See inside new apartments that overlook Capitol Lake in Olympia
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- Westwater Village converts former hotel into 196 studio apartments near Capitol Lake.
- Gold Standard restaurant readies spring opening in Market Flats with comfort food menu.
- Gold Standard restaurant readies spring opening in Market Flats with comfort food menu.
Leasing is underway at Westwater Village, a former hotel that has been converted into 196 studio apartments, the re-developer Sage Investment Group announced this month.
The property, which overlooks Capitol Lake near Thurston County Superior Court, used to be the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake. Before that it was a longtime Red Lion property.
Westwater Village is at 2402 Lakeridge Way SW. Kirkland-based Sage acquired the property at the end of 2023 for $15.5 million, according to a news release.
“The project received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy on March 5, and leasing is now underway, with rents starting at $1,399 per month,” the release reads. “Full completion of the community is expected in Spring/Summer 2026.”
Amenities include a fitness and workout facility, resident lounge and game area, meeting rooms and co-working spaces, an indoor public bar and restaurant, a coffee stand, outdoor patio and grill areas, and on-site property management, according to the release.
For the indoor bar/restaurant, which is called the Westwater Kitchen and Lounge, Sage partnered with local restaurateurs Chris and Jen Murphy from Olympia.
“By repurposing the former Olympia Hotel, we are able to bring nearly 200 new housing units to Olympia while preserving and enhancing many of the features that made the property a local landmark,” Sage officials said in the release.
Downtown restaurant takes shape
A downtown restaurant called Gold Standard continues to take shape as its social media presence emerges.
The owners of Gold Standard previously ran Chicory on Columbia Street until it closed late last year.
“Opening this spring in Olympia’s Market Flats building, Gold Standard is serving up comfort food classics,” the new website reads. “From crispy fried chicken and buttery biscuits to farm-fresh veggies, cold drinks, and beignets, we’re the spot for good times and great food, guaranteed.
“Brought to you by the team behind Chicory restaurant, Gold Standard carries forward the same values of community pride, deep farmer partnerships and thoughtful sourcing.”
The Market Flats building is at 310 Capitol Way N.
Medical clinic advances
A MultiCare medical clinic continues to advance through the land-use process after it received a determination of non-significance under the state Environmental Policy Act, according to the Thurston County Community Planning & Economic Development department.
MultiCare is proposing to construct a 9,880-square-foot medical clinic with 54 parking stalls, and associated landscaping and site improvements on 1.2 acres at 6541 196th Ave. SW, Rochester.
Procession of the Species finds new home
The Procession of the Species, a parade-like event that snakes its way through downtown Olympia every April to celebrate Earth Day, has a new studio to prepare for its 31st year, the organization announced.
The art studio has filled the former Orca Books and Johansen Olympia Dance Center location on Fourth Avenue.
“We are so grateful to Ken and Josie of Olympia Dance Center for helping make the 2026 Procession Art Studio possible,” said Eli Sterling, Director of the Procession of the Species, in a statement. “Finding studio space can be challenging, but once again our incredible community has stepped up to help bring the Procession to life.”
Meanwhile, Olympia Dance Center is moving to its larger home in the Olympia Arts and Wellness Building at 1110 Jefferson St. SE.
Public hearing set for new development
A public hearing has been set for the Springwood Garden Plat, which aims to bring 37 residences to a 7.2-acre site at 1609 Springwood Ave. NE in Olympia.
The project includes street connections, a stormwater pond, and a tree protection tract, the city information reads.
The hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. April 13 at Olympia City Hall, 601 Fourth Ave. E., Room 207, or online.
Consumer Cellular opens store in west Olympia
Wireless provider Consumer Cellular has opened a store in west Olympia at 2615 Capital Mall Dr. SW, A-6B.
“In just a few years, Consumer Cellular has rapidly scaled its standalone retail presence while maintaining its focus on American customers over 50 and a 100% U.S.-based customer service model — a notable contrast in a category where other carriers are reducing physical locations and automating customer interactions,” company information reads.
In case you missed it
And if you didn’t see the news earlier this week, Kawaii Donut House has opened at the Red Lantern Asian Fusion restaurant downtown. A grand opening is set for March 25.
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.
