Olympia hotel project underway. Plus, work begins on Italian restaurant in Lacey
It’s confirmed: The downtown Governor Hotel on Capitol Way is getting a makeover to become a Hampton Inn by Hilton, according to the project contractor and city of Olympia information.
“Demo has already begun inside the building while exterior and interior renovation is scheduled to start next week,” Innspace construction director Keith McManus said in an email Wednesday. “Our current completion target is fall of this year.”
A tenant improvement permit is also in a ready-to-issue status, said Tim Smith, the city’s Community Planning & Economic Development Director.
“Renovation to include exterior finishes and paint, interior walls, and upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems,” the permit documents read.
This happens to be the second Hampton Inn in Olympia. There’s also a location at 4301 Martin Way E.
‘Bottega’ is moving forward again, owner says
Work has again started on Bottega, the Italian restaurant that former Ricardo’s owner Rick Nelsen now wants to open in Lacey in April, he said this week.
The space under construction is on the ground floor of an office building at 640 Woodland Square Loop SE, sometimes just referred to as the “640 building.”
The restaurant faces and looks across Huntamer Park. Nelsen planned to open the business this past summer, but that goal got pushed back.
One feature of the new space is to have garage-style doors that can be opened up on warm days.
Downtown winner, honorable mentions announced
And the winner is ....
The business Noctua Emporium at 420 Capitol Way S., according to the Olympia Downtown Alliance. The group announced in its newsletter that the business was named the Twinklefest 2025 Glow Getter.
What’s that? The award for best holiday window display.
“Their Chronicles of Narnia window display was absolute magic,” the newsletter reads. “From the frost-dusted details to the storytelling visible from every angle, they truly transported us through the wardrobe.”
The honorable mentions: Childhood’s End Gallery on Fourth Avenue, The Leaning Maple on Washington Street and Hot Toddy just a few doors down from Noctua Emporium.
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Area credit union named one of the best
O Bee Credit Union has been named one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions for 2026 by Newsweek for the second year in a row, the credit union announced.
“This recognition reflects what our members already know to be true: O Bee is powered by people who genuinely care.” said O Bee’s CEO Andrew Downin in a statement.
Newsweek evaluated more than 4,500 credit unions to select the top 500, according to a news release. O Bee stood out for its focus on member satisfaction, competitive rates, and active community involvement, the release reads.
O Bee was originally formed in 1955 to serve Olympia Brewery employees.
Nominations sought
The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County is seeking nominations for the 2026 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award.
The annual award, established by founding Executive Director Evan Ferber, recognizes those who have demonstrated leadership in strengthening civil discourse, and promoting peaceful dispute resolution and civility.
The nomination form can be found on the DRC’s website at www.MediateThurston.org.
The deadline for submitting nominations is March 1.
The Dispute Resolution Center serves residents of Thurston and south Mason counties through a range of resources to prevent and resolve conflict, including mediation, conflict coaching, training, group facilitation and youth services.
Did you know?
The nonprofit all-volunteer Thurston County Furniture Bank is open the first and third Saturdays of every month — as well as the following Wednesdays — from 9 a.m. to noon at 2121 Log Cabin Rd. SE, Olympia 98501.
The Furniture Bank building is at the back of the parking lot. Donations of gently used furniture are accepted. Those looking for furniture are welcomed on the first and third Saturdays only. For more information go to: olympiacrc.com/furniturebank.
More development proposed in Tumwater
The city of Tumwater, the site of a lot of development these days, has received a land-use application for construction of a 32,300-square-foot vehicle maintenance facility at 8303 Kimmie St. SW.
The applicant is the Washington Military Department. That address is also the location of the Thurston County Readiness Center.
To comment on this proposal, send them by 5 p.m. Jan. 16 to associate planner Sam Hunter at shunter@ci.tumwater.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.
