See inside new downtown Olympia apartments with a French-inspired roof
It’s one of the most distinctive apartments buildings in downtown Olympia, largely because of its French-inspired, steep-pitched roof, also known as a mansard, according to those close to its development.
The apartment building is known as 401 Union and is one of several multifamily projects downtown that have been developed by Walker John through his company Urban Olympia.
The building opened in November and is already 40% occupied, said Teri Haglund, the designated broker for Urban Management, a division of Urban Olympia.
The four-story building is home to 70 units, which are a mix of studios, flex studios, one bedroom apartments, two bedroom apartments, and townhomes. The townhomes have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and occupy street-level space. They aren’t flush with Union Avenue but sit above it.
What’s a flex studio? It comes with a dividing wall that gives the studio the feel of having a second room, said M. Wade Stine of Olympia-based Thomas Architecture Studios. Stine was the project manager on 401 Union, he said.
Buildings with mansard roofs aren’t terribly common in the U.S., but they are in Paris, France, Stine said.
“It was originally done because there was a building code, a zoning code restriction in Paris, and they could only go up so many floors, but they could build within the roof and count that as an additional floor,” he said. “And so that’s what they started to do, building within the roof to get around the zoning code requirement.
“So part of the character of those upper floor units is that they have the tilted walls that are basically the mansard itself,” Stine said.
Other building features: community space, covered parking with some electrical vehicle chargers, air conditioning, large windows, washers and dryers and no carpeting. Across all the units, the sizes range from 486 square feet to 1,200 square feet. The range of starting rents is $1,400 to $2,200, Haglund said.
Although 486 square feet might sound small, during a tour of the building high ceilings and large windows give the studios a roomier feel than that number might indicate.
Health club proposed
A company called Aiken Investments LLC has proposed a 10,000-square-foot health club in south Thurston County, the county’s Community Planning & Economic Development department announced.
“The development would include on-site parking facilities, landscaping, and stormwater facilities,” a project description reads. “The proposal involves two parcels that are each 0.44 acres, totaling 0.88 acres. Both parcels are zoned arterial commercial in the Grand Mound Urban Growth Area.”
The project address is 19603 Vision Dr. SW and 19607 Vision Dr. SW.
The county is accepting public comment on this proposal until 4 p.m. Feb. 19. To comment, go to the county’s project comment website.
Romantic Roots fills vacancy on Pacific Avenue
A new business has filled the former home of Weddings with Joy on Pacific Avenue Southeast in Olympia, and its soft opening is Feb. 13, the business announced on Facebook.
It’s called Romantic Roots and can be found at 3003 Pacific Ave. SE.
“After more than 42 years as a bridal destination, this historic location in Olympia, WA, is reopening as Romantic Roots!,” the Facebook post reads, “a romantic bookstore, plant and flower shop, and community gathering space designed to celebrate love in all its forms.
“Romantic Roots blends romantasy novels, plants and fresh flowers, and thoughtfully curated experiences that bring people together. From book clubs and workshops to classes and special events, our goal is to create a place where stories are shared, creativity grows, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.”
Where did Weddings with Joy go? The business moved and expanded at 4412 Pacific Ave. SE in Lacey.
Olympia Tree Care acquired
Bartlett Tree Experts, a scientific tree and shrub care business that dates to 1907, has acquired Olympia Tree Care, the business announced. As a result, Bartlett now has an office here.
“When Certified Arborist and owner of Olympia Tree Care Ronnie Hoover decided to retire, he was impressed with Bartlett’s leadership in scientific tree and shrub care,” a news release reads. “With Bartlett’s acquisition, residential and commercial property owners in the Olympia-Kitsap County-Tumwater region will benefit from the scientific tree care solutions Bartlett provides, along with access to the research and diagnostic support of the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories.”
“The addition of Olympia Tree Care will further support the growth of our scientific tree care services in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer, in a statement.
People news
Martha Correa has been named acting executive director of TCMedia, the nonprofit media organization announced.
“Ms. Correa brings a wealth of experience in operations to her new role,” a news release reads. “Her background includes significant contributions as an integral team member at TCMedia, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the community and the organization.”
Correa was previously TCMedia’s production and operations director.
“The board has complete confidence in Ms. Correa’s ability to lead TCMedia into its next phase of development and growth,” the release reads.
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.
