Campus & Construction Updates

Frequently asked questions

What should I know before arriving for my child’s appointment?

Patient safety is our priority. We’re doing everything we can do minimize impacts to patients and the overall visit experience. Please note, however, that our main Tacoma campus is an active construction site and there will be impacts to traffic flow and campus access.

Please make sure your contact information is current in your child’s MyChart record, as this is the primary way our clinics will communicate with you. Additionally, this page will be updated with information about road closures, route changes or detours on campus.

Where am I supposed to park?

For patients with appointments at the Mary Bridge Children’s Outpatient Center (clinics at 311 South L Street), please follow signage from Division Avenue and utilize our free valet services. For patients with appointments at Baker Center (palliative care, complex care, audiology, PM&R and developmental pediatrics), please park in the Baker Center garage (entrance on South 5th and MLK Jr Way). Parking is also available in the MultiCare P2 garage, accessible from both South I Street and also from South 5th Street and MLK Jr. Way (near the emergency department drop-off).

Parking was already a challenge and now it’s worse. Why is it getting worse?

We are building two new parking structures, one for patients and visitors, and one for staff. Until these parking structures are completed with more than 800 new parking spots, parking will continue to be a challenge.  We are committed to offering free valet parking throughout the duration of the construction project for patients and families at the Mary Bridge Children’s Outpatient Center to minimize parking challenges. Additionally, if you have questions or feedback, we want to hear from you, so please leave a message at 253-403-1738.

Will wheelchairs still be able to access the Outpatient Center?

Yes, the new patient drop-off offers the best access for those with accessibility needs.

Are appointments at the Baker Center impacted?

Yes. While the construction isn’t taking place in the Baker Center, traffic and congestion is expected to impact all areas of our Tacoma campus, including the Baker Center (home to palliative care, complex and concurrent care, audiology, developmental pediatrics and PM&R clinics).

If you’re able to, please park in the Baker Center garage, accessible from South 5th Street. There is also a temporary drop-off/pick-up area in front of the Baker Center, accessible from MLK Jr Way.

Please note that the Baker Center is no longer accessible by vehicular traffic from South L Street and South 4th Street.

For all appointments at Mary Bridge Children’s, please allow for plenty of time for additional traffic and parking congestion.

The reroutes are temporary, right?

Yes and no. Many of the reroutes that begin on January 29, 2024, will remain in place until construction of the new Mary Bridge Children’s campus is finished, but we will continue to see alterations in access points as construction continues. The important thing to know is the ways you’ve previously accessed our campus will not be the same. Please continue to follow guidance from your clinic and/or information on this page.

What should I do to optimize my appointment experience?

Please give yourself plenty of time to get to the Mary Bridge Children’s campus and follow all posted directions as the campus routes will be evolving as the project nears completion.

Be sure that your contact information is current on your child’s MyChart records. This is the primary way your clinic will be contacting you.

Refer to this page for the latest campus maps which include reroutes, detours and road closure information.

What should I expect when I’m on the Tacoma campus?

While we’re doing everything to minimize disruptions, including noise, dust and traffic flow changes, please understand that the campus is an active construction zone. You should expect that sidewalks and routes from clinics and buildings will change. Please always follow posted signage and directions from our volunteers who are helping to direct patients and families. Additionally, parking will become more challenging, however, we offer free valet for patients at of our outpatient clinics and encourage you to use this service to minimize parking difficulties.

Where can I get the most up-to-date information about changes on campus?

We’re working very closely with each clinic to provide information and maps to aid in wayfinding throughout the duration of the construction project. In addition to staying in contact with your clinic, please return to this page for the most current information.

When and where does the shuttle stop?

The shuttle runs about every 5-8 minutes from 5am-8:30pm weekdays, beginning at the Mary Bridge Children’s Outpatient Center patient drop–off. In order of service, stops include: the MBC Outpatient Center, the M Lot at S 5 St. & MLK Jr Way and the Baker Center. Use the campus map to confirm the stop closest to your destination.