Towers on West Bay? Plus, a Japanese retailer is coming to Lacey and a donut biz will close
A second major development has been pitched on Budd Inlet’s West Bay, and it aims to bring more than 240 senior living units to the site, according to a notice of application.
The city has received a proposal for the West Bayview Landing Senior Living Apartments at 2000 West Bay Drive NW, in the area of West Bay Drive and Schneider Hill Road Northwest.
As part of the proposal, the developer needs a substantial shoreline development permit to build “a senior housing community comprising 242 residential units and 161 parking stalls in three residential towers with a fourth building holding office and community space,” the city information reads. “The project includes a trail along the waterfront and restoration of the native vegetation upland of the shoreline.”
Olympia Associate Planner Jackson Ewing said in an email that this project is separate from West Bay Yards, a mixed-use residential development with 478 units that has been proposed at 1210 West Bay Drive, south of the West Bayview Landing site and closer to downtown.
West Bay Yards, which was proposed in 2021, has been a controversial development, largely because of its size. In late 2022, the state Court of Appeals ruled against Olympia Coalition for Ecosystems Preservation, which is trying to stop the development from going forward.
As part of the land-use process, West Bayview Landing will have a project information meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29. The first comment period ends at 5 p.m. June 20. Send comments to Associate Planner Ewing at jewing@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Other business happenings
A Japanese discount retailer known as Daiso is coming to Lacey, according to a soon-to-be developed store front in the Fred Meyer shopping center on Sleater Kinney Road Southeast.
The business says it is opening this summer at the site near Planet Fitness.
Daiso says the following about its stores: “Creating joy through our unique and affordable products from Japanese inspired household goods, to stationery, beauty products, food and more.”
This is the final weekend for specialty donut shop Oly’s Malasadas, according to a post on Instagram.
“Our last weekend open will be 5/24-5/26,” the post reads.
“This isn’t the end, the dream isn’t over. But this chapter has ran its course and on to the same dream, but better. Just give us a little time.”
Meanwhile, developer representatives are set to meet with city of Olympia officials next week about a remodel and addition to a former boat dealership for a “new automotive dealership sales and service facility.”
The location is 2420 Carriage Loop SW in Olympia. The parcel is owned by Hanson Motors, according to the city information.
“The new building would be approximately 30,000 square feet utilized for automotive sales and service functions for major automotive brand. Building would include showroom, service reception drive, sales vehicle delivery, sales/administration offices, customer and employee areas, customer restrooms, service department with exterior-loaded overhead doors, and parts department with on-site delivery area,” the narrative reads.
The meeting is at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, before the city’s Site Plan Review Committee, which provides feedback on early-stage projects before developers take an official step with the city.
The Steamboat General Store has joined U-Haul as a neighborhood dealer, U-Haul Co. of Washington announced.
The store at 7120 Steamboat Island Road NW will provide rentals of U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies as well as in-store pickup for boxes.
People news
The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County’s board of directors has named Elizabeth Drake executive director. She starts June 1 and will take over from Jody Leff, who had led the nonprofit agency since 2016.
Drake has been associated with the DRC since 2019 and most recently served as the organization’s associate director.
Before joining the DRC, Drake was a senior research associate for the Washington Institute for Public Policy from 2005 to 2021. She has a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in criminal justice from Washington State University.
Hotel, restaurants and more coming to new commercial development in Tumwater
Flower and synthesizer shop opens, plus updates on cookies, a credit union and apartments
State Court of Appeals rules against Olympia group opposed to West Bay Yards development
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
