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University Place is a new city with a rich history. In the late 1800s, it was proposed that a university be located and built in the community. However, financial worries and concerns eventually canceled any plans to build a university here. Nevertheless, the community became known as the "university place," and the name stuck. Since then University Place has become a suburban residential community, proud of its history, eager to retain its unique quality of life and looking ahead to future challenges.
Approximately one hundred years after the community received its name, a movement began toward local government and local control. Groups formed to discuss incorporation; other factions opposed incorporation. In November 1994 proponents succeeded in passing a ballot measure which established 7.86 square miles of unincorporated Pierce County into the City of University Place.
This, of course, was just the beginning of the journey to cityhood. What followed were the struggles to meet the deadlines associated with legally establishing a new city and preparations to begin providing municipal services. Council members were elected, an interim city manager selected, and start-up staff hired. This group, with the help of literally thousands of hours of volunteer efforts, made the quantum leap from the dream of becoming a city to reality. Today, University Place is a community of 31,140 people.
The challenges that face University Place today are how to address citizens' concerns and needs efficiently and effectively, how to spend our resources carefully, to safeguard the history of the community, and to prepare wisely for the future.
How the City Got its Name
The name "University Place" has existed since the late 1800's. During this time, the Methodist Church sought a larger site for Puget Sound University (currently the University of Puget Sound). Through a combination of donated and purchased land, the Church obtained 420 acres near present day Lemons Beach and Parkway Loop. They designated sixty acres for the campus, and intended to fund its construction by selling the adjacent lots.
The financial panic of 1893 devalued the land and excavation of the site halted. After being forfeited for nonpayment of taxes, the lots were sold in 1901. The name "University Place" remained, however, along with a map of the planned campus.
City Profile:
Incorporated:
August 31, 1995
Government:
Council/Manager form of Government
Population:
31,140
Location:
University Place is approximately 50 miles south of Seattle and 40 miles North of Olympia on Puget Sound. West of Tacoma, University Place boasts beautiful scenic views of the snow-covered Olympic Mountain ranges, Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound. The City is readily accessible by Interstate 5 or Highway 16.
Schools:
University Place schools are a combination of private and public schools in the University Place and Tacoma School Districts.
Elevation:
Sea level to 500 feet.
Average Temperature:
From 39.1 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in August
Average Precipitation:
From 6.04 inches in January to 1.27 inches in August
Learn more about this city
City of UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA official site
City of UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA general information
City of UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA yellow pages
Experience Washington