Point Ruston Development Continues to Expand

New Public Market at Point Ruston

By Claire Nunn on October 14, 2020

There has undoubtedly been a large growth at Tacoma's waterfront over the last few years. And the latest development joining the Point Ruston development is the Public Market at Point Ruston. This new addition sits perched up on the hill above the already established restaurants that include WildFin American Grill, Ice Cream Social, Stack 571 and more.

Stacy Carkonen, Public Market Manager took some time to fill us in on the happenings of the market and the vision behind it. "The developers of Point Ruston have always had the vision of creating a thriving community gathering place with a completely livable village in the heart of Tacoma's waterfront. The Public Market is part of that grand vision."

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She continued,"the Public Market is a seven day a week, year-round, indoor market that will host more than 35 food, craft and specialty gift vendors, as well as a 10,000 square foot grocery store once completed. Currently we have about 20 full and part-time tenants with more coming on all the time. Construction is estimated to be complete by spring 2021." Although the market is not fully developed yet, it's open in the beginning stages and there are plenty of vendors to visit. These shops include the full service butcher shop, Owens Meats, Pike Place Nuts, Northwest Spices, Shipwreck Honey and more. Also among the open vendors is, Sage and Onyx Soapery, a women-owned, veteran-owned business.

At Sage and Onyx Soapery visitors can expect to see handcrafted items ranging from soaps, bath, body, facial, homecare and hair care products. Crystals and metaphysical items and even items for pets are also available. Both owners of Sage and Onyx soapery served in the Armed Forces and spoke to us about how their time in the armed forces contributed to them owning a small business.

Loyisha Louis who served in the Air Force explained, "The military has been a driving force behind my dream of opening a small business. Joining the Air Force at 18 years old was definitely one of the best decisions of my life. The military taught me integrity, service before self and applying excellence in all I do. These core values ultimately have given me the platform I use today in managing a small business and ensuring our customers are satisfied with quality products."

Business partner Lily Laurore followed with, "Joining the military was something I've always wanted to do. I've held many duties as a former Non Commissioned Officer (NCO). I had the opportunity to lead, teach, train and be accountable for soldiers. The military teaches you teamwork, accountability, discipline and working under pressure. Adding those to my own creativity helps manage our business and create quality handcraft products for everyone."

Quality handcrafted products are available not only at Sage and Onyx soapery but many of the other vendors as well. Point Ruston Market is the perfect place to support small businesses and purchase something to gift someone else or treat yourself. Currently the market is taking serious COVID-19 protocols and requires everyone who enters to be wearing a mask.

Plus on Halloween they will be offering trick-or-treating in the building and all vendors will be competing for the most creative COVID safe way to deliver candy to guests.

For more information on all the happenings at the market visit here https://www.pointruston.com/grand-plaza/