About The Rigney
Rooted in History, Branching into the Future
The Rigney’s story begins long before today’s community took shape. In the mid-1800s, John and Elizabeth Rigney built their first log cabin near what is now 64th and Orchard Streets in University Place. What began as a single homestead became a foundation for resilience, connection, and growth—values that helped shape Pierce County for generations.
Much like the alder tree, the Rigney family grew strong roots here and branched outward to form one of the area’s earliest neighborhoods. Their children carried forward a legacy of belonging, education, and shared purpose, creating a place where people didn’t just live, but thrived together.
Today, The Rigney honors that heritage. Each building bears the name of a Rigney child, a living tribute to the family’s enduring spirit. Surrounded by green spaces, sport courts, a playfield, and gathering places, The Rigney is more than an apartment community; it’s a continuation of the story they began. Here, residents find not only a place to live, but also a place to grow and be part of something lasting.
The Rigney Family Story
The Rigney family’s journey began with John Rigney, an Irish immigrant who arrived in America in the mid-1800s. Like many pioneers of the era, he came seeking opportunity and stability, first serving in the U.S. Army before settling with his wife, Elizabeth, on land near present-day University Place.
Their modest log cabin soon became a gathering place for one of the region’s earliest families. The Rigneys raised children there, worked the land, and gradually expanded their homestead into a cornerstone of the growing Pierce County community.
The Rigney legacy is not only about surviving on the frontier—it’s about laying foundations. Their commitment to education, faith, and family strengthened Steilacoom and Tacoma as they developed. By contributing to schools, churches, and local life, the Rigneys helped transform a wilderness outpost into a thriving community.
Generations later, their story endures as a reminder of resilience, belonging, and the power of building something lasting. The land where their cabin once stood has evolved, but the spirit remains: a neighborhood where people come together, make connections, and call home.