It seems the city has reinvigorated every aspect of downtown life including:

Housing
Foregoing sprawling cul-de-sacs, three-car garages, and 45-minute commutes, city dwellers are moving downtown in increasing numbers. From the historic Stadium District to downtown, more than 700 residential units have opened in the area since 2000. Thousands more are in the design or permit stage.  

Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center
The $90 million Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center opened in late 2004, bringing with it 300 new jobs and adding $55 million each year to the city's economy.