Major Development Proposed at International Business District in Lakewood

One of Lakewood’s first Korean business owners plans to significantly expand his family’s presence in the International Business District with a proposal for a multi-use shopping center development with a focus on Asian foods.

The Boo Han family—which owns property at 9122 South Tacoma Way—is proposing an international shopping center behind the existing Boo Han Plaza, which is anchored by the family’s Asian grocery store and houses numerous small businesses.

Jay Han, Boo Han's son, spoke to Patch about the upcoming project. The intent, he said, is to create a one-stop shopping center with a focus on Asian foods. Lakewood officials added that the project would provide additional retail, restaurants, structural parking, housing and possibly a movie theater.

The new “Boo Han International Village” would spread the Han family’s footprint from its current 300,000 square feet to more than 1 million square feet, with structured parking making up 60 percent of that, Jay Han said.

"It's the largest project (in the district) to date," Jay Han said. "We're trying, hopefully, for this project to take off."

If approved, construction could begin as early as next year.

"They've been going through the permit process on that," said Assistant City Manager Dave Bugher. "It's a fairly expansive proposal that encompasses property on South Tacoma Way and Steilacoom Boulevard. The project is currently under review."

City officials said they're waiting on an update on a transportation analysis. There are some issues related to traffic improvements and drainage that have to be resolved, Bugher said.

The Hans were among the first Korean business owners in Lakewood. Boo Han immigrated to the U.S. in 1973 from South Korea, his son said, adding that his father built the first Korean grocery market here.

Now, the district has a strong Korean representation along South Tacoma Way.

Chantevy Kuoch, owner of Westernco doughnut shop along South Tacoma Way near the Han family property, said that investing in a large development during the current economy has big risk.

"It's kind of slow, plus they have ," Kuoch said, referring to the roughly 80,000-square-foot Asian grocery just a few blocks away. "We already have Walmart (in Lakewood). I think people already go there." (The newly expanded Walmart has a significant Asian food offering.)

Jay Han acknowledged Pal-do World as a competitor, but added, “I think the market has enough room to grow with both of us being here."

Ellie Chambers-Grady, the city’s economic development manager, said the international district is a vibrant and successful market from a retail and purchase pattern.

"The redevelopment is a great thing for the community," Chambers-Grady said. "We believe redevelopment of some corridors are key to improved situations, business and residents."