Olympia has a new go-kart track. Downtown building and tavern are for sale.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Downtown building on Fourth Avenue with 4th Ave. Tavern is for sale for $1,825,000.
- High-performance karts at Capital Mall reach speeds up to 45 mph for ages 15 and up.
- SEPA decision was appealed over pedestrian impacts and a June 18 hearing is set.
A downtown building on Fourth Avenue that’s home to a well-known tavern and a dozen apartments is for sale, the commercial real estate broker for the property told The Olympian this week.
It can be yours for $1,825,000, said Debbie Draper of Coldwell Banker Commercial. The 10,800-square-foot property includes the 4th Ave. Tavern on the main floor and the apartments upstairs, which are always occupied, Draper said.
Those units, which are studio and one-bedroom apartments, range in rent from $650 to $1,400 per month, she said.
The building and business has been owned for more than 20 years by Scott and Debbie Staples, Draper added.
Why might one invest in such a property?
Draper thinks there’s demand for a live music venue after the closure of Rhythm & Rye on Capitol Way North, plus there are two front-door entrances to the tavern, although only one is used.
However, she thinks someone could conceivably use the two entrances for two separate businesses. One for the tavern, while the other could be used to access a separate operation.
The apartments have a completely separate entrance, she said.
Vroom, vroom! Go Kart biz opens at Capital Mall
Speed Zone Go Karts has opened in the JC Penney parking lot at Capital Mall, according to mall information.
“Get ready for high-speed fun at Speed Zone Go Karts, Olympia’s newest outdoor go-kart experience,” the mall information reads.
“Speed Zone offers exciting racing adventures for drivers of all ages. Younger racers can enjoy family-friendly single and double-seat karts, while thrill-seekers ages 15 and up can take on high-performance karts capable of speeds up to 45 mph.
“With a focus on safety, family fun, and adrenaline-pumping excitement, Speed Zone Go Karts is the perfect destination for birthdays, family outings, date nights, and unforgettable summer adventures.”
Chick-fil-A SEPA appealed
The state Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) decision tied to a proposed Chick-fil-A on Martin Way East has been appealed, the city of Olympia announced.
The restaurant has been pitched at 4504 Martin Way E. It would displace an existing Red Lobster in the area.
“The SEPA determination for the project was appealed stating that the SEPA review did not adequately address pedestrian impacts from the project,” city of Olympia officials say.
The appeal hearing is set for 9 a.m. June 18. It’s a closed-door hearing, meaning city officials will not be soliciting new testimony from the public, although the hearing can be watched online.
WorkSource Thurston County has new home
WorkSource Thurston County, a destination for those looking for work, can now be found in Lacey at 670 Woodland Square Loop SE, Suite 100.
“WorkSource Thurston County closed its Irving Street location in Tumwater in 2025 and provided interim in-person services at several locations,” a news release reads. “WorkSource Thurston staff and guests will celebrate (the new location) with a ribbon-cutting event in mid-June.”
WorkSource Thurston County is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
In case you missed it ...
A restaurant opened and another recently closed in the Olympia area.
Vino Mar Bistro opened this week on the city’s waterfront, 501 Columbia St. NW, while Delmonico’s Heritage Butcher Shop, a place for fine meats, sandwiches and wine, closed last month.
MultiCare, Regence reach agreement on insurance
MultiCare, which operates Capital Medical Center in west Olympia, has reached an agreement with insurance company Regence, the nonprofit health system announced this week.
The agreement renews Regence subscribers to remain in-network as patients at MultiCare facilities, according to a news release.
The previous contract expired on May 10.
“Regence is one of the largest commercial insurers, and we are pleased to continue our partnership and deliver the highest-quality care,” MultiCare officials said.
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.
