TACOMA, WA (September 8, 2026) — Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services announced today the completion of a lease amendment expanding North Star Glove Company's footprint at the historic Willamette Building from 27,600 square feet to 65,879 square feet — more than doubling the company's presence and marking the largest office lease signed in Pierce and Thurston Counties in over two years.

The expansion, signed September 1, 2026, gives North Star Glove Company more than 33,000 square feet of office space in addition to its existing warehouse footprint, providing room for the company to grow its manufacturing operations and to bring two affiliated companies, Evolv Creative and Mysterious, into the building alongside it.

Harrison Laird, John Bauder, Vanessa Herzog, Justin Froelich and Simran Kaur of Lee & Associates represented the Landlord in the transaction. Guru Singh of KW Mountains to Sound represented the Tenant.

“This is one of the most significant office transactions the South Sound has seen in years, and it's a testament to both North Star's growth trajectory and the enduring appeal of a building like the Willamette,” said Harrison Laird, Principal at Lee & Associates. “To see a company with more than a century of manufacturing history in Tacoma double down on its hometown, and to see it happen in a building with this much character, is exactly the kind of deal our team loves to work on.”

The lease follows the recent acquisition of North Star Glove Company by new ownership, which plans to build on the company's 116-year-old manufacturing legacy while positioning it for its next chapter of growth. The additional space will support expanded in-house manufacturing capabilities, including new printing, textile-processing and dotting equipment that will allow North Star to bring production processes historically handled by outside suppliers directly into its Tacoma facility.

“North Star has an incredible manufacturing legacy, long-standing customer relationships, and products that have been made here in Tacoma for generations,” said John Watson, CEO and Co-Owner of North Star Glove Company. “Our goal is not simply to preserve an American manufacturing company — we want to invest in it, expand what it's capable of producing here, and build a stronger domestic supply chain around it. This expansion gives us the room to do that without ever disconnecting North Star from the community that has been part of its history.”

The additional space also allows North Star to bring its affiliated companies, Evolv Creative and Mysterious, Inc. into the building for the first time. Evolv Creative specializes in high-end creative, video, photography and brand content, while Mysterious focuses on marketing, technology, data and growth strategy. Bringing manufacturing, business strategy, marketing, technology and creative production together under one roof creates a unique environment where the three companies can support one another while continuing to grow independently and serve their own clients.

 

ABOUT THE WILLAMETTE BUILDING

Built in 1907 and designed by prominent Tacoma architect Frederick Heath, the Willamette Building has been a cornerstone of the city's industrial and creative history for more than a century. The building opened in 1908 as the home of the Willamette Casket Company before transitioning to Gregory Furniture Manufacturing Co. and, later, F.S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. In 2024, the City of Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized the Willamette Building with its Outstanding Achievement Award in Historic Preservation for the Sustainability category. Today, owner Horizon Partners NW is transforming the property into a hub for makers, manufacturers and creatives, honoring more than a century of craftsmanship while inspiring the next generation to create something new.

With North Star Glove Company's expansion now filling the building's available office space, approximately 31,000 square feet of makerspace and 26,000 square feet of industrial space remain available for lease at the Willamette Building, located at 2916-2926 S Steele St. in Tacoma's Nalley Valley.

 

ABOUT LEE & ASSOCIATES

Lee & Associates offers an array of real estate services tailored to meet the needs of the company’s clients, including commercial real estate brokerage, integrated services, and construction services. Established in 1979, Lee & Associates is now an international firm with offices throughout the United States and Canada. Our professionals regularly collaborate to make sure they are providing their clients with the most advanced, up-to-date market technology and information. For the latest news from Lee & Associates, visit lee-associates.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Link, our company blog.