Tacoma will soon welcome the inaugural Washington location of Urban Air Adventure Park, an indoor theme park. The Texas-based franchise platform company recently announced that it had secured a lease for a 42,000-square-foot space in the Vista Shopping Center at 1418 72nd Street East. Previously vacant, the space was formerly occupied by a Big Kmart store. While an official opening date has not yet been determined, Urban Air obtained a tenant improvement permit from the city of Tacoma in July 2022, estimating construction costs to be around $1 million.
With 330 existing or upcoming locations, Urban Air offers a range of attractions and activities, each equipped with patented features. Other Urban Air sites on the West Coast include San Diego and Meridian, Idaho. The forthcoming Tacoma location will provide an array of entertainment options, including laser tag, a twist tower, rope courses, a “leap of faith,” and a Snapology Classroom. The latter offers educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math for young individuals, according to a report in the Puget Sound Business Journal.
“We know families are looking for ways to spend more time together and as the premier destination for family fun and adventure, we’re thrilled to bring our park experience to even more families in Tacoma,” said Urban Air’s CEO Jay Thomas in a release. “Each park is equipped with unique and patented attractions, giving families a one-of-a-kind experience and allowing them to be active, soar to new heights, and reach new limits, all while having fun and making memories.”
Urban Air operates under the umbrella of Unleashed Brands, a privately held company based in Bedford, Texas. Unleashed Brands is the parent company of various youth enrichment franchise platforms, such as Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101, and Premier Martial Arts. In February, Unleashed Brands entered into a strategic partnership with Seidler Equity Partners to secure capital for future expansion, according to a press release.
Joe Bell, spokesperson for retail center owner Cafaro Co., noted that shopping centers are diversifying their tenant mix beyond traditional restaurants and retail stores. Cafaro, the owner of South Hill Mall in Puyallup, recently signed Goldfish Swim School as a tenant, a move that would have been considered unconventional in the past. Bell explained that their goal is to curate a lineup of businesses that cater to the specific needs of the community.
In addition to the Urban Air development, Volli Entertainment, a company based in South Carolina, will be opening a unique “ultratainment” facility in Marysville. The former furniture store will house a 22,000-square-foot pickleball bar, featuring four pickleball courts, three golf simulators, high-tech darts stations, cornhole courts, food-and-beverage services, and private meeting spaces for group events.
