Earlier this week, the Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) announced the selection of two local businesses to occupy commercial spaces at Housing Hilltop South, a new development in Tacoma’s historic Hilltop neighborhood. Reyna Filipina Kitchen Tacoma, a Filipino restaurant owned by Chef Jan Parker, will take over Space A, while Lavonne’s Room, a children’s retail store owned by Bridget Demerson, will set up shop in Space B. Space C will remain available for future applicants as commercial improvements continue.
This milestone follows a 2016 community engagement process, known as “Design the Hill,” in which Hilltop residents emphasized the importance of prioritizing local, minority, and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) for the new commercial spaces. Listening to this input, THA staff conducted extensive outreach to identify businesses with strong ties to the Hilltop community. Entrepreneurs from the area were encouraged to submit proposals during the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. A committee of THA staff, representatives from the City of Tacoma, and members of the Hilltop Action Coalition reviewed the applications, grading them based on business vision, community support, and the owner’s connection to Hilltop. After careful consideration, Reyna Filipina Kitchen Tacoma and Lavonne’s Room were selected.
Reyna Filipina Kitchen Tacoma is an MWBE business with widespread community support and a solid financial foundation. Chef Jan Parker, recognized as one of the “6 Women Changing the Restaurant Scene in Tacoma” by The News Tribune, has long been a presence in Hilltop, notably through her participation in the Hilltop Street Fair.
“I am incredibly excited to open Reyna Filipina Kitchen Tacoma on Hilltop and build on the relationships we’ve established with the vibrant Hilltop neighborhood,” said Parker. “Our goal is to enhance the community by creating Filipino-centric events, hiring talented culinarians from Bates Technical College, and opening our space for budding BIPOC chefs and artists to showcase their talents. We can’t wait to meet our neighbors and contribute to the enrichment of Hilltop.”
Lavonne’s Room, another MWBE business, is owned by Hilltop resident Bridget Demerson. The children’s retail store, which first opened in Hilltop in 2019, will return to its original location, previously housed in the old Key Bank building where Housing Hilltop now stands.
“I’m excited to return to the Hilltop community that I love, and coming back to the same exact location is quite amazing; kind of like it’s meant to be,” Demerson shared. “Lavonne’s Room is a store totally dedicated to the kids. My goal is to make Lavonne’s Room a contributing fixture of the Hilltop area as a female, Black-owned and operated establishment.”
THA partnered with the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (TUPAC) to lease additional space in the project for a performing arts venue, with a focus on prioritizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned businesses for the remaining spaces. The commercial areas in Housing Hilltop South are designed to foster a vibrant community hub, where residents and visitors can enjoy performances, shop, dine, and interact with local business owners.
The project, supported by $1.9 million from the City of Tacoma and $3 million in federal funds secured by Congressman Derek Kilmer and Senator Maria Cantwell, aims to bring economic vitality to the neighborhood. Approximately $1 million of the federal funding is dedicated to helping BIPOC businesses with tenant improvements, transforming basic commercial “shells” into fully operational business spaces.
Housing Hilltop South offers not only commercial opportunities but also much-needed affordable housing. The development features 94 affordable housing units, including 30 one-bedroom units, 54 two-bedroom units, and 10 three-bedroom units, five of which are two-story. Additionally, five units are designed to be accessible. The building provides 45 parking spaces, including 11 accessible stalls, and 75 secure bike parking spaces.
Building amenities include an east-facing second-floor courtyard, a common room adjacent to the residential lobby, a laundry room, and on-site property management. These features, along with the vibrant commercial spaces, aim to create a dynamic and supportive environment for Hilltop residents.