See inside these downtown Olympia condos. Plus, Lacey eatery to be ‘transformed’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Thirteen & Cherry is a 12-unit condo development near downtown Olympia.
- Ricardo’s Kitchen & Bar will close July 4 through late September for a full revamp.
The downtown Olympia area is well known for dozens of new apartments, but how about the condo end of the market? That’s the apartment-like housing that appeals to those who want to buy versus paying rent.
That market has now taken a step forward with the opening of Thirteen & Cherry, a 12-unit condo development at 13th Avenue Southeast and Cherry Street Southeast near downtown.
The location is just east of Jefferson Street and the Capitol Campus.
The project began about two years ago and recently received its certificate of occupancy from the city, said Justin Hjelm, a listing agent for the project with Capitol Realty Group and an investor in it as well.
Working with developer Ryan Clintworth and his business Twinpeaks, the project originally was conceived as another apartment development, said Hjelm, but he suggested a for-sale product “because there’s nothing like that,” he said.
One of the few condo developments in the area is Union Heights, which was built years ago at Union Avenue and Capitol Way South.
The condos are spread among three floors, either at 1,560 square feet or 1,420 square feet. They also have garages, electric vehicle chargers and each unit has two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, Hjelm said.
The list prices are around $649,000 for the larger units and around $599,000 for the smaller ones, he said
“We’re at $315 a month for our condo dues, which you know covers all of your exterior maintenance, snow removal, your common ground maintenance, hazard insurance, all the things that come with a condo,” Hjelm said. “Garbage is included with that, so there are some perks there.”
One of the larger units is already under contract, he said.
Will the area see more condo development? That’s a possibility after condo liability laws were changed during the 2025 legislative session. Previous rules left condo developers open to litigation and the market slowed as a result.
Ricardo’s Kitchen & Bar will temporarily close
The well-known Ricardo’s Kitchen & Bar at 676 Woodland Square Loop SE in Lacey will temporarily close so that the restaurant can be “transformed,” the owners announced on Facebook.
The steakhouse will close July 4 through late September, according to the post.
“This isn’t just a refresh – it’s a total revamp,” the post reads. “We are investing in the future of Ricardo’s and creating an elevated dining experience that we cannot wait to share with our amazing community. ... Before we close our doors for the summer, we hope you’ll join us throughout June! Whether it’s your favorite date night, family dinner, happy hour, or celebration, we’d love to make a few more memories with you before construction begins.”
They expect June to be busy and encourage reservations.
“And when fall arrives ... get ready,” the post said. “... We cannot wait to unveil the next chapter of Ricardo’s. Trust us – you’ll want to be among the first to experience it. Start planning those fall celebrations now because reservations will fill up quickly once we announce our reopening date!”
Area restaurants come and go
A business called Sushi Konami has opened in Lacey, according to its Facebook page.
The business opened June 1 at 2515 Marvin Road NE, Suite C in Lacey.
Elsewhere, the new Italian restaurant Bottega has opened at Huntamer Park, and in Olympia two downtown businesses on Fifth Avenue – Bucks Spices and Teas and the Wayside Cafe and Deli – will close next month, the owners announced.
“Rapidly increasing operating expenses have made it unsustainable for us to continue operating the storefront,” said Beau Buck in an email.
However, the business will continue online at buckspices.com.
“Gift certificates will continue to be honored online,” he said in his message. “We will, however, be offering fewer products online than we currently carry in the store, so for the widest selection, we encourage you to come visit us before July 31.”
Wayside Cafe is set to close July 18.
“We tried really hard to sell, and ultimately everything fell through,“ said co-owner Jamie Vulva in a social media video. “… We’re tired. As much as we recognize that what we’re doing is important to the community, it seems like it’s time for this to end.”
Vino Mar Bistro also recently opened on Olympia’s waterfront at 501 Columbia St. NW.
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.
