🏙️ Lakewood’s Big Moment

The South Sound’s quietest city is having a not-so-quiet growth spurt.

From a highly anticipated Raising Cane’s to a massive new housing development at Lakewood Towne Center, Lakewood, WA is quickly emerging as one of the region’s most active—and attractive—growth hubs.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening.

🏗️ Lakewood Towne Center Apartments Approved
One of the biggest moves on the map is the Lakewood Towne Center Apartments — a multi-building, mixed-use residential project approved this spring.

Here’s what’s in the plans:

• 309 new market-rate apartment units

• Eight buildings total, including one 5-story and seven 3-story buildings

• A central courtyard, amenities space, and an on-site clubhouse

• Open community greenspace, walking paths, and internal roadways

• Located directly adjacent to Lakewood Towne Center and Lakewood City Hall

This project will bring dense, walkable housing to the core of the city, just steps from shops, restaurants, and city services — a major shift from the single-family sprawl that has historically defined the area.

🏙️ Why It’s a Big Deal
This is one of the largest private residential developments Lakewood has seen in years — and it signals a clear shift toward density and urban revitalization. The project’s proximity to transit, JBLM, and everyday amenities makes it a compelling case study in the region’s changing housing strategy.

🍗 Raising Cane’s Files Plans for First Pierce County Location
In addition to new housing, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country is setting up shop right next door.

Raising Cane’s has officially filed permits to build a new drive-thru restaurant at 10025 Lakewood Dr SW, near Bridgeport Way. The plans call for:

• A new standalone Cane’s location

• Double drive-thru lanes for high-volume service

• An outdoor patio area and on-site parking

If approved, this would be the first Raising Cane’s in all of Pierce County. Known for their crispy chicken fingers and viral cult following, new Cane’s openings regularly draw long lines and lots of buzz — a perfect match for Lakewood’s emerging energy.

📈 The Bigger Picture: Why Lakewood Is Booming
Between JBLM’s continued presence, a renewed focus on business development, and increased housing demand across Pierce County, Lakewood is positioned to be more than a commuter town.

The city is actively courting new businesses, revitalizing underutilized corridors, and positioning itself as a livable, connected alternative to Tacoma and Olympia. These latest developments — Raising Cane’s and the Towne Center Apartments — are just the latest evidence that Lakewood’s moment has arrived.

📍 Two Major Projects to Watch:

• Raising Cane’s (proposed): 10025 Lakewood Dr SW

• Lakewood Towne Center Apartments: Adjacent to City Hall and Lakewood Towne Center

📨 I’m Aaron Thomas, a local realtor sharing stories about growth, development, and new openings across the South Sound.
Every Friday, we publish the South Sound Report — covering what’s next for Tacoma, Lakewood, Olympia, and beyond.

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