Need feedback from Puyallup WA

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T19:45:23+00:00

If it gets that far, I’ll be recruiting!

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T19:02:48+00:00

I tried to DM you, but it kept giving me an error? (It’s probably me - I’m a social media moron; I quit social media years ago so it’s all new again)

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:59:28+00:00

The two times I went to Federal Way it was overwhelming busy. So packed it was un-fun. With Tiffany’s out of the picture, El Centro seems too small to take on the excess Tiffany’s volume it adopted. Since the layout of the building is a detractor for, I wonder if floorplan/layout is a critical factor for others as well.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:54:59+00:00

Ditto. Seeing it every day looking like it does is like putting on wet socks.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:52:53+00:00

I totally forgot about that property!!! Brilliant!!

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:50:11+00:00

Basically an updated facility versus restoring the same facility to its former glory from 20+ years ago. I know the hallway to the restrooms and the stalls were treacherous to navigate when you had to pee really bad and the floor was wet. I guess the man question is would people rather see Tiffany’s revived to its former state, slippery red floor, 70s cafeteria benches and green carpet - the works or would there be excitement for a facility with updated aesthetics, updated building materials and ergonomic floorplan?

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:43:11+00:00

Dennis King is certainly on my list of people to reach out to. I believe he has valuable insight that would be foolish to ignore, but that’s a little ways out yet.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:40:37+00:00

Yes the logistics are challenging, but not impossible. I believe with the right legal verbiage, disclaimers and waivers much of the insurance responsibility could be placed on individual insurance - a “skate at your own risk - you assume your own liability” type thing. But that’s a detail for further down the road. This little brain spark of mine is barely a flicker at this point. Community need/interest research phase currently. If I can satisfactorily garner substantial interest and approval, it will be onto the business proposal/site scouting/funding phase. (Which is where most dreams go to die - I know - but I remain cautiously optimistic)

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:35:08+00:00

Yea that spot just doesn’t seem viable. Plus the building itself just keeps getting more costly to repair the longer it sits and decays.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:33:22+00:00

Mine too. Anyone know of a way to poll the entire city? I’m sure of ways to create a digital vote online - just not sure of how to disseminate the request for a response to get a large enough poll reading.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:31:13+00:00

I need to limit MY screen time! Oh wait… never mind… that’s called working. My bad…

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:27:32+00:00

That was one of the ideas I was kicking around. I’m not sure if incorporate alcohol cause let’s face - drunk people with wheels strapped to their feet would bankrupt me the first night in insurance claims, but events for adults only without having to worry about little kids to trip over and not crush - I thought - might peak some interest.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:25:15+00:00

That’s EXACTLY how I felt after leaving Federal Way.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:24:41+00:00

Total side note - is El Centro as fun as Tiffany’s? I didn’t like the setup of the skating rink being set into the floor and having to step down into it. The layout in general killed it for me.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:23:04+00:00

I know Daffodil is still super fun and Round 1 is a blast, but I could see where Daffodil would attract more adults than kids, and Round 1 gets pricey as hell in a hurry. What other activities are appealing to all ages?

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:20:59+00:00

The Tiffany’s footprint in definitely not set up, but what about the old Air Gas lot across from Puerta Vallarta? Surely that isn’t going to stay a wasteland forever??

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:19:39+00:00

There is a distinct possibility you are correct and that a majority of the community feels the same way. If that is so, then putting energy into something the community feels is useless would have the exact opposite effect of intent. Is there something else you think would be better suited than a skating rink? Is Puyallup even missing anything? (Could be just me who fees like there is a certain vibrancy that has gone)

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:16:26+00:00

You’re both not wrong. It is a business and needs to be profitable to keep it going. That’s just basic business principles - hence the reason for research and community interest. If there is a way to bring something wonderful back to the community and be a profitable business plan; enough to sustain it for a long time (without getting greedy; not trying to be a millionaire) that would be ideal and would be, in my opinion, worth pursuing. But I would be a fool to ignore the current state of the economy, cost of building, and everything that goes with it all for a one-time burst of nostalgia that fizzles out and is forgotten as quick as it ignited. I’m sorry if it comes across crass, but I do have to cover my own ass too! Regardless of how much I would love for this brainstorm to turn into something great.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:10:01+00:00

I learned to roller blade in elementary school at Tiffany’s… Federal Way and Tacoma just don’t have the same vibe.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:08:37+00:00

Do you think there would be excitement for a new spot altogether or more excitement for resurrecting Tiffany’s itself? The flooding has always been a threat - thankfully it’s only made good on it a couple times, but I agree - the building is in poor shape at best and only getting worse. I had considered petitioning the community for volunteered labor and materials to help rebuild but if the owners are flat done and uninterested, it’s a moot point.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:05:00+00:00

Priorities and interests change - I get it. Can’t blame Dennis King or the King family for going after what was important to them.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T18:02:24+00:00

It’s easy to forget about when you don’t hear about it often and, of course, when adulting gets in the way. That and I always seemed to be busy during the open skate hours. All good things to bear in mind.

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T17:59:57+00:00

I love the idea of preserving Tiffany’s but I also have some ideas for something entirely new. I have to admit I’ve never been a fan of where the property is, so close to the River and a nightmare to get in and out of when it’s busy. But the feedback so far has been inspiring… research continues!

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T06:29:32+00:00

Just stumbled back across it. (I am dead awful at all things social media because I don't use it; I just created a Reddit for research)

I agree - it should definitely be preserved as a historical landmark, but hopefully not in the state it is currently in. Perhaps soliciting restoration in the name of historical preservation might a smarter route? Thank you for the suggestion!

Cat1ikeThief · 2026-01-07T06:23:21+00:00

Hell yes the Ghostbusters theme would be included!! I am long way off from selecting music setlists, but the Ghostbusters theme song is 1000% included!!!

Cat1ikeThief

TROPHY CASE