Olympia chiropractor abandons controversial project on State Avenue

An Olympia chiropractor has abandoned his proposal for a building that attracted fierce opposition from the Bigelow Historic Neighborhood.

John and Tiffany Tanasse wanted to build a new Tanasse Chiropractic office, along with three residential units for their family, on a vacant lot at 924 State Ave. NE.

Some neighborhood residents said the proposed three-story building’s size and modern, boxy design would clash with the neighborhood’s historic character. The project did receive some praise from residents who said it was the type of urban development that could help energize downtown Olympia.

In an Aug. 22 letter, the Tanasses announced they will no longer pursue the building. The project was approved by the city’s hearing examiner nearly a year ago following a review process that began in 2013.

“We have come to a point where the cost of the project makes simplifying very complex,” the letter states. “Unfortunately, with all of the delays, we entered the perfect storm of a hot commercial construction market that has moved our project beyond our comfort zone, which was a moderate stretch from the outset.”

In the letter, the couple also thanked the community members “who engaged in vigorous debate over this and city direction.”

John Tanasse told The Olympian that he still plans to relocate Tanasse Chiropractic to a larger facility sometime in the next six months. The business has been located in an old house at 1303 Fourth Ave. E. for 14 years.

“We really wanted to make this work,” he said, adding that the property will remain off the market for now.

This story was originally published August 26, 2015 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Olympia chiropractor abandons controversial project on State Avenue."