Auto dealership hits roadblock, another new chicken place opens, a car wash is on deck
A proposed auto dealership with a secure parking lot came before the city of Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee on Wednesday. The committee provides feedback on development proposals in their earliest stages.
The dealership has been proposed near the Olympia Auto Mall. The challenge is that the proposal also called for a secured lot for vehicles in a separate location on McPhee Road, south of Harrison Avenue in west Olympia.
The zoning in that area is known as High Density Corridor 4, according to city officials, which aims to attract businesses with pedestrian-friendly facades that the public can access. A parking lot open to the public would be an allowed use, but a secure lot falls under the category of storage, which is not an allowed use, Associate Planner Jackson Ewing said.
“I don’t see a great path forward with just a gated parking lot,” he told the developer representatives.
After further clarification from the city, the dealership representatives stopped asking questions about the lot.
Other business happenings
You’ve heard of Chick-fil-A on Marvin Road, Super Chix in northeast Lacey at the Hogum Bay Town Center, but how about Ikonic Wings in Lacey?
The fried chicken restaurant bills itself as a “family-run and veteran-owned business providing excellent quality chicken wings,” according to its Facebook page.
The business is at 1110 Galaxy Drive NE, Suite F, at the intersection with Martin Way East. It is open noon to 8 p.m. daily, but is closed Wednesdays, according to Facebook.
Meanwhile, the Super Chix reviews are in, according to the Facebook page What’s New Olympia?
Some comments about the fried chicken and custard business:
▪ It was OK — nothing special.
▪ Super good!
▪ Good, even when extremely busy.
▪ We’ve had the chicken strips and fries and they are delicious!
▪ Good food, but expensive for what you get.
▪ Some great flavors. Hits the pocket book, though.
U-Haul Co. of Washington continues to expand, the business announced. Last week they announced the Steamboat General Store had signed on as a neighborhood dealer. Now, a Lacey business has done the same.
AYCH Electronics Lacey at 6906 Martin Way E. will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.
A Tacoma-based business that is developing a new commercial destination near Kingswood Drive and Littlerock Road in Tumwater also has interest in bringing a car wash to 6220 Tyee Drive SW, according to city information.
A TownePlace Suites hotel, fast-food restaurants Wendy’s, Chipotle and Starbucks, and a Valvoline auto lube business are among several businesses already planned for the site.
Blue Star Gas is exploring a retail propane location at 821 Airport Court SE, according to city of Tumwater information. The business aims to install two 30,000-gallon propane storage tanks at the site.
People news
Deborah Vinsel, CEO of Thurston Community Media, has told the board of directors she intends to retire at the end of the year or as soon as a replacement is named, the organization announced May 26.
Under Vinsel’s leadership, TCMedia has spent 34 years telling the stories of the community and is now embarking on a new phase, according to a news release.
The media business has spent the past year shifting the organization’s funding model to a 100% nonprofit with no government funding, the news release reads.
“Through it all,” said board President Meagan Murphy Ross, “Deb has demonstrated her resolve to find new avenues to fulfill TCMedia’s mission as she and the organization continue serving Thurston County with an entrepreneurial spirit.”
“It has been a distinct honor and privilege serving as the Chief Executive Officer for TCMedia,” Vinsel said. “I look forward to spending time with my husband and family, and cheering from the sidelines as TCMedia moves forward.”
Ross said the board will start a national search for a new leader immediately but is committed to taking its time to identify the right person.
“We are looking for someone with a passion and excitement for continuing the TCMedia story.”
Interested in applying? Go to go to TCMedia for more details.
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 May 31, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Auto dealership hits roadblock, another new chicken place opens, a car wash is on deck."
