Patsy Surh Place Celebrates Grand Opening in Tacoma

Tacoma, WA (May 9, 2025) – Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) and the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) are pleased to announce the grand opening of Patsy Surh Place, an affordable housing community dedicated to seniors ages 55 and over. Located at 3740 South G Street in Tacoma’s Lincoln District, the six-story building offers a culturally inclusive environment for Asian Pacific Islander elders and other low-income seniors.

Named in honor of Patsy Surh O’Connell, a distinguished community leader and a founder of APCC, this development reflects her lifelong commitment to promoting Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, culture, and arts throughout the region. Born in Shanghai to Korean parents, Mrs. O’Connell immigrated to the United States in the 1960s and helped establish APCC in 1996 to create a central gathering place for people to connect through Asian Pacific art and culture.

Patsy Surh Place is a new six-story building that features 47 studio apartments and 30 one-bedroom units, all designated for seniors earning up to 30% and 50% of the Area Median Income. Amenities include a community lounge, multipurpose room, gallery space, outdoor courtyard, and on-site laundry facilities. Additionally, one unit is reserved for a live-in manager.  The building includes commercial space for small businesses along S. 38th St.

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello said, "Patsy Surh has done a great service to Tacoma, Pierce County, and beyond by her celebration of the art and culture of Asia Pacific heritage. I think it a very fitting honor to have LIHI and APCC name their new housing in Tacoma’s International District for Patsy Surh, in honor of her passion for bringing the beautiful culture of her heritage – and many others - to Pierce County residents."

“The opening of Patsy Surh Place marks a step forward in building a community where our seniors can age with dignity, security, and support,“ said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize compassion and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone—regardless of income—has a place to call home.” 

“Patsy Surh Place will add to the vibrancy and cultural richness of Tacoma’s International District. We are thrilled to partner with APCC on developing and owning their first housing community.  Thank you to Faaluaina Pritchard and the APCC Board for their vision and determination in making this project a reality,“ said LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee. 

The grand opening ceremony will take place on May 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM, and will feature remarks from community leaders and project partners. The event is open to the public and will include a tour of the facility and light refreshments.

Guest Speakers:

To help celebrate the Grand Opening of Patsy Surh Place, honored Guest Speakers will be in attendance, including:

• Victoria Woodards, City of Tacoma Mayor

• Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive

• Laurie Jinkins, WA State Representative, House Speaker

• Steve Tharinger, WA State Representative, Capital Budget Chair

• Steve Conway, WA State Senator, District # 29

• Debbie Burkhart, NEF

• Dustin Koons, Banner Bank

Funders: 

Financing for Patsy Surh Place includes Pierce County, City of Tacoma, State Housing Trust Fund, Banner Bank, National Equity Fund, WSHFC, Tacoma Housing Authority, and Pierce County Housing Authority.

The architect is Weber Thompson Architects. The contractor is Walsh Construction Co.

The Grand Opening is sponsored by BECU, Walsh Construction Co. and National Equity Fund.

For More Info:

For more information about Patsy Surh Place or the Grand Opening Ceremony, please contact:

• Lua Pritchard, APCC Executive Director, at faaluaina@asiapacificculturalcenter.org, (253) 383-3900.

• Sharon Lee, LIHI Executive Director, at Sharonl@lihi.org, (206) 443-9935.

About the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI):

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing and developing affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. LIHI partners with communities to create sustainable housing solutions that promote dignity and self-sufficiency.

About Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC):

The Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is a nonprofit organization that bridges communities and generations through arts, culture, education, and business. APCC provides programs, outreach, and services that promote greater awareness, understanding, equity, and inclusion of Asian and Pacific Islander people, representing 47 countries and cultures.