Showing foresight and leadership, the Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation (MCEC) Board of Directors took a walk-through of the Meridian Road property in Puyallup.
Through their astute leadership and swift decision-making, MCEC secured this impressive 8.14-acre site late last year, outshining competitors in the process.
As they ventured across the grounds, the Board members, along with other MCEC leaders, uncovered a myriad of possibilities for the site, driven by their shared vision and dedication to the prosperity of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. With over 65,000 vehicles traversing the area each day and an average area income of $108,000 within a five-mile radius, the Board seized the chance to secure a foothold in the area.

After the walk-through, MCEC Board Secretary Bea Parks-Foreman expressed awe at the property’s sheer size and the feat of securing it amidst fierce competition. Foreman praised the decisive leadership of the Nisqually Tribal Council, emphasizing their instrumental role in the achievement.
“I didn’t realize how large the Meridian Road acquisition really was. It’s outstanding that we were able to acquire it over the competition,” Foreman said. “When Tribal Council moves fast like that for us, then it’s a done deal. All of us working together is so important.”
As Foreman and the others explored the property, they were captivated by its prime location.
“There’s so much possibility when looking at it from every angle,” Foreman said. “The property is on one of the busiest streets in the region, and having the front of it positioned there is quite the eye-catcher. And then the possibilities for development toward the back of the property are extensive. We can do so much with this.”

Jennifer Hines, MCEC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, shed light on the recent Request for Proposals (RFP) MCEC put in regarding the property to complete a comprehensive market study of site. This study aims to determine the property’s optimal utilization and identify ventures that will yield the greatest success for MCEC and the Tribe.
“The market study will tell us what that market will bear for that market specifically,” Hines said. “Essentially, we’ll be able to determine what the best mix of uses on that site will be and what will be most successful for MCEC and the Tribe.”

Hines emphasized the importance of the Board members seeing the property first-hand prior to the decision-making process.
“Seeing a piece of property and standing on a piece of property is very different from looking at a picture or an aerial,” Hines said. “It gives you a sense of scale, and of what types of uses can be applied to it. The walk-through really gave the Board a sense of place for the property. And it’s very important for our governing boards and our policymakers to be able to get that sense of a place when they’re making decisions.”
Reflecting on the site tour, Jennifer couldn’t help but express optimism for the property’s future. Standing amidst the constant flow of traffic, the site’s immense promise became evident to all who toured it.
“It’s an impressive site, an impressive location. I think that was a terrific acquisition for the Tribe and for MCEC,” Hines said. “The property is going to be a prime location for us.”

With its vast size, strategic positioning, and extraordinary potential, the Meridian Road property propels MCEC and the Nisqually Indian Tribe forward as they forge a path toward a prosperous future that enriches all.