There’s a plan for long-vacant site in Thurston County on Pacific Avenue
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Developer met with Lacey officials about a Happy’s Car Wash pre-submission.
- St. Peter will keep its in‑patient pediatrics and 24/7 ED pediatric services.
- Wolf Haven got $220K state funds; Sound Learning received $150K from Harvest Foundation.
A proposal has emerged for a longtime vacancy in the 3800 block of Pacific Avenue Southeast in Lacey, city information shows.
Developer representatives recently met with Lacey officials to discuss a Happy’s Car Wash for the site.
They gathered for a pre-submission meeting, a meeting designed for developers to learn what local government will expect of their projects should they become more official.
Happy’s Car Wash is a California-based business that has locations there, in Oregon and in the Vancouver, Washington, area, according to the company website.
The site is between the Chehalis-Western Trail overpass and House of Donuts. It is across the street from South Sound Center. Pet Smart and Carl’s Jr. are other businesses in the area.
A building used to be on the site that was occupied by a series of businesses before it was finally demolished. Capital Development Co., the same group that operates South Sound Center, owns the land.
Providence St. Peter in-patient pediatrics will remain open
Providence St. Peter Hospital’s in-patient pediatric unit, which was previously under consideration to be closed, will remain open, Providence Swedish announced this month.
A collaborative approach, which included input from staff, families and community members, shaped the outcome of the decision, according to Providence officials.
“St. Peter’s ongoing commitment to pediatric care means the Hospital Emergency Department will continue to provide 24/7 pediatric emergency services, staffed by experienced Seattle Children’s pediatric hospitalists,” a news release reads.
“St. Peter is fortunate to have Seattle Children’s pediatric specialists helping us care for pediatric patients, ensuring children can receive high-quality care close to home.”
When specialized care is necessary, St. Peter will coordinate with partner hospitals to ensure seamless transfers for patients and families, according to the release.
“We appreciate the thorough and thoughtful review that led us to this decision as our health care landscape is changing rapidly.
“We hope that when choosing where your child will receive care, you will consider high-quality options close to home. Our commitment to our community remains strong,” said Providence Swedish South Puget Sound Chief Executive Darin Goss in a statement.
Wolf Haven nabs funding for Treehouse Learning Center
The Tenino-based wolf sanctuary known as Wolf Haven International has secured a $220,000 investment from the state through the Local Community Projects program, the nonprofit announced.
The funding will be used to create a year-round outdoor science education facility called the Treehouse Learning Center.
The project currently is in the permitting phase, with construction to follow, according to a news release.
“It’s being developed in partnership with Nelson Treehouse, a Washington-based company known for their work on the TV program Treehouse Masters,” the release reads.
Once complete, the center will sit 17-feet above the ground and overlook 36 acres of restored Mima Mound prairie. The structure will also allow Wolf Haven to provide education programs when its sanctuary is otherwise closed to visitors, allowing for consistent year-round scheduling and expanded opportunities, according to the release.
“Research consistently shows that outdoor learning improves academic outcomes and student engagement. Wolf Haven’s Treehouse Learning Center will bring that experience to students who might otherwise never have access to it, and inspire wonder while connecting them to STEM concepts in the natural world,” said Geoff Willard, Wolf Haven’s executive director, in a statement.
Sound Learning receives $150,000 grant
Sound Learning, a nonprofit adult education provider based in Shelton, has been awarded an $150,000, three-year grant from The Harvest Foundation to support its services in Mason and Thurston Counties
The investment will expand educational opportunities for adults seeking to earn their high school diploma, prepare for and complete their GED and improve their English language skills throughout the area.
“This funding will allow us to better serve adults in our community who are working hard to build brighter futures for themselves and their families,” said Ava Taylor, interim director of Sound Learning, in a statement.
About Sound Learning: High school diploma and GED preparation classes are delivered in a hybrid format, while English Language acquisition classes are available both in-person and online to ensure accessibility for community members with varying schedules and transportation needs.
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.
