Building next to Lew Rents has new owner and the Bark and Garden Center has been acquired
Lew Rents, the longtime equipment and tools rental business, has had a location in Olympia where Martin Way meets State Avenue since 1961.
Now, Jamie Eklund, a fifth-generation family member of the Lew Rents business, has recently acquired the building next door to it. The building looks a bit like a former filling station because at one time it was known as the Atlantic Richfield building, he said.
Atlantic Richfield is perhaps better known today as ARCO.
Jamie said his father, Dean, used to work there, then made several attempts over the years to buy it that were unsuccessful. Jamie Eklund said he finally came to an agreement with the owner and bought the property, he said.
Over the years, the corner property has been home to a car repair shop and a seller of used tires. What are his plans now?
His first goal was to clean it up, he said, adding that it had become kind of an unsightly mess.
Up next is to use the space for additional storage, parking and equipment. The space measures 1,280 square feet, he said.
Local acquisition
The Bark & Garden Center in west Olympia at 4004 Harrison Avenue NW has been acquired, the new owner Watson’s announced on its website.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce the acquisition of our third retail location in the beautiful city of Olympia!,” the website announcement reads.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we couldn’t be more excited to become part of the Olympia community.
“Our new location has a rich heritage, having previously been home to a beloved family-owned nursery that served the local community for over 40 years. We are deeply honored to carry on this legacy of service and commitment to the Olympia area.
“As we prepare to bring you the best possible shopping experience, our new location is currently closed for renovations. We’re working diligently to update the space, ensuring it reflects the Watson’s quality and atmosphere you’ve come to expect.”
Watson’s also has locations in Federal Way and Puyallup.
Lacey MakerSpace update
Lacey MakerSpace, the community work space based at Saint Martin’s University, was burglarized last month, losing several thousand dollars in tools, according to previous reports by The Olympian.
Since then, half of those tools have been recovered, but the organization still needs help, the Thurston Economic Development Council announced in its weekly digest newsletter.
“There remains a substantial amount of equipment to be replaced, including two welders, a plasma cutting torch, and over a dozen hand tools, adding up to more than $12,000,” the newsletter reads. “ Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that their insurance policy will not cover most of this loss.”
Lacey MakerSpace is welcoming donations to replace missing equipment or monetary gifts, and donations can also be made through their website at laceymakerspace.org/donate.
Would you like to help? Contact director Michelle Pope at michelle@laceymakerspace.org.
Change of leadership at Heritage Financial
Heritage Financial Corp., the parent company of Olympia-based Heritage Bank, named Bryan McDonald to succeed Jeffrey Deuel as President and CEO of the bank and President of Heritage Financial Corp.
That took effect on July 1, the company announced in a news release.
McDonald had held the titles of President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank since 2018.
Deuel, who has served as CEO of Heritage Bank since 2018 and as President and CEO of Heritage Financial Corp. since 2019, will remain CEO of Heritage Financial Corp. until May 6, 2025, at which time he will take on an advisory role assisting the CEO and the company’s board of directors, according to the release.
“Jeff and his team led the bank through a difficult economic period while maintaining a strong foundation,” said the company’s board Chairman Brian Vance in a statement. “After ten years at Heritage, Bryan and the leadership team are well positioned to continue serving our clients across the Pacific Northwest and to continue driving growth and shareholder value.”
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 October 4, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
