06-02-2025
A new McDonald's is planned in Lakewood. Here's what we know and how you can have a say
Lakewood is on track to see the development of a new McDonald's, and the project is receiving a public hearing later this month.
The proposal would bring a new drive-thru and dine-in restaurant on a vacant parcel near the intersection of San Francisco Avenue Southwest and Bridgeport Way Southwest, according to the city's hearing notice.
The plans follow news in December of a new McDonald's also proposed for vacant property at 3801 Pacific Ave., in Tacoma.
The proposed new Lakewood restaurant, with its conditional-use permit application filed in August, would be approximately 3,900 square feet, with signage, lighting, parking and landscaping.
'The proposed use is identified as 'Restaurant, café, coffee shop, drive-thru services' which is allowed in the (Neighborhood Commercial 2 (NC2) zoning district upon approval of a conditional use permit,' according to the notice.
The owner of the vacant parcel, a Gig Harbor-based LLC, also owns a neighboring parcel that is home to nonprofit Centerforce's office building.
While Centerforce helps those with intellectual and developmental disabilities find employment, there is no connection between the proposed development and Centerforce, Debby Graham, Centerforce executive director, told The News Tribune in response to questions.
'However, we will certainly reach out to them if we have any of our clients who may want a job there,' she added.
Written public comment on the site proposal can be submitted to the designated planner no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 14. Interested parties also can offer comment during the hearing's public testimony.
Comments can be submitted by mail or email to MillieAnne VanDevender, Consultant Planner, 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, Washington 98499 or mvandevender@ Comments received up to one hour before the meeting will be provided to the Hearing Examiner electronically.
The public hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18, and will be held virtually via a Zoom link as listed in the city's hearing notice, which offers complete meeting details and more information on the project.
