More development coming to Tumwater, bakery closing for remodel, closed cafe needs help
A new commercial development is under way at Littlerock and Israel roads in Tumwater, but the city is not involved in reviewing the project.
That’s because the parcels there are held in trust for the Squaxin Island Tribe, according to county information. And the Squaxins are bringing what they call the Trading Post to the site, which will include a convenience store, gasoline station and deli, according to information posted at the site.
The Squaxins operate a number of Trading Posts in the region, according to the Island Enterprises website. They have two in the Shelton area, one in the Steamboat Island area and one on Old Highway 99. That location doesn’t have a gas station, but it’s coming.
“We’re excited to announce that a new full-service Trading Post fuel station is currently under construction, with an expected opening in Spring 2025,” the website reads.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs announced the Old Highway 99 trust location in April 2022.
Temporarily closing for remodel
Frenchie’s on 4th, a bakery at 1001 Fourth Ave. E., is going to temporarily close, the business announced Dec. 9 on Facebook.
“Over the last several months we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from our amazing customers,” the post reads. “With that feedback, we have decided to close for a few months to do a small remodel that will allow us to expand our offerings at Frenchie’s on 4th.”
The last day before the temporary shut down is Sunday, Dec. 29.
Customers are asked to load up on donuts and bread before then and to stay tuned to social media about the reopening.
“We appreciate all who have supported us from day one. This is not the ending, but another new beginning,” the post reads.
Confirmed: retailer is moving
The Ulta Beauty on Harrison Avenue in west Olympia is moving to a new location at 1200 Cooper Point Road SW, also known as the Cooper Point Marketplace, a spokesperson said in an email.
The move is set to take place in early 2025, according to the business. Ulta Beauty also operates a location in Lacey on Marvin Road.
Providence St. Peter Hospital gets maternity nod
Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia has been recognized for excellence in maternity care, according to U.S. News & World Report.
“This is the highest designation possible in the publication’s annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care rankings,” Providence Swedish, the parent company to the Olympia hospital, announced.
Ratings are based on several measures, including safety and quality, fewer complications for newborns, birthing-friendly practices, and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, according to the release. The annual study evaluated 817 hospitals across the U.S., of which half received a “high-performing” designation, the release reads.
Providence Centralia Hospital was recognized by the publication as a “Maternity Care Access Hospital,” which means it serves communities that depend on it for access to essential maternity care services.
New Moon Cafe needs help
New Moon Cafe on Fourth Avenue in downtown Olympia closed Dec. 16. But the cafe still needs some financial help, according to a Go Fund Me that seeks to raise $12,000.
“Our taxes, rent, and unpaid work has racked up a burden of over $20,000 dollars,” the campaign reads. “We hope to raise money through a variety of avenues, so we’re asking those who see our GoFundMe to help with a large chunk of it, but not all.”
Here’s how the money will be spent:
▪ Paying contingent members and worker-owners for their work these past few weeks.
▪ Paying off rent and any fees incurred for late payment to leave the cafe property in good standing.
▪ Paying off state taxes.
▪ Closing vendor accounts.
As of Thursday night, the Go Fund Me had raised $1,130 of its $12,000 goal.
Tumwater row homes
Not only is more commercial development coming to Tumwater, there’s also more housing on the way, too, according to city information.
The city has received an application for 55 row homes that include garages, open space, parking and infrastructure at 7223 Littlerock Road SW.
The four development parcels in the area total 4.52 acres, according to the city.
Do you want to comment on this project? Send comments to Associate Planner Alex Baruch at abaruch@ci.tumwater.wa.us. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. Dec. 27.
You also can send comments by mail to Alex Baruch, 555 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98501, or call 360-754-4180.
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 December 20, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "More development coming to Tumwater, bakery closing for remodel, closed cafe needs help."
