Construction Begins on Cora Whitley Family Center, Boosting Childcare and Community Support in Tacoma

Three children use toy shovels and dump trucks to help break ground on new family center in Tacoma, Washington.
Community members of all ages participated in groundbreaking activities at the Cora Whitley Family Center groundbreaking ceremony in Tacoma, Washington, on January 25, 2025. (Images: Seven Maples Photography/Jake Miller)

Tacoma, Washington Korsmo Construction joined Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, architects BCRA, and structural engineers Swenson Say Fagét on a sunny January afternoon to celebrate the start of construction on the Cora Whitley Family Center in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood.

Community Support

The Cora Whitley project is a $2.9 million, 32,000-square-foot new building and property improvement for the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, whose mission is to provide culturally relevant support services to children and families. A recipient of funds under Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) FY2024 congressionally directed spending process, the center is one of several community-led organizations to support improvements in health and human services across the state.

Members of Korsmo Construction’s project team celebrated the start of construction on Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center’s Cora Whitley Family Center.

Korsmo Construction, in partnership with BCRA and Swenson Say Fagét, will construct a new building with 19 classrooms and space for up to 300 students at the existing property on S State Street. With expected completion in January 2026, the new facility will bring the center’s ECEAP, Head Start, and DSHS-contracted services under one roof. The building will also double the number of spaces available in the MCFHC early learning center and daycare programs, meaning more Tacoma families will have access to affordable childcare inside city limits. As it reaches 100% enrollment, MCFHC and the Cora Whitley Family Center will grow to provide nearly half of the city’s affordable childcare.

Cross-Laminated Timber and Innovative Design

The Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center is an anchor to the community. The project will use innovative design and thoughtful techniques to minimize costs and optimize construction while preserving programs and creating an inclusive space. Cross-laminated timber will combine with steel construction to create flexible zones that are open, warm, and welcoming.

Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello pose for a photo with community members at the Cora Whitley Family Center groundbreaking

In the News:

In a city in desperate need of child care, $20.9M center set to break ground in Tacoma – The News Tribune

Groundbreaking of Cora Whitley Family Center Promises More Job Opportunity in Tacoma – The Suburban Times

Read More:

Cora Whitley Family Center – Swenson Say Fagét Structural Engineering

Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center

Statement from the Office of Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA

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