing rods invite play. Seaside Opera is funded by Tacoma Arts Commission as part of Spaceworks Tacoma.

Spanish Steps are getting a makeover

On Aug. 2, rehabilitation of the Spanish Steps started. While construction is underway, the stairs will not be accessible. The scope of work includes:

· Rehabilitation of urns, baluster, newels, post and railing
· Installation of pedestrian furnishings and signage
· Installation of a new retaining wall to support the steps
· Streetlights and landscaping

The Spanish Steps are on the National Historic Register and are modeled after the famous steps in Rome. The steps are used as a pedestrian connection between major roadways in Tacoma and also serve as an elegant backdrop for celebrations held by residents and visitors.

The project is scheduled to be complete in November 2010.