What’s the Yard? Picture pickleball, a taproom, food trucks. Here’s what we know
MJR Development, a Kirkland-based real estate business that has redeveloped much of the area near Huntamer Park in Lacey, has a new proposal on tap for the same area, according to city information.
It’s called The Yard and it seeks to bring recreational and refreshments options to land that flanks Seventh Avenue Southeast near College Street Southeast.
“The Yard will combine recreational uses like pickleball, corn hole, horseshoes, croquet and other popular yard games with a small building that offers refreshments,” a narrative of the proposal reads. “This will be an amazing place for residents and visitors to both enjoy sports, games and the outdoors and dine in a casual environment.
“There are currently 200 apartments within a few blocks with another 180 starting construction soon and the Yard will be very compatible with this use. The Hub at Lacey also includes almost 500,000 square feet of office space and is home to over 30 companies of various sizes. These office tenants will also be able to enjoy the Yard at lunchtime and after work.”
Renderings and city information shows space for food trucks and mentions a taproom too.
Lacey received a site plan review application and a forest practices/land clearing permit on June 20 and Sept. 11. The application was deemed complete on Sept. 24, city information shows.
According to the city: “MJR Development proposes the construction of a taproom, pickleball courts and associated open-space, landscaping and pedestrian walkways on three vacant parcels, totaling 1.62 acres, located in the Woodland Square area near Seventh and College Street.”
The comment period for the proposal closed on Oct. 17. However, if you have questions, send them to Associate Planner Sarah Bartz at sarah.bartz@cityoflacey.org.
Johnny Coffee opens soon downtown
The visible corner at Legion Way and Capitol Way in downtown Olympia that was previously occupied by Starbucks and later Dancing Goats Coffee is getting a new tenant, the co-owner of the business said this week.
Johnny Coffee is expected to open the first week of November, said Sam Larsen, who runs the business with his wife, Aubrey.
They also operate Johnny Coffee in Silverdale, as well as Waffle Stop in the same area and Tacoma, but decided to expand to Olympia because they know and enjoy the area. Sam and his wife met when they attended Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, he said.
They also are looking forward to the new location, saying it has great foot traffic and lots of natural light.
“We’re excited for it to be active again,” said Larsen about the corner.
So what’s different about Johnny Coffee?
They use alderwood roasted coffee and specialize in the green tea known as matcha, serving organic matcha and matcha lattes, and they have a matcha loose-leaf tea program, Larsen said.
The coffee shop also has what he called a “pretty robust food program,” with house-made syrup, waffles and breakfast sandwiches.
The business expects to operate 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
And there’s more coffee options in the Lacey area, too
Some eagle-eyed readers were nice enough to alert The Olympian and send a photo as well of a new coffee business on Martin Way. While the sign still says “coming soon,” they had a soft opening this week.
It’s called The Tiki Bean. Check them out at 9323 Martin Way E., Suite 100.
New food truck at Three Magnets
Tacos Brother’s, a Mexican food truck, has recently opened at Three Magnets Brewing, 600 Franklin St. SE.
The truck arrived this week, employee Nilson Monzon said. They intend to operate 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, he said.
What’s the most popular item on the menu? Tacos, of course, including those made with “birria,” which is a kind of stew made with beef, goat or lamb in a red chile broth.
Tacos Brother’s also has a location at 9335 Martin Way E., Monzon said.
Donation results are in for Mud Bay
Independent pet retailer Mud Bay, which previously announced that it would match all pet food purchases on Sept. 27 by donating an equal amount in food and supplies, donated more than $460,000 in food and supplies to more than 20 animal welfare organizations across the Northwest, the business announced.
Sept. 27 was Neighborhood Pet Store Day.
Deliveries of the donations took place earlier this month, reaching shelters from Bellingham to Bend, Oregon, according to Mud Bay.
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.