Work begins on new apartments, downtown biz asks for help, city to hear food hall plan
Property near downtown Olympia has been cleared for new apartments, a check of the property reveals.
The land being cleared is on Union Avenue, between Adams and Jefferson streets, and it will be used for another apartment building being developed by Walker John, whose apartments and mixed-use projects can be found throughout downtown.
The latest project is called 401 Union, and it will contain 70 apartments.
Ron Thomas of Thomas Architecture Studios in Olympia, who has worked closely with John over the years, previously told The Olympian that 401 Union will have four floors of apartments, more than half of which will be studio units.
Other business happenings
Quality Burrito, a downtown Olympia eatery on Fourth Avenue, recently put out a call for help on its Facebook page.
“With overhead and food cost higher than ever, and business slower than ever (we are down about 70% since reopening), we have exhausted our resources while we push as hard as we can to keep it going,” the message reads.
“The simple truth is we have to be busier or we will not get to stay here. We need all four days that we are open to be busier. We are getting there but we need your help.”
The owner could not be reached. However, it appears the community did respond because in a follow up message, the business said “thank you.”
“Last week you blew our minds with love and support,” the new post reads. “We are grateful for all of you who showed up and were willing to wait a long time for food.”
Quality Burrito is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. The lounge is open 5 to 9 p.m. the same days.
The city of Olympia’s site plan review committee is scheduled June 21 to hear a proposal about a food hall, according to city information.
The location of the proposal appears to be the former Providence Community Care Center, which closed last year. The center is across State Street from the Intercity Transit Center in downtown Olympia.
“225 State Street is being proposed to be renovated into a food hall, commissary kitchen and second-floor apartment,” the narrative reads. “Much of the building’s recent renovations will remain, with additional interior renovation and the addition of a new covered outdoor area.”
The site plan review committee is set to meet at 9 a.m. June 21. The committee provides feedback to developers about what will be required of their projects should they decide to move forward.
Tipsy Whale Mercantile, a taproom near Steamboat Island, is no longer accepting cash, the business announced on Facebook.
“Beginning on Wednesday, June 14, we will become a cashless bar, which means we will only take debit/credit cards for payment. It has become necessary to go this route to avoid further damage to the building, theft and the protection of our staff,” the post reads.
“We are updating our cameras and security for further protection. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Tipsy Whale is at 6541 Sexton Dr NW.
The Chuck E. Cheese at Capital Mall has been remodeled, the business announced.
“New features include the most popular arcade, sports and kid-focused games with varying skill levels for players of all ages, an interactive dance floor, a large format video wall and screens with audio connected throughout the fun center to provide a more immersive entertainment experience for guests and birthday parties,” a news release reads.
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.
This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 5:05 AM with the headline "Work begins on new apartments, downtown biz asks for help, city to hear food hall plan."
