2 controversial Olympia area development projects advance, including second Chick-fil-A
Two Olympia projects that have attracted attention, both good and bad, continue to advance through the development process, according to state and city information.
The fast-food restaurant Chick-fil-A, which already operates a store in Lacey off Marvin Road, is now working to set up a site in west Olympia at the corner of Cooper Point Road and Capital Mall Drive.
The proposal prompted the existing business on the site, Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse, to move to another address on Cooper Point Road.
As part of its development efforts, Chick-fil-A is now seeking coverage under the state Department of Ecology’s construction stormwater and state waste discharge general permit, Ecology announced.
“This project involves 1.91 acres of soil disturbance for commercial construction activities,” the Ecology notice reads. “The receiving water will discharge directly into the Yauger Park wetland.”
The other development project that continues to advance is West Bay Yards, which aims to build 478 apartments, spread across five buildings, as well as retail space at 1210 West Bay Drive in Olympia, on the shores of Budd Inlet.
That project is set to come before the city’s Design Review Board at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27.
“The board will make a recommendation to the Community Planning and Economic Development Department Director regarding the adequacy of the project’s design,” the agenda reads.
The proposal is still under review by the city’s Site Plan Review Committee. A determination under the state Environmental Policy Act also has yet to be made, according to city information.
Massage therapist moves
Bethany Diaz, a longtime massage therapist who used to operate in the Lacey area, has moved Knead Me Massage Therapy to west Olympia, she told The Olympian this week.
You can now find her at 1202 Black Lake Blvd SW.
Diaz began her massage career in Oklahoma, relocated to Washington, returned to school to update her credentials, then resumed her massage business in 2021.
She said she works with a lot of veterans and is trained in injury treatment massage. She is available by appointment 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.
For more about Knead Me Massage, see her Facebook page.
Olympia Downtown Alliance hires new director
Desiree Freeland, who has been serving as the interim executive director of the Olympia Downtown Alliance, has been named to the position permanently, the organization announced.
She succeeds Todd Cutts, who is now executive director of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation.
“Her proven commitment and passion for community development make her the perfect fit to guide our organization into its next chapter,” said ODA board president Erik Johnson in a statement. “We’re confident that Desiree’s vision will bring fresh energy and innovative strategies to strengthen our downtown core.”
As executive director, Freeland will oversee the Alliance’s initiatives, including business support programs, events, and advocacy efforts that contribute to the vitality of downtown Olympia.
DRC expands services to address housing-related conflicts
The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County has expanded its resources to help residents of Thurston and south Mason counties address and resolve housing-related conflicts.
“Many of these services are now available at no cost, thanks to contracts with the cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, and Mason County,” a news release reads.
Landlords, tenants, HOAs, roommates and neighbors can use the DRC’s services to resolve disputes and improve communication related to:
▪ Overdue rent.
▪ Dues increases or imposition of special assessments.
▪ Payment or repayment plans.
▪ Deposits and move-out timelines.
▪ Lease agreements.
▪ Agreements for shared housing/cohabitating.
▪ Neighborhood issues.
To learn more about the housing-related resources, visit the DRC website.
Homes First announces award winners
Lacey-based Homes First, a nonprofit provider of affordable housing, has announced its 2025 Real Community Heroes awards.
“The awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing affordable housing and building stronger communities,” a news release reads.
The winners are:
▪ Gabe Ash, mental health professional with Catholic Community Services.
▪ Eric Zabala, business and community leader with State Farm.
▪ KayVin Hill, Office of Housing & Homeless, Thurston County.
▪ Karen McVea, Housing Authority of Thurston County, President’s Choice Award.
The honorees will be celebrated at The Heritage Room in Olympia at 5:30 p.m. May 2. For more information, see the Homes First website.
Lacey area developer seeks reasonable use exception
A Lacey area developer is seeking a reasonable use exception to remove Oregon white oak trees on the west side of the project site at 5515 and 5641 Kagy St. SE, according to Thurston County information.
Oregon white oak trees are a protected species under the Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance.
The project will subdivide 8.21 acres into 38 single-family residential lots and open space tracts.
Care to comment? Send your thoughts by 4 p.m. March 4 to Associate Planner Scott McCormick at scott.mccormick@co.thurston.wa.us.
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 February 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
