What’s happening at the Oyster House? Plus, a vision for the Tumwater brewery

A local environmental group has appealed the city of Olympia’s environmental decision tied to West Bay Yards, a major mixed-use apartment development proposed for the shores of West Bay.

Developers of West Bay Yards aim to bring 478 apartments, plus commercial space, to waterfront acreage at 1210 West Bay Drive. Olympia Ecosystems announced its appeal in a February newsletter.

In January, the city issued what is called a determination of non-significance, meaning a more detailed environmental exploration of the proposal through an Environmental Impact Statement would not be required.

Olympia Ecosystems disagrees.

“Despite clear indications that these (development) impacts are significant, the city has issued a determination of non-significance, a legal designation under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), that requires no mitigation and no public input, save for a pro-forma solicitation of comments,” the newsletter reads. “This is a pattern of public policy that has been on display for decades in Olympia and ultimately shuts out the community from decision-making that affects all of us.”

“To be clear, Olympia Ecosystems is not saying an absolute no to any development along West Bay. Rather, we are saying that the impacts of the (West Bay Yards) proposal would be significant under SEPA, and that therefore both mitigation and public participation through an environmental impact statement are required,” the newsletter reads.

The city’s appeal deadline was Feb. 17. Principal planner Nicole Floyd confirmed Thursday the city has received the appeal and that it was filed on time. That appeal is now set to come before the Olympia hearings examiner, although a date for that hearing still needs to be determined, she said.

Could this legislation help the Tumwater brewery?

The state House of Representatives recently approved House Bill 1742, which is aimed at helping communities redevelop distressed urban properties, including the former Olympia beer brewery site in Tumwater, the House Republicans announced in a news release.

The more modern brewery, which is in the area of Custer Way and Capitol Boulevard, closed in June 2003. Little has transpired there since then.

The bill would establish the Center for Environmentally Sustainable Urban Design within the state Department of Ecology to support building and landscape design projects.

“The program would provide competitive design grants and competitions to encourage redevelopment of neglected or underused urban parcels,” the release reads. “The first design competition supported by the new center would focus on redeveloping the dilapidated Olympia Brewery property.”

“This legislation helps create a pathway to bring that area back to life in a way that honors its history while building something sustainable for the future,” said bill co-sponsor Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy.

Another sponsor is Olympia’s own state Rep. Beth Doglio.

The news release also included an imaginative rendering of the future brewery.

What’s happening at the Oyster House?

A reader has reached out to The Olympian, asking what’s going on at the Olympia Oyster House and why was the patio removed?

Well, the downtown seafood restaurant is undergoing some repairs, the business announced on Facebook.

“Yes, we are having some much-needed work done at Olympia Oyster House,” the post reads. “We are OPEN & appreciate your business and patience.

“We look forward to being ready for a FABULOUS summer!

“Olympia Oyster House was established in 1924 so she needs a little TLC to continue to serve this amazing community.”

A new proposal for West Central Park

Representatives of West Central Park, a park and commercial development in west Olympia, are set to meet next week with the city of Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee.

The Site Plan Review Committee provides feedback to developers on what local government will expect of their projects should they move forward.

Developers are proposing a 4,850-square-foot art studio and gallery with compatible business offices, the project narrative reads.

Also under consideration is a 3,300-square-foot flower shop with space for the flower shop and a board game developer, according to the narrative.

Some insight into Gold Standard

The downtown Olympia restaurant Chicory has closed, but the owners have said they intend to open a new restaurant called Gold Standard on Capitol Way North.

A publication called Edible Seattle has shed light on what Gold Standard will be.

“Gold Standard will be a counter-service restaurant, featuring comfort food staples like fried chicken, sandwiches, biscuits and beignets — alongside fresh vegetable dishes and a small pastry program — a direct response to the immense popularity of their pop-ups.

“Recognizing a gap in the local market, (co-owner Elise) Landry explains that downtown Olympia lacks a dedicated fried chicken spot, and she sees the dish as a versatile blank canvas, offering limitless opportunities for play.

“Crucially, the new model balances accessibility with their desire to retain Chicory’s fine dining creativity. While the daily service will be approachable, they’re considering hosting a monthly supper club to reintroduce the fine dining, multi-course food they honed at Chicory.”

Nisqually Tribe awarded $1.3 million in 2025

The Nisqually Indian Tribe awarded over $1.3 million in operational funding to more than 160 local agencies and organizations as part of its 2025 Charitable and Local Government Program, the tribe announced.

“Each year, a portion of gaming revenue generated by the Nisqually Red Wind Casino is directed to nonprofit organizations, scholarship initiatives and community-based programs. Funding is allocated through a competitive application process designed to support organizations that provide essential services and resources across the region,” a news release reads.

Among this year’s recipients: All Kids Win, a nonprofit that provides weekend meals to students and schools throughout Thurston County.

“Nisqually’s charitable program plays a vital role in helping us serve food-insecure students throughout Thurston County. We are deeply grateful for the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s continued support and proud to partner with them in providing weekend meals for local students,” said Matthew Klifman, Co-Board Chair Elect for All Kids Win, in a statement.

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.