Bailey Motor Inn faces demolition after Olympia’s deal with developer

Bailey Motor Inn is slated to come down this year.

The Olympia City Council has unanimously approved an agreement that will pave the way for a new development at the troubled site at 3333 Martin Way E.

According to the agreement, private property owner Fortis Development must demolish all buildings on the site within 90 days.

Built in the late 1940s, Bailey Motor Inn and its abandoned buildings have become an eyesore, especially since the business closed in 2013. A fire also damaged part of the derelict site last June.

Mario Lee of Fortis Development assured the council Tuesday that he is ready to demolish what has become “a public nuisance.”

“We apologize that it’s gotten to this state,” Lee said. “We’re prepared to demolish the property and begin the next phase on the site.”

The agreement is a 10-year contract with the city that merely sets the ground rules for development. The property owner still needs to go through Olympia’s permit and approval processes after the demolition, according to Leonard Bauer, deputy director of Community Planning and Development.

The permit process will reveal more details about the proposed development, which is referred to as Martin Way Residential. The proposal is expected to include multi-family housing and some retail use, Bauer said.

Development will take place in two phases on the 6.71-acre site, which actually consists of two parcels. According to the agreement, the first phase of development includes construction of sidewalks, curbs and turn lanes along Martin Way. The agreement also requires protection of the property’s wetlands.

Several city council members voiced their support for clearing the property and making it safer.

“This has been a problem property in our community, and I’m really pleased that we found a way to move forward together,” said Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Jones.

This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 9:56 PM with the headline "Bailey Motor Inn faces demolition after Olympia’s deal with developer."