Beloved Lacey biz gets its own bus stop, a Thurston farm rebrands and apartments sell for $40M
Olympic Cards and Comics, a longtime Lacey business that has a devoted following, now has its own Intercity Transit bus stop directly outside on Pacific Avenue Southeast.
Owner Gabrielle “Gabi” Shephard Trautmann said that earlier this year the business had to announce on social media that the parking lot was full again, a post which prompted an Intercity Transit official to suggest they request a bus stop.
They submitted the appropriate paperwork in May and the bus stop was installed on July 25, she said. Gabi commemorated the moment with a jump-for-joy photo that was posted to Facebook.
Bus No. 68 now stops directly in front of the business. The new stop will be reflected in its electronics system this weekend, Intercity Transit spokesman Nick Demerice said Thursday.
“It then usually takes Google maps and others a week or two to update,” he said.
“We are happy this worked out,” he said. “It’s always great when we can partner with business owners to better serve our community.”
In addition to “one less car on the road and in the parking lot,” Gabi said parents will probably welcome the fact that their children can ride the bus directly to the business, rather than walk from the Lacey Intercity Transit Center, which is about a half-mile from the store.
Farm rebrands
Rutledge Corn Maze in Tumwater is now known as the Rutledge Family Farm, the business announced.
The farm is at 302 93rd Ave SE.
The name change reflects how the farm has been broadening its offerings. For example, its Sunflower Festival, which will feature 43 different varieties of sunflowers, runs on select dates between Aug. 17 and Sept. 2.
The festival will be followed on Sept. 21 by the corn maze, haunted corn maze and pumpkin patch. The haunted corn maze will be open select dates between Sept. 21 and Nov. 2.
“Seeing families return year after year is incredibly rewarding,” said co-owner Robby Rutledge in a statement. “Our rebranding signifies our dedication to growing and evolving while staying true to the traditions that our visitors love. We can’t wait to welcome even more families to create new memories with us.”
Rochester farmer joins Angus Association
Clevenger Cattle Co. of Rochester has joined the American Angus Association, the association announced.
The association, which has more than 22,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world, the organization says. Its computerized records include detailed information on more than 20 million registered Angus, according to a news release.
“The programs and services of the Association and its entities — Angus Genetics Inc., Angus Media, Certified Angus Beef LLC and the Angus Foundation — help members advance the beef cattle business by selecting the best animals for their herds and marketing quality genetics for the beef cattle industry and quality beef for consumers,” the release reads.
Real estate transactions and proposals
Glencrest Group, an investor in multifamily properties, has purchased the Meadowscape Apartments near Lacey for $40.8 million, or about $230,847 per unit.
The sales news was posted on a real estate website called The Registry.
Located at 7641 Third Way SE, Meadowscape is a new community that completed construction earlier this year, the post reads. It contains 177 units with a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom units that have high ceilings, modern finishes, in-unit laundry, and private patios and balconies.
Amenities include a heated pool, barbecue area, dog run, and a clubhouse with fitness center, entertainment lounge, business center and package lockers.
Meadowscape was more than 50% leased at the time of acquisition, according to the post.
The property was acquired as part of the bankruptcy proceedings of Tacoma-based Harbor Custom Development, according to the post.
Meanwhile in Rochester, a developer wants to construct two industrial mixed-use buildings, a parking lot, stormwater facilities and utility connections at 6348 196th Ave. SW, the county announced.
The proposed building area is 63,800 square feet total, according to the county information. The parcel is approximately 4.85 acres and is in the light industrial zoning district of the Grand Mound urban growth area.
Send your comments to Senior Planner Robert Smith at robert.smith@co.thurston.wa.us by 4 p.m. Aug. 22.
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 August 9, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
